Learning to measure with cups and spoons is a simple skill that most children will enjoy learning. Teaching your child to use the cups and spoons properly is easy, although it can be messy. After they master the basics, let them pick out a fun recipe from a cookbook, and help them prepare the recipe, as you watch them use their new skills.
Function
Measuring cups and spoons are used as cooking aids to measure dry and liquid ingredients. Explain that liquid and dry ingredients have different volumes, so different types of cups are needed. Show the child a clear measuring cup with a pouring spout opposite the handle, and explain that clear cups typically are used to measure liquids.
Next, show your children a set of stackable metal or plastic cups, and explain that these cups often are used for solid ingredients. Finally, show them a set of measuring spoons, and explain that in small amounts, liquids and dry ingredients can be measured using the same type of spoons.
If the children ask whether it is possible to measure liquids in the stackable cups, explain that it is possible but not easy. Demonstrate by pouring water into the one cup stackable cup. Show how difficult it is to transfer the entire amount of liquid from the cup to your mixing bowl without losing some water. In certain recipes, inaccuracy in ingredient amounts can cause a recipe to fail.
Sizes
You can purchase measuring cups and spoons in a range of sizes. Liquid measuring cups are often made in one-, two- and four-cup sizes. These cups usually are made of clear plastic or glass to make measuring easier. Explain to the child that the liquid measuring cups have a pouring spout to make spilling less likely. Cups to measure solid ingredients are often sold in sets. A common configuration is a set that includes the 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4 and 1 cup sizes. Measuring spoons measure liquids and solids 1 tbsp. or less. A typical set of measuring spoons has the 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 tablespoon size threaded onto a ring.
Identifying Numbers
The child will need to understand what the numbers on the sides of the cup or the top of the spoons represent. Explain to them that the numbers are fractions, or parts of a whole. Point to the 1/2 cup line on the one cup liquid measuring cup and visually show them that 1/2 is halfway between empty and one cup. Repeat with the measuring spoons.
Dry Practice
Practice measuring dry ingredients with the children until they are comfortable measuring on their own. Before making a recipe together, practice with a set of stackable measuring cups, individual measuring spoons and some different ingredients. Measure rice, sugar, beans, flour and oats. Show the child that these dry ingredients should be spooned into the cups and leveled off with a flat utensil. When using the spoons, the spoons can be scooped into the container and leveled with a utensil.
Liquid Practice
Liquid practice can be messy, so use water, and practice in an area that you can easily clean. Before teaching the child to measure with liquids, pour some water into a container, such as a clean milk jug so they will be able to practice pouring from one container into another. Ask them to carefully pour 1/2 cup of the water into a measuring cup. Explain they should not pick up the cup to see if they have poured the right amount, but rather lean over and look at the cup from the side.
Semi-Solid Practice
The child may ask about ingredients like yogurt, sour cream, peanut butter or ice cream. Explain that while these ingredients can be measured in a liquid measuring cup, it is easier to measure them in a stackable measuring cup.
