Simple Baking

When: 

Starting February 21

Saturdays @ 10am - 11:30am

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Where: 

3467 Commercial Street, Vancouver​

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Ages 6-16 

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At Watermelon Sessions, our Simple Baking class is intentionally designed as a mixed‑age experience. We’ve learned that many nonspeaking and minimally speaking students build connection in unique, authentic ways—and those connections don’t always follow traditional age groupings. Some teens naturally step into a gentle “big sibling” role with younger bakers, while younger students often feel most at ease and inspired alongside older peers. These cross‑age relationships create a calm, collaborative atmosphere where everyone can participate at their own pace, communicate in the ways that work for them, and feel genuinely supported. Mixed‑age groups allow each student to shine in their strengths, learn from one another, and experience community in a way that feels organic and affirming.

Simple Baking is a warm, sensory‑friendly class designed by a Speech‑Language Pathologist and facilitated by a certified Speech‑Language Pathologist Assistant.

This group is created specifically for non‑speaking students who benefit from hands‑on, shared experiences that make communication feel natural and supported.

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Students explore simple, engaging baking projects that invite connection—choosing ingredients, taking turns, sharing tools, and celebrating what they’ve made together. Communication is welcomed in all forms, including AAC, gestures, visuals, and co‑regulated interactions with trusted adults.

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Our team creates a calm, predictable environment where every student can participate at their own pace and feel genuinely included. The focus is not on perfect recipes, but on building confidence, practicing expressive skills, and enjoying a shared activity with peers.

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What the Class Looks Like

Each session follows a predictable, gentle rhythm that helps students feel safe and ready to engage:

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• Arrival & Greetings: Students are welcomed with simple, supported greeting routines using AAC, sign language, visuals, or gestures. This sets the tone for connection and gives everyone a chance to practice expressive communication right from the start.

• Baking Activity:
  - One simple, child-friendly baking recipe
  - Clear visual supports and step-by-step guidance to support understanding, requesting, and
  participation

• Decoration Time:
  - Decorating the baked goods created during the session
  - Opportunities for choice-making, self-expression, and shared communication

• Sensory Play Experiences: Sensory activities integrated to support engagement and communication while waiting for baked items.

• Communication & Social Practice:
  - Turn-taking, requesting, commenting, and shared enjoyment
  - Peer interaction and communication supported by trained instructors

• Wrap‑Up & Goodbyes: We close with a short reflection using visuals or AAC, giving students a chance to comment, share a favorite part, or request what they’d like to try next time.​​

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The Magic of Sensory Tactile Play (Baking): Why It Matters

Sensory tactile play, such as baking, engages the senses—touch, sight, smell, taste, and sound.
Through sensory baking and play, children are supported in:

• Emotional regulation
• Engagement and attention
• Safe, positive exploration that supports communication

Skill Development Through Sensory Play:

Fine Motor Skills
Scooping, pouring, kneading, mixing, and decorating strengthen hand muscles and coordination needed for
daily life and functional communication tasks.

Cognitive Growth & Problem-Solving
Children explore cause and effect (What happens when ingredients mix or change?), building early
problem-solving and sequencing skills.

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Communication Development:

Sensory experiences create natural and motivating opportunities for communication, including:
• Making choices
• Requesting tools or ingredients
• Expressing likes, dislikes, and preferences
Communication is supported using visuals, AAC, gestures, modelling, and responsive
interaction throughout the session.

Early STEM Concepts:

Baking naturally introduces basic science and math concepts such as measuring, texture changes,
temperature, and sequencing, reinforcing communication through shared experiences.

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Individualized Communication Support:

Before joining the class, each participant will meet with our SLP to review their communication profile and identify specific goals. Every session is then shaped around these needs, ensuring that each student has meaningful opportunities to practice their own targets within a shared, enjoyable activity.

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Each participant is provided with individualized support to ensure all needs are addressed and communication goals are supported during the session.

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$420/4 weeks

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