I have a wonderfully diverse population of students, many of them have adult-sized problems and super hectic lives that are hard to comprehend. I want to give these kids an opportunity to take time for their own purpose and stop worrying about their next class, does he or she like me, and all of the other environmental noise that they are faced with on a day-to-day basis. Kids need to learn how to cook simple and healthy meals.
My students need to be given basic tools and techniques to recognize that with a foundation of good nutrition and kitchen skills, they can lead more healthy and productive lives.
I believe that knowing what to eat and how to cook it are an essential part of a balanced and healthy life. The facts are out there, with so many people who rely on "fast" food to feed their families it is no wonder we have become an unhealthy nation. If kids are given basic knowledge of cooking methods and kitchen safety, I believe it will change their lives and the next generation for the better.
My Project
We currently have a variety of old cutting boards that are ready to retire. Some are too small for the students to prepare their ingredients sufficiently, making it awkward and dangerous when cutting with sharp knives. While other boards we have are just plain worn out!
Having new cutting boards that do not require the students to use damp dish cloths under them for stability will be a huge help all around.
This will allow me to spend more time preparing healthy lessons and less time doing laundry while giving the students valuable time in the kitchen doing what they want - cooking and eating!
Allowing the students to use new, clean, and safe cutting boards will give them the confidence to cook healthy foods in a fun, learning environment. Most importantly, having new cutting boards will give the students stable platforms to utilize their knife skills in the cooking lab and help them build confidence to take their kitchen knowledge beyond the classroom.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Huchel and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
