Get Our Special Needs Class Cooking! No More Burned Toast!
My students need visual curriculum for their journey into cooking: "Basic Nutrition/Food Prep", "Look n Cook"; Activities, "J-I-N-G-O"; Food Card Sets, and "In the Kitchen."
Move over Julia Child....Rachael Ray...Emeril and Paula Deen.....My special students are ready to "get cooking"!!
I teach 11 amazing, trainable mentally handicapped students ranging in age from 14-21 in a public high school setting.
I stress functional skills and independence! We work together in the community weekly bagging groceries and busing tables. We love reading at the library and attending recreation classes. We work hard together and have fun together. We "fight" over our favorite South Carolina football teams and love Special Olympic events. We love life and love new adventures. We are family. We focus on the ABILITITES...not the disABILITIES!
My Project
Do you remember cooking with a special family member? The aroma of baking cookies or making Rice Krispy treats...those special times in the kitchen? I want to make those memories with my trainable mentally handicapped students. We are fortunate to have a kitchen area in our classroom. Thanks to the kindness of others, we have all the supplies to get cooking. Now, we need a curriculum based on their individual needs. We also have been challenged: the culinary class wants a BAKE OFF! We are up for the challenge!!! Many general education students come to our classroom and want to spend their time with us. We can share in cooking lessons and playing games to help learn. My students can learn the importance of safety in the kitchen and practice at home and school. This curriculum will not "baby" them...instead help them to become more independent in their home and feel success. They can even "show off" their talents!
This curriculum will not only open the door to sharing time with their non-disabled peers, they will also have the opportunity to share with family members.
Memories are made in a kitchen and my students need this opportunity. After graduation, many will live with family members or in a group home. They need to feel self-worth along with confidence in taking care of themselves. This program will help open that door for these special students!
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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 Mrs. (Geddie) Ainsworth and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
