Throughout the process of searching and reading the research I found for my literature review I was excited and amazed at how much students can learn through cooking. My children’s skills in January before we started cooking weekly included, for example, not being able to count in sequence, pouring an adequate amount with out spilling, knew nothing about other cultures, and they couldn’t measure.
Now after cooking for many weeks their skills have greatly improved, they are able to count in sequence, measure, pour, they are knowledgeable about Germany and Mexico, and they love trying new foods that they have made, and they can make meals on their own. The best part is all the bonding we have had.
I have enjoyed this project every step of the way. I have learned that action project means to take action to provide a better learning environment, be active in the learning process, and learning together makes it more fun and allows for people to discuss topics. This action project has made me feel that I have a voice and I can help children learn in a fun, creative, hands-on manner that incorporates an academic foundation as well as, life-long skills. I have thought outside of the box. I have tried new things that I don’t think I would have tried if it weren’t for this project. Even though the project is coming to a close for this class, I do not believe I will stop this project. I have thought of more cooking experiences for the children and more concepts to teach them. I would love to continue this project throughout the summer so when they go to school in the fall hopefully they will have many skills that will help them succeed in school.
This project also has implications for the future. In the next school year I will look for more opportunities to develop an action project and work with children to provide the best learning environment for them.
Implications:
Cooking experiences are easy to tie in meaningfully to a variety of content areas and topics
Cooking experiences are highly engaging and interesting to students
Cooking and gardening experiences are loaded with science and mathematics concepts
Cooking with children allows for differentiation in that learning of varying ages and abilities can gain relevant knowledge and skills and participate meaningfully
Cooking experiences need not be costly, time-consuming or complicated
Journals with drawings and narrative are an effective way for children to document and reflect on their experiences
It is always interesting to me when a graduate student does their action project with their own children, because it tends to add to depth in the project. This is likely due to the already strong connection, knowing interests, abilities, body language, - familiarity and connection already allows for really jumping into an experience. This was a wonderful project to read about in your blog and has tremendous implications for teachers. Thanks for sharing your kitchen and your family!
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