Cooking Up A Social Storm
In the 9-12 classroom, we pick, chop, cook and eat – our garden-grown veggies, that is.
Datevig Youmshajekian, Director 9-12 Environment
There is a simple enjoyment in growing your own veggies, and we combine this with the lifelong skill of cooking to give the children a sense of achievement and independence. We also believe there is more to cooking than meets the eye, the students practise their reading and writing with recipes, and apply practical mathematics skills with fractions, measurements, and time management. Cooking is also a science in itself, basic chemistry principles like emulsions, dissolving and crystallisation can explain the changes in taste and texture that the students can see. Most importantly, there is a social aspect to cooking. As they gather around the table to prepare the food, they negotiate how to divide the tasks between them, share stories, and learn about different cultures and cuisines through food. Cooking naturally cultivates teamwork in children and develops critical thinking skills and an understanding of the land and our communities.
From our garden to our plates.
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