Focus on the Frosting

• While nothing compares to cake batter made from scratch, the best part of cupcake making for children is decorating with frosting. So, keep it simple. Select and easy to follow boxed cake mix to start. Then, while the cupcakes are cooling, let the fun begin.
  
  Now is the time to work from scratch. By choosing a powdered-sugar frosting, children can enjoy mixing colors to create a rainbow of cupcakes. Allow them to choose their favorite food coloring (gel food coloring in a tube makes less mess). They should mix the frosting and food coloring in small bowls. Each child can choose the shade of their frosting by using more or less food coloring.
  
  

Get Creative

• Now is the time to let those creative juices flow. Set out an assortment of fruits, candy and sprinkles to accessorize the cupcakes. To make faces with the cupcakes use raisins or M&Ms for eyes, thin strings of licorice for smiles, and candy corn or maraschino cherries for noses.
  
  A favorite idea is the caterpillar. By making a wavy line with the cupcakes you can easily create the look of a caterpillar. Use light green frosting then stripe the caterpillar with black licorice. Licorice can also be used as antennae. Raisins are great to line along both sides to make the many feet. A longer pan will be necessary for your caterpillar, but the children certainly won't mind.
  
  

Teach Cooperation

• Another idea that can be used to teach children how to cooperate is to create a rainbow with the cupcakes. You'll need two-and-a-half dozen cupcakes. If you are staying true to the color spectrum have the children frost three cupcakes each in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Frost six cupcakes in white to form a small cloud at the end of each arch. Take advantage of colorful cupcake liners to coordinate liners and frosting colors accordingly. The children will have fun working together to create the perfect rainbow arch.