Cooking with Goldilocks

Lesson Overview

Unit: Goldilocks' Learning Adventure
Lesson: 4 of 6
Duration: 30 minutes
Class size: 36 Reception students (age 4-5)
Theme: Cooking porridge while connecting to the Goldilocks story
Curriculum Links:

• National Curriculum for England: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Focus Areas: Understanding the World, Expressive Arts and Design, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, Mathematics

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, children will be able to:

• Follow simple instructions to prepare a basic recipe (EYFS: Exploring and Using Media and Materials; Understanding the World - People, Culture and Communities).
• Use everyday language related to size, quantity, and measurement (EYFS: Mathematics - Number and Shape, Space and Measures).
• Demonstrate concentration and cooperation when working in small groups (EYFS: Personal, Social and Emotional Development - Managing Self and Building Relationships).
• Recall key parts of the Goldilocks story, linking the cooking activity to the narrative (EYFS: Communication and Language - Listening, Attention and Understanding).

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Curriculum Links Detailed

EYFS: Understanding the World

• People, Culture and Communities: Children know about their own cultures and communities and show interest in different occupations and ways of life.

EYFS: Mathematics

• Number: Use everyday language to talk about size, weight and capacity.
• Shape, Space and Measures: Begin to use some mathematical names for 2D and 3D shapes, and describe shapes.

EYFS: Communication and Language

• Listening, Attention and Understanding: Children listen to stories and respond with relevant comments, questions or actions.

EYFS: Expressive Arts and Design

• Exploring and Using Media and Materials: Use all their senses in hands-on exploration of natural materials.

EYFS: Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Managing Self: Show understanding of rules, and cooperate with others to complete a task.

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Resources Needed

• Large mixing bowls (6, for groups of 6)
• Measuring cups and spoons (6 sets)
• Porridge oats (approx. 500g total)
• Milk or water (approx. 3 litres)
• Bowls and spoons for tasting
• Visual recipe cards with pictures and words
• Picture book or visual props of Goldilocks and the Three Bears
• Aprons and wipes for hygiene
• Timer or clock

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Recap (5 minutes)

• Gather children on the carpet. Show the Goldilocks and the Three Bears book or pictures.
• Quickly recap the story focusing on the porridge scene: Goldilocks tries porridge that is “too hot,” “too cold,” and finally “just right.”
• Explain that today we will make porridge and learn about measuring ingredients, like Goldilocks’ porridge adventure.

Teaching Focus: Use vocabulary like hot, cold, warm, too much, too little, big, small.

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2. Group Organisation & Safety (2 minutes)

• Divide class into 6 groups (6 children per group) and assign each group an adult helper or allocate one group leader.
• Explain hygiene rules: wash hands, wear aprons, no tasting until teacher says.
• Show where equipment and ingredients are placed.

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3. Hands-On Cooking Activity (18 minutes)

• Each group follows the simple visual recipe below with adult support:

Simple Porridge Recipe:

• Step 1: Measure 3 scoops of oats and pour into the mixing bowl
• Step 2: Measure 1 cup (approx. 150ml) of milk or water and pour it in
• Step 3: Stir slowly with a spoon while an adult talks about the texture
• Step 4: Teacher/adult heats the porridge in a safe, controlled way (either prior or with suitable equipment)
• Step 5: When cooled, children taste porridge and describe if it’s too hot, too cold, or just right

Teaching Focus:

• Adults encourage children to describe quantities using comparative language
• Talk about why measurement is important to make the porridge taste “just right” like in the story
• Encourage turn-taking and sharing tools

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4. Reflection & Story Connection (5 minutes)

• Bring children back to the carpet with their small bowl of porridge.
• Ask: "What did you like about making the porridge?" and "How is our porridge like Goldilocks’ porridge?"
• Emphasise measurement and following instructions helped make porridge “just right”.
• Reinforce vocabulary: too hot, too cold, just right; measure; scoop; stir.
• Sing a simple song or rhyme about porridge or cooking (optional) to end on a fun note.

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Assessment & Next Steps

Formative Assessment:

• Observe children’s ability to follow steps and cooperate in groups (PSE).
• Listen for use of new vocabulary and mathematical language during the activity (Communication and Mathematics).
• Note children’s attention and understanding as they connect the activity back to the story (Communication).

Next Lessons:

• Lesson 5 will explore serving and sharing food around the table, building on social skills.
• Encourage parents to talk about cooking at home to reinforce measurement vocabulary and sequencing skills.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide visual recipe cards with pictures and offer extra adult support for children needing help with measuring.
• Challenge: Encourage children who are confident to describe textures and tastes accurately and suggest modifications to the recipe.

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Risk Assessment & Safety

• Ensure all ingredients are checked for allergies before the lesson.
• Adults oversee the heating process carefully; children do not handle hot items.
• Make sure hand washing facilities are available before and after the activity.

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This lesson plan is designed to maximise engagement, provide meaningful learning linked to the EYFS curriculum, and develop early maths and personal skills through a fun, familiar story context.