RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Culinary classes
At Delta West Academy in northeast Calgary, kids learn to read, write and do arithmetic.
But they can also learn to cook, thanks to an innovative culinary arts program offered for students in Grade 1 through Grade 12.
A self-described foodie, Jennifer Morrison has been teaching the course for the past 10 years, and she says the classes are fun but practical. Students learn about food safety, kitchen safety and basic nutrition, plus, they have to practice addition and deal with fractions.
“Math, multitasking, planning ahead, safety, hygiene,” Morrison says. “They’re learning so many skills without even realizing it.”
The classes for the younger grades are all about the basics: easy recipes that are fun to make and delicious to eat.
“We usually start with something simple and basic that’s always a hit, like chocolate chip cookies,” she says. “They’re so happy to take their cookies home and share with mom and dad. It’s pretty fabulous.”
Then, as the term progresses, she encourages the children to become more adventurous about what they’ll cook and eat. Most times, she’s successful.
“When kids have worked to make something, they’re more likely to try eating it,” she says.
There are no set Alberta educational guidelines for elementary school cooking classes, so Morrison can adjust each class for special needs or requests.
And even with the higher grades, the provincial government’s Food Studies guidelines allow for plenty of adaptation based on abilities and interests.
“We can look at what students are interested in and what they’re making at home with their parents,” she says. “I’ve had students who have wanted to make fresh pasta, and they love the idea of making ethnic foods such as spring rolls and salad rolls.”
This year’s Grade 12 class recently made fresh beet pasta, while the Grade 11 class made challah, a traditional leavened bread made to celebrate the Jewish Sabbath. The grades 7 and 8 students were busy making Irish stuffed baked potatoes.
"I enjoy cooking as an option, because I am able to make a fresh lunch for myself at school,” says Lexi Kilgour, a Grade 10 student at Delta West Academy. “It’s also taught me a lot about cooking at home, and I’ve taken a lot more interest in cooking with my mom for dinner.”
In senior high school, students in the cooking program attend a 70-minute class every day, five days a week, for a semester from September to January.
In elementary school and junior high, children take the 70-minute class once a week for a semester, either from September to January or February to June. In all cases, it’s an optional class and isn’t required for graduation, and each class is capped at a maximum of 10 to 12 students.
Morrison says it’s never hard to motivate her students.
“Not everyone loves everything, but the enthusiasm? I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate good food,” Morrison says.
“It’s also a great place for nonacademic students to shine. They may not shine in the core curriculum, but they may make great perogies. That’s something for them to take great pride in.”