"Kids in the Kitchen – Level 2" is an advanced, hands-on culinary program designed for students who have successfully completed the Level 1 Kids in the Kitchen class. This course builds upon foundational kitchen skills and introduces more complex techniques, greater independence, and deeper nutrition education.
Advanced Kitchen Safety: Level 2 reinforces essential kitchen safety while expanding to include more advanced practices. Students apply prior knowledge to safely use additional tools and equipment, manage hot surfaces independently, and maintain proper sanitation with minimal reminders. Emphasis is placed on responsibility, awareness, and safe decision-making in a working kitchen environment.
Enhanced Cooking Skills: Students refine and expand upon basic cooking skills learned in Level 1. This includes more precise measuring, knife skills, stovetop use, timing multiple components of a recipe, and following multi-step recipes. Children begin to work with greater confidence and autonomy while learning intermediate cooking techniques.
Deeper Nutrition Understanding: Nutrition education in Level 2 goes beyond food groups and introduces concepts such as balanced meals, portion awareness, ingredient substitutions, and reading basic nutrition labels. Students explore how different ingredients impact health and energy, encouraging informed food choices.
Independent, Hands-on Learning: Level 2 emphasizes increased independence in the kitchen. Students take on more responsibility for preparing recipes, organizing their workspace, and cleaning up. Hands-on participation continues to be central, fostering problem-solving, creativity, and confidence.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Students work more collaboratively in pairs or small groups, practicing communication, task delegation, and time management. These teamwork skills mirror real-life kitchen environments and support social development.
Fun, Creativity, and Confidence: While skills are more advanced, the program remains fun and engaging. Students are encouraged to experiment, express creativity, and take pride in their growing culinary abilities, strengthening their positive relationship with food.
Life Skills Advancement: Beyond cooking, Level 2 strengthens life skills such as responsibility, planning, critical thinking, and adaptability. These skills help prepare students for more advanced cooking experiences and everyday life.
Laura Wolgast is the Director of Food & Conference Services at North Central Michigan College. After graduating culinary school from Great Lakes Culinary Institute, she completed her internship at a Country Club in the Grand Rapids area. After, she ended up moving back to Northern Michigan to further her career. Before starting here at the college in 2017, Laura worked in the CTE Culinary Classroom at Cheboygan High School.
“I have always had a passion for working with students, teaching different cooking techniques and introducing new foods,” said Laura. “I am really looking forward to Kids in the Kitchen, these useful skills will help the students for years to come.”
When not in the kitchen, Laura enjoys camping and spending time in the great outdoors.
