Baking and cooking are calming and enjoyable activities and hobbies for many. This year students get a chance to bring this hobby to the classroom.
A new class leaves students with many new opportunities and chances. This course joined the scene this year because the baking unit was so popular in Hispanic foods. Everyone loved it so much and always wanted to do more. Two teachers Mrs. Donahue and Mrs. Rodgers share seven sections of the course which took a couple of years to develop.
Learning to cook and bake is an essential life skill and a stepping stone to independence in the future. “I think they’re interested and they want to learn and make it nice. Knowing how to cook and prepare food for yourself is definitely a life skill,’’ said Donahue.
”They also learn life skills not only cooking but learning to clean up after themselves. Learning to do their dishes and laundry with rags and things. Lots of life skills go into this course besides cooking.” Each “kitchen” has the responsibility of taking control of the baking from the beginning with the ingredients of the recipe to the end of putting the clean materials back in place. And, of course– taste-testing, the favorite part.
“I think most of them really enjoy it. I try to choose recipes that they like and that they want to make and want to eat. We also are cooking as much as possible and sitting as little as possible. I think making it hands-on is more fun for everyone,” said Mrs. Donahue.
“We cook a lot in global foods but we do a lot of things with culture at the same time. Were cooking but also have more other work too. In baking and pastries I try to have them cook almost every class,” said Donahue
Students are already talking about this enjoyable new class. Macy Schultz shares her personal experience of the class, “I really enjoy baking and pastries. My favorite part is getting to make a wide range of desserts.”
Lots of students love to make treats and add some spice to their days. “My favorite thing I have gotten to bake so far was pumpkin gobs. It got me in the fall spirit and more excited for the season,’’ shared Chase Demagone.
Everyone loves getting an opportunity to express themselves through their cooking. The future is definitely bright for this new class. It is easy to see that many students love bringing their hobbies to the classroom.
