When I was a primary school teaching assistant I ran an after school cookery club. As well as learning new skills and preparing dishes my aim was for the children to discover foods through their senses. Many of the children hadn't experienced fruit and vegetables other than potatoes, peas, carrots, bananas and apples. Nor had they experienced spices and herbs and their uses. The children didn't take what they made home, instead we all sat together eating and talking food. We always invited the Head to eat with us. We all got something out of the sessions. New tastes, new skills, new confidence and had lots of fun. Unfortunately we could only have eight children at each session so it was a shame that we had to disappoint children. It really frustrates me that learning about food and discovering the joy of cooking and tasting is so low down on the curriculum. In my last year as a TA it didn't exist. Our school cookery room became a storage area. So sad.
I love this! Alternative ways of education. This is an area I am exploring too! My journey is just beginning of understanding What is Education?
Have a look here.
https://dompaynetutoring.substack.com/
In which of your cookbooks can I find the Hiyashi Sweetcorn Udon? Looks like it needs to be in my tummy!
Thank you so much for the documentary recommendation, just watched it with my 16-year-old son and we both loved it!
Sounds like a delicious summer holiday!! X
When I was a primary school teaching assistant I ran an after school cookery club. As well as learning new skills and preparing dishes my aim was for the children to discover foods through their senses. Many of the children hadn't experienced fruit and vegetables other than potatoes, peas, carrots, bananas and apples. Nor had they experienced spices and herbs and their uses. The children didn't take what they made home, instead we all sat together eating and talking food. We always invited the Head to eat with us. We all got something out of the sessions. New tastes, new skills, new confidence and had lots of fun. Unfortunately we could only have eight children at each session so it was a shame that we had to disappoint children. It really frustrates me that learning about food and discovering the joy of cooking and tasting is so low down on the curriculum. In my last year as a TA it didn't exist. Our school cookery room became a storage area. So sad.
Gorgeous