Ottakee Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Tonight I had 3 of my 4 in the kitchen with paring knives peeling and cutting up apples for apple crisp. It was pretty clear that they dont' have a clue on how to properly hold/use a knife. I don't ever remember being taught, I just do it. I am a lefty so while that doesn't seem like it would make a difference in teaching them it does seem to. Are there any good books, videos, websites, etc. for teaching knife skills to kids? I know they are a bit older but we need beginner 101 lessons. I want them to be safe with knives as well as someone efficient. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 There is a knife skills workshop in my area. Maybe you have something like that local. If it was cost prohibitive for everyone to go, maybe you could go and then use the lessons to teach your kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
38carrots Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 More apples to peel? I don't think it is something you teach beyond showing once and just letting them persevere and maybe cut themselves a couple of times. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 A peeler might be easier for them to use. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bibiche Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 These videos are in French, but are self-explanatory: http://cours.com/fr/cuisine/techniques-de-base/couteau-de-cuisine/manier-un-couteau-de-cuisine/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 There's a great Good Eats episode on kids and knife skills. But yes, peelers! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeLovePassion Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 We have these to start http://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002Q5YH9C/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1447896527&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=kid+knives&dpPl=1&dpID=41iuHDwg7PL&ref=plSrch It just takes practice they were practicing with paring knives and a cutting board today (moving up!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 I use a peeler myself (and I went to culinary school and learned how to use all sorts of knives). I still prefer a peeler. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Lots and lots of practice. Start with things that don't roll. (cut cucumbers in half lengthwise and let them dice them, etc.) I would also watch some YouTube videos on how to correctly hold the knife. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 For chopping and cutting a chef knife is usually a lot better and quicker. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfunnybunch Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 You can try what I did, and cut off your thumbtip. Just a teensy bit. It encourages the kids to be extra careful with the knife. :P Seriously, I started by doing side-by-side cutting. I'd cut half while they cut half. Or we'd take turns. I'd demo, kid would try, I'd do a bit more demo for correction/additional instruction. And I tell them to cut slow and smart, and to not get in a hurry like Mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Jacques Pepin has some free videos on YouTube. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 You can try what I did, and cut off your thumbtip. Just a teensy bit. It encourages the kids to be extra careful with the knife. :p I did that once. That was painful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meena Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Free video class on Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/class/complete-knife-skills/560?SSAID=314743&sasClickId=b1jz_g2kjq This site is for younger kids but it's got some good tips and pictures for beginners: http://www.eatyourbeets.com/kitchen-tips/7-tips-for-teaching-your-kids-how-to-use-a-knife/ I find it harder to use a paring knife. I'm much better with my chef's knife, especially if I keep it properly sharpened. No one ever taught me how to use a knife, so I learned from watching lots of Food Network shows (Rachael Ray and Emeril mostly) when I was newly married. I also practiced a lot. Now that I'm teaching my kids, I started their practice on easier to cut foods--deli meats, cheese, softer fruits and veggies (peeled/cored pineapple, kiwi, zucchini, and so on), and herbs. Once I know they can keep their fingers out of the way, they move on to food that require more force such as carrots, celery, apples, etc. I don't let them cut raw peeled potatoes because the starch makes them slippery and easier to have an accident. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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