Excitement filled the air as Grade 5 and 6 students of the Omololu International School left their desks behind and ventured whole heartedly into the kitchen, embracing an authentic, hands-on experience aimed at inspiring their expository writing. Expository writing is a critical tool that students can leverage to explain, describe, give information or inform. Students learn to clearly unveil the information in a systematic and organized fashion, which helps the reader clearly understand in rich detail.
Salads, sandwiches, cakes, shakes, drink blends, pizzas and traditional cultural fare were among the tempting and varied dishes selected and prepared by the students. Character building attributes arising from cooperation, experimenting, brainstorming, creating, independence, empowerment and critical thinking were added bonuses which flowed naturally from this experiential learning opportunity. Tasting and sampling became the climax of their experience as they happily entertained each other through the process of creating and sharing.
The students had to write a reflective piece immediately after the experience and student excerpts are shared below:
“We went to the kitchen because we needed to get more understanding about the topic of expository writing.”
“We did a step by step process of making a meal. We used a strategy called ‘the process approach’ to complete our expository writing piece.”
“This field trip was not to just compare or critique the foods made, rather to help us understand the strategies and ways of writing in expository form.”
“I was very courageous in creating my foot-long chicken sandwich because it was my first time making this sandwich.”
“Today, offered myself and the students of our class a chance to use our creativity. …Lots of students made things I thought they were never capable of. It showed me that some students were more independent than I thought.”
“During the process I realized something. All of my classmates including myself were committed. If we made a mistake we wouldn’t give up, but try again until we succeeded. The main learner profile we demonstrated was cooperation. We all acted like one big family.”
“I had confidence and independence throughout this whole process.”
“I believe I displayed the PYP attitude of having curiosity, for example putting a little too much milk into the egg mixture. But that ended up to being such a great idea!”
“When everyone finished making their masterpiece, the class set up the table for the feast. There were arepas, milkshakes, pizza, cake, chocolate cake, spiced baked potatoes, sandwiches, lemonade, fruit salad and more. Overall I think it was a successful experience.”
Omololu International School embraces a holistic, multi-dimensional approach to teaching and learning where the world is the classroom. For more information kindly see us at www.omololuschool.org, call 1-264-497-5430 or follow us on Facebook. We welcome you to reach out to us if you have questions or feedback.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
