Meal preparation

In terms of meal preparation, Julie explains: "the kids stay out of the kitchen… they like to help, but I don't let them… They get me all confused when I have three of them there. It's not a good idea here." Similarly, cooking is viewed by Michelle as sole charge for her, with her children being sent out of the kitchen.

Of all the parents, Natalie appears to be the one who has the best understanding of how to use the resources she has to support her children's learning through everyday routines. She enjoys reading recipes in her cookbooks with her children and at least a few times a month they try to make something new. She explains, "I have cookbooks. We'll look through [the recipes.]. Well…I think I can make that. I'll try like the other day. Like the other day I made la stew…beef stew." She also recognizes the importance of literacy skills for being able to cook or carry out household tasks, "You gotta have those skills [of reading and writing] to cook or do anything. I mean if you wanna follow a recipe, you gotta have those."

Natalie mentioned that she often involves her two sons in meal preparation with her and uses this time as a true learning opportunity, "like I'll say, 'Okay, need a cup of that' and he'll put a cup in." In her videotaped interaction with her two boys, she displays patience and tolerance for little spills and there was much gesture, sharing and talking between the family members. She actively involves both of her boys at an appropriate level for their needs, making the activity literacy-embedded. She later states that her work with those with mental handicaps has given her the skills to know how to break even complex tasks down to a simple level that would be appropriate for her young children too.