As part of their ongoing baking study, the students in Mrs. Amanda’s preschool classroom recently explored a new recipe with a special connection to two of their classmates. Two students in the class are from Haiti, and the class took the opportunity to learn a little about Haitian culture by making Haitian patties together.

Before they began baking, the students gathered to talk about the recipe and shared their guesses about what the patties might taste like. Some thought they would be spicy, while others thought they might taste plain, sweet or sour. After the discussion, the class worked together to help prepare the patties, taking turns assisting with the different steps.

Trying new foods and learning about different cultures helps young children develop curiosity, empathy, and an appreciation for the world around them. Activities like cooking also support important developmental skills such as following directions, working together as a group, building vocabulary, and exploring math and science concepts through measuring and observing changes in ingredients.

In the end, students tried the Haitian patties they helped create. The experience not only introduced the class to a new food, but also celebrated the diversity within their classroom and helped students learn from one another in a fun, hands-on way.

Click HERE to see it in action!

To learn more about our Head Start programs, go to glcap.org/headstart.