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Junior Chefs: Knife Skills & Kitchen Basics
About the Class
In this fun and hands-on class designed especially for kids, young aspiring chefs will learn the foundations of safe knife handling and kitchen cleanliness—two of the most important skills in any kitchen. Perfect for children ages 10-13 this class builds confidence, responsibility, and excitement around food and cooking.
Led by patient instructors, kids will be introduced to basic knife techniques using age-appropriate tools and safety gear. We’ll cover how to hold a knife properly, how to cut a variety of fruits and vegetables, and how to use cutting boards and hand placement to stay safe. Through guided practice, students will learn how to slice, dice, and chop with focus and care—all while having fun!
But it doesn’t stop there! Young chefs will also learn about kitchen sanitation, an essential skill for anyone preparing food. Kids will be taught the importance of handwashing, keeping cooking areas clean, preventing cross-contamination, and the safe handling and storage of ingredients. These lessons are taught in an encouraging and age-friendly way, helping students understand how cleanliness is just as important as flavor in the kitchen.
Throughout the class, students will work together in small groups, practice teamwork, and even prepare simple, tasty recipes to explore different flavor profiles. It’s a wonderful way to introduce kids to cooking as a creative, safe, and rewarding experience.
What Your Child Will Learn:
- Safe and proper knife handling
- Basic cutting techniques (chop, slice, dice)
- How to stay safe around sharp tools and hot surfaces
- Personal hygiene in the kitchen (handwashing, hair back, apron use)
- Keeping your workstation and tools clean
- Fun and easy recipes using freshly chopped ingredients
- Introduction to flavor: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami
Who This Class Is For:
This class is perfect for kids who are genuinely curious about cooking and ready to learn how to be safe, respectful, and creative in the kitchen. No prior experience is necessary—just a love for food and a willingness to learn!
Safety First:
We use kid-friendly knives and tools. All students will be supervised at all times. Aprons, gloves, and cutting boards are provided
*Your child must complete this class before taking the Cooking Series with Gerardo.
**Please register before October 5th
Location
About your Instructor
Gerardo Diaz
Gerardo Diaz is a passionate individual with a love for the great outdoors, culinary arts, and family connections. Born and raised in Mazatlan Sinaloa Gerardo’s affinity for nature was fostered from a young age. His earliest memories are filled with the sights and sounds of the ocean waves sparking a lifelong passion for exploration and adventure.
Beyond his love for fishing, Gerardo is also a skilled culinary enthusiast. He delights in the art of cooking, using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques to create mouthwatering dishes that tantalize the taste buds. From sizzling seafood caught on his own fishing excursions to hearty meals prepared with love for his family, Gerardo’s kitchen is always brimming with creativity and flavor.
Above all else, Gerardo treasures time spent with his family. Whether they’re gathered around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter or embarking on outdoor escapades together, the bond they share is unbreakable. He believes that family is the cornerstone of happiness and finds true joy in nurturing those relationships through shared experiences and cherished moments.
Schedule
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
This Session
October 7, 2025 @ 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Experience Level
BeginningAges
Kids, 10 – 13 years old
Registration for this class will close EOD October 5.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
