Camp Fire Cooking

Children enjoyed a camp fire during the cold weather this week. Groups of children prepared either the newspaper, the kindling or the ignition fuel. Their understanding of safety and respect was further developed and children really responded positively, with some children showing previous knowledge about keeping safe. We then used the flint to ignite the fire, once it was underway children helped to prepare the cacao and milk to make hot chocolate. Some children recognised that the cacao powder was not dissolving and one child suggested we heat the milk up. Once the fire was alight and hot, the saucepan was put in position and camp fire songs were sung together. Some children suggested Christmas songs! Once the cacao had dissolved in the warm milk, children shared and enjoyed their hot drink. As the flames died down, a group sat closer to the fire bowls and stretched out their cold fingers to feel the warmth on their skin. 
Fires provide a rich source of language and the multi-sensory aspects of fire engage all children. Our group of Danish pedagogues were very impressed we build fires with our young children here in Bethnal Green.