The children begin the morning by carefully measuring flour with cups and scales, quietly laying foundations for future mathematical understanding through practical, hands-on experience. The dough is then set in a sunny patch by the window to rise, or tucked into a warm oven on a rainy day. Once it is ready, the children put on their aprons and gather around the table to sift, stir, and knead, singing our favourite bread day songs with great enthusiasm. The familiar rhythm and repetition of the process offer a deeply grounding and nourishing experience.

Children are naturally drawn to creating and shaping: building sandcastles, squishing mud, modelling clay, or forming soft dough into their own unique creations. Bread baking beautifully supports this developmental need while also inviting children to imitate meaningful adult work and contribute to their environment.

From patiently watching the dough rise during morning play to kneading, shaping, smelling, and finally tasting the warm bread, the entire process offers a rich sensory experience that engages the whole child. The work strengthens little hands and developing fine motor skills, awakens the senses of touch, smell, taste, and balance, and nurtures each child’s growing sense of confidence, belonging, warmth, and connection within the gentle rhythm of the Kindergarten day.

Lucy Westphal
Hazel Tree Kindergarten Teacher