Put food at the center of science and literacy instruction.
Using a classroom-tested model known as “Eat-Read-Talk-Write,” Common Core Cooking introduces five food literacy themes with sample lessons that align to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts/Literacy and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
This approach begins with a shared tasting experience that sets the stage for reading comprehension, rich discussion, and authentic writing. Extend the cycle to include planting, growing, and harvesting in the school garden.
Triple Tomato Taste Test
In this lesson, students taste three different kinds of tomatoes and rate the taste of each. They read a story in which a brother and sister imagine their vegetables as unusual and enticing foods that they are willing to try. After they brainstorm new names for unfamiliar fruits or vegetables, students orally tell make-believe stories.
Please Pass the Peas
In this lesson, students compare the taste of fresh, frozen and canned peas. They read a story about a boy who turns into a veggie monster at the slightest taste of peas. They discuss their most and least favorite fruits or vegetables and draw what happens to them when they eat that food.
Stone Soup
In this lesson, students rate the taste of a raw carrot coin compared to a cooked carrot coin. They read about how communities come together to create soup from whatever ingredients are available and then write a recipe for a classroom stone soup.
Popping Corn
In this lesson, students investigate spices from around the world and mix six different sweet or savory toppings for fresh-popped corn. They read about how to plant a corn field and the value of hard work. Finally, students develop a campaign to make popcorn a more popular snack.
Sun Bread
In this lesson, students explore the cultural and historical significance of bread. They taste a traditional challah and then shape a sweet bread dough in the form of the sun. They then read about Rosh Hashanah, discuss the meaning of bread, and write a list of various holiday customs.
Educators who want to build a classroom food community do not need to be accomplished cooks nor expert gardeners. They simply need to be interested in using food as a way to connect learning to meaningful, real-world experience. Starting in September, The School Garden Doctor will post themed activities that include videos, suggested book titles, and tips for how to conduct tasting or cooking experiences for children.
Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine September 2020
Become a food educator today!
I learned that students get VERY excited when they work with food. Food brings students together and they learn about traditions and cultures as well.
Liz Corey, 3rd Grade Teacher
Thank you so much for the cooking supplies! I feel like I hit the jackpot! We have been doing cooking projects once a week, students have made grilled cheese sandwiches, scrambled eggs, english muffin pizza, and this week we are making “rainbow pancakes” (just plain pancakes with a fruit topping that includes every color of the rainbow.) You have empowered me to do so much more! I love having the books to connect back to, that’s the best part of all. Thank you!
Kim Floyd, TK Teacher
The School Garden Doctor 