Classroom in The Kitchen

During the lockdown times, we discovered how much can be learnt inside the kitchen.

Our students discovered the many activities that happen inside the kitchen – cooking could mean boiling, frying, heating, steaming, grinding … Plus cleaning, washing, cutting, …

We discussed what is found inside the kitchen – from items that are cooked (oil, flour, spices) to utensils needed for cooking (pots and pans, ladles and knives). And many more.

They counted the number of items in the kitchen and were surprised when they

discovered it was way off their estimates. They estimated the amount – and understood how the units are different. Eggs are counted but rice cannot be counted, it has to be weighed. Oil is measured in volume. Rice or flour is stored in larger quantities than turmeric or cloves.

We also discussed how water is used in the kitchen and for what purposes.

Some students reported recipes and how some items are cooked. Some others discussed the many varieties of spices that are used while cooking. One student went on to explore the history of spices, when these came to India and from where. Thus history, geography and arithmetic were also discussed – as we naturally moved in those directions – while the primary learning was in science and environment.

It is true all children did not attempt all of these. When we are looking at child-centric learning, by design we need to branch into different directions.

Interesting to note:

  1. It is interesting we completed part of the school syllabus, in fact we completed certain chapters from their books – but the children nor parents noticed. Experiential learning takes the drudgery out of schooling and also helps retention.
  2. Out of classroom education need not be limited to screen. There can be enough to do within the home, and learn. And when they explore, organize information, discuss, connect with other knowledge, and occasionally reflect, the retention of learning is designed to be higher than information being fed through the screen. Exploration and connection are more exciting ways to learn, too.