SO SO SOOOOOOOOOOOO TRUE. The WHYS are so very important and the knowledge stays with you and can teach her how to tackle other problems.
Originally Posted by e4
As important as what you teach be sure to explain WHY it is that way. For example, explain why you would use cotton and not polyester fabric for an apron you are going to cook with, why the stitch length needs to not be too long or too short, etc. Later for the foods portion be sure you explain (or have her look up on the internet) the purpose of each ingredient and why it is important to measure properly (same is true for the sewing part), not make substitutions willy nilly, etc.