How to Do Children's Cookie Classes?

Er, if you say classes two times a week, does this mean

a) a total of two classes, both in one week?

b) two classes per week for a longer period of time?

It'd would make a considerable difference

But I suppose it is a total of 2 classes, each an hour long for now. My first advise would be *Run, Forrest, run!* and try to get out of this if still possible. If you have no experience it might be hard to start with children. Especially if the time is also so short. One hour seems nowhere near enough time... and if all this was not enough, you also have a theme to go along.

OK, some suggestions.

The kids are old enough not to make a complete mess about this, that's good. They should be able to handle 3-6 cookies each (depending on cookie size and complexity).

I' d give them 3 plain cookies they can ice during the class. But as the icing will not be dry enough to do much detailing, how about preparing an additional 3 cookies each which you already basecoat in advance. You can then teach them coating as well as piping details with stiff consistency.

I have no idea what to charge for it, but around where I live those kind of classes for kids start at appr. 100 USD. But limited to 8 children max.

Good luck

I wouldn't bother with having them ice a cookie, I think they are too young.  I would give them a frosted cookie and edible markers.  That's what I have done for kids parties.  Use cheap markers like Wilton.

Excellent idea, should have been mine

I don't know about the US and Canada, but if you want real cheap markers, go looking for normal ones for kids. Here in Germany the non-toxic kind (for children so small that they will surely suck on markers) are filled with food colors anyway. 20 markers are around 3-5 USD, Wilton cannot beat that...

That's an amazing price.  I have leftover Wilton markers from when I first did decorating and didn't know about americolor. Also, if you go to michaels or joanns with 50% off coupons the pens can get cheap.

Hello Laegwen

The classes will be Monday and Wednesday for 3 weeks six classes in total.

I like your idea to give them cookies already base coated and maybe for

decoration edible markers, sprinkles with small amount of royal icing.

Thank you very much I really appreciate your comment and suggestion.

Yes, I love this idea

Thank you very much Econlady

They can play with clay. Then they can decorate with fondant.  You can prepare the the colors used for the cookies. 

Are they requiring you to submit a detailed class plan, listing techniques for each class, ingredients, tools, etc. and what they would like for you to teach? 

Seems to me they would draw up a contract...

I'm sorry, I apologize.  I keep looking at this post and until today haven't commented.  Today, it got the better of me.  Be careful and always cover yourself.  I just have an inclination regarding parental permission, having them sign agreements, etc.  Just please, if you proceed, be careful and make sure you are covered.

I do have many questions / suggestions regarding itinerary / class instruction...  To me you should start out with basics, then build from there.

Have handouts printed and put at the table.  Then you have introductions...  This takes time, eats into your first class and hour.  

(They are two classes a week, one hour each class.)  The kids have to pile into the classroom, get situated...  Not much can be done in this time frame.

 I have more but I'll wait for your comments and for more comments from others.

Goodness, I was just reminded; maybe that's why I refrained from popping in to this post.    Harry Potter - first class?!  Who selected Potter?  Goodness.  To me that is a tall order.  

I will add this comment:  make sure whatever you do for the cost of the class/es that you deliver a good class.  Parents/consumers can be buggy/lash out, etc.

 I am getting bent out of shape...  I apologize.  I don't know what country you reside.  Here in Pennsylvania there are guidelines.  Teachers/Principals can not do as they please.

I have thought about your situation and I definitely agree with run away, don't do it.  People who don't decorate cookies/cakes/cupcakes don't understand the amount of skill and practice it takes.  just learning to pipe correctly needs a hands on approach.if you can get out keep it simple with pens and cute sprinkles.  They could spread the icing with a knife. You might even be able to do edible paper.  good luck!!!