This month students are going to have the opportunity to embark on a culinary adventure. They will be guided through the traditional cuisines of four countries: India,Thailand,Greece and the United States. Throughout their exploration of each country and its cuisine, students will create menus, study recipes, “publish” a cookbook and plan and organize a weekly feast. A major focus of the Blue Room this month is writing. Writing opportunities will be worked into every lesson taught this month in the form of practicing the writing of letters, words and even sentences!
Week 1: French Cuisine
Week 1 will begin by reading the book, “Eating the Alphabet” by Lois Ehlert. This book will help to set the tone for the month as students will literally be “eating the alphabet.” Each day will focus on one aspect of planning for the end of the week French Feast!
Week 1 Sub Theme Objectives:
- Apply the book, “Eating the Alphabet,” to learning about French food.
- Create a menu consisting of dishes from France including an appetizer or soup, a vegetable dish, a main dish and a dessert.
- Have written a grocery list of all items needed to cook dishes for Friday’s feast and have volunteered to bring at least two items (items needed by Thursday).
- Begin creating personalized international cookbooks with recipes used in class.
Week 2: Mexican Cuisine
Week 2 in the Blue Room will follow the same format as Week 1, however the focus will be on Mexican cuisine. From planning menus to selecting recipes there will be many reading and writing opportunities as we plan our Mexican feast!
Week 2 Sub Theme Objectives:
- Apply the book, “Eating the Alphabet,” to learning about Mexican food.
- Create a menu consisting of dishes from Mexico including an appetizer or soup, a vegetable dish, a main dish and a dessert.
- Have written a grocery list of all items needed to cook dishes for Friday’s feast and have volunteered to bring at least two items (items needed by Thursday).
- Add week 2 recipes to personalized international cookbooks started in week 1.
Week 3: Chinese Cuisine
Week 3 in the Blue Room will follow the same format as Week 1, however the focus will be on Chinese cuisine. Once again reading and writing skills will be taught through food and culture making it exciting and interactive.
Week 3 Sub Theme Objectives:
- Apply the book, “Eating the Alphabet,” to learning about Chinese food.
- Create a menu consisting of dishes from China including an appetizer or soup, a vegetable dish, a main dish and a dessert.
- Have written a grocery list of all items needed to cook dishes for Friday’s feast and have volunteered to bring at least two items (items needed by Thursday).
- Add week 3 recipes to personalized international cookbooks started in week 1.
Week 4: Thanksgiving Week
This week we arrive back at home to explore our own culture through our beloved Thanksgiving Holiday. Although a short week, we wouldn't miss the opportunity to have one more feast!
Learning Goals
The following learning goals will also be addressed in lessons throughout the month. These learning goals are designed to introduce students to Kindergarten and First-Grade-Level concepts in developmentally and age appropriate ways. Practice some or all of these concepts at home throughout the month to further your child’s comprehension of the concept!
Reading (level k):
1.15 Read simple one-syllable and high-frequency words (i.e., sight words).
Listening & Speaking (level k):
1.1 Understand and follow one- and two-step oral directions.
Writing (level k):
1.2 Write consonant-vowel-consonant words (i.e. cup, jug, jar, etc.)
Letters: Recognition, Sounds and Writing
The learning of letters is worked into each and every lesson that students participate in in the Blue Room. Teachers plan “Alphabet Opportunities” so that students have ample time to practice letter recognition, phonics and letter writing throughout the month.