CORE 13 LEARNING is a set of 13 focus guidelines developed by Think N Cap®.  The 13 Focus Guidelines (listed below) are the framework used through out the development of all of the Benny's Kitchen® shows.  It helps our writers, musicians, and puppeteers create a show that will contain a well rounded curiculum for the children.  No show makes it to the final cut before it is checked, and double checked, to be sure that it addresses all 13 of these focus guidelines.

Children are always learning.  It is our intention to ensure that while we have their attention for the duration of the show, that we utilize that time to its fullest to provide the children with the greatest possible learning experience that we can.
Independence For a child to fully develop, they have to have the ability to stand on their own two feet.  Much of the Core 13 Learning creates a Topic of Importance for the day, and develops a show around building on the child's ability to perform that task on their own successfully.
Faith & Appreciation With the development of Independence, there needs to be an equal development of the understanding that one does not do it on their own.  Showing faith to ones creator, as well as appreciation for the help one receives, is a cornerstone to the Core 13 Learning principals. Also, through teaching Faith, we can teach children the importance of patience.
Socialization A child needs to understand the importance of healthy and fun interaction with friends and family.  Laughing and playing go hand in hand with learning.  Family and friends, for a child, is often the largest avenue for a child to receive information as they learn.
ABC, 123, Colors, and Shapes The core principals for learning.  Arithmetic, spelling, grammar, writing; as well as understanding the basic primary & secondary colors, and generally accepted basic shapes (circle, square, triangle, etc).
Passion & Pain Children are a bundle of emotions.  Through out the shows, we involve scenarios that open demonstrate the necessity for sharing their feelings, both good and bad, in a healthy way.  By understanding the ways to express themselves better, children will create  a higher level of self esteem.  Within this topic, we also discuss the need to respect others feelings.
Imagination & Creation A child's mind is an open book.  As they learn, they weave that information into countless other scenarios.  They are able to create new ideas, games, pictures, art, and even new friends, all from the depths of their mind.  We develop a curiculum that encourages children to think creatively, use their imagination, and put those thoughts into creative action.
Music & the Arts As a child utilizes their imagination and bundles it with their passion and pain, music and the arts gives the child an avenue for expressing those thoughts. Drawing, singing, and cooking are a core part of the show.
Work Ethic Responsibility and leadership, two things that one many times does not associate with a child.  These are often areas that we put more focus on into adults.  However, taking the time to demonstrate to a child the willingness to take responsibility for their actions, to be strong and take charge in situations where they are needed, and to be willing to work for what they want or need, are essential to a child becoming a responsible adult.
Sharing and Helping As a child develops more self esteem, more leadership, and a better understanding of faith and appreciation, they begin to understand the need to share and help others.  What goes around comes around.  A child that is willing to give freely, will have a mind and soul that will be much more open to receiving other blessings as they present themselves..
Cultural & Environmental Understanding To understand another is to understand oneself.  Through out the curriculum, focus is put on introducing the children to various cultures, habits, and foods.  Benny also integrates into the shows many conversations and demonstrations on how to be a better steward to the environment.
Nutrition & Exercise Eating right, staying healthy, are key developmental areas for children.  The foods and habits that we introduce them to today will be the ones that follow them into their adult years.
Safety and Sanitation Children are very inquisitive, and often like to explore in areas and with items (Especially in the kitchen) that can be dangerous.  Benny discusses and reviews with children how to behave in the kitchen to keep safe.  He also goes over the proper ways to safely handle food, cooking and prepping surfaces, and how to properly wash their hands.
Motor Skills & Measurements It is not only important for a child to know how to utilize tools in the kitchen, but how to handle them safely.  Benny teaches the children about basic measuring utensils in the kitchen, as well as how to handle age appropriate kitchen tools ( butter knifes, spreaders, forks, carrot peelers, etc).
  Benny's Kitchen® and Think N Cap® are registered trademarks of Think N Cap LLC.  Core 13 Learning© is copyrighted by Think N Cap LLC.