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Spotlight on Green Initiatives in Time for Earth Day!

At Sainte Agathe Academy, a K–11 school in the Laurentians region of Quebec, they like to do things a little differently. The environment has been a top priority for the school’s breakfast program since it was introduced in 2021. Disposable supplies have never been part of the program, and funding was secured for […]

Volunteer and young volunteer in kitchen

In the Club

Cooking with Kids: Tips for Successful Involvement

Involving children in cooking can be a rewarding experience for everyone concerned. Not only can it help develop students’ culinary skills, but it can also foster resourcefulness and encourage healthy eating habits. Here are some tips and tricks to increase kids’ kitchen IQ! Establish a clear routine: Before starting the activity, take the time […]

In the Club

Spotlight on Green Initiatives in Time for Earth Day!

In the Club

Cooking with Kids: Tips for Successful Involvement

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

In the Club

Spotlight on Green Initiatives in Time for Earth Day!

At Sainte Agathe Academy, a K–11 school in the Laurentians region of Quebec, they like to do things a little differently. The environment has been a top priority for the school’s breakfast program since it was introduced in 2021.

Disposable supplies have never been part of the program, and funding was secured for a composter and compost containers for table scraps. And what is the compost used for? To fertilize the rooftop garden above the gymnasium, naturally! The Academy has opted for financial support from BCC, which means they purchase their own food products. They buy local whenever they can and make it a point to deal with nearby partners, such as the school’s caterers and Bourassa Alimentation, a wholesaler specializing in fresh produce and other foods sourced in Quebec. Plus, some of the eggshells, peels, rinds and more are set aside in reusable containers for one of the teachers to feed to her goats at home!

Something else that makes Sainte Agathe Academy stand out is the active involvement of students in numerous environmental initiatives. A dozen high school students who belong to the Green Club are in charge of ensuring that waste is managed as sustainably as possible, and gardening duties are carried out by 15 kindergarteners and 18 Secondary I students who are members of the Garden Club. The school’s garden grows beans, cherry and full-sized tomatoes, an assortment of herbs, strawberries and other things used in the breakfast program. Some of these plants are actually seeded in the classroom in cutout milk cartons before being transferred by students to the garden.

In addition to the students, there are several other staff members to thank for these wonderful environmental initiatives. The breakfast program coordinator, Chantal Paquin, would like to thank Nicole Joanette (assistant), Claire Langlois (volunteer), Mélanie Bow (volunteer), John Depitria (volunteer and former student), Barb MacAulay (volunteer), Craig Duguid (janitor), and Sandra and Joe Morselli (caterers) for all their help.

In the Club

Cooking with Kids: Tips for Successful Involvement

Involving children in cooking can be a rewarding experience for everyone concerned. Not only can it help develop students’ culinary skills, but it can also foster resourcefulness and encourage healthy eating habits. Here are some tips and tricks to increase kids’ kitchen IQ!

Establish a clear routine: Before starting the activity, take the time to explain the process so that everyone knows what to expect.

Choose simple recipes: Start with basic recipes suitable for their age. Recipes involving a small number of straightforward steps and easy-to-handle ingredients are ideal.

Give them responsibilities: Assign each child a specific task according to their abilities. This could involve stirring ingredients, measuring quantities, portioning mixtures, kneading dough, etc.

Create a safe environment: Ensure that the kitchen is a kid-friendly place by eliminating potential hazards such as sharp knives and hot pans.

Encourage creativity: Get children to express themselves by allowing them to customize certain recipes. For example, they can choose their own toppings for oatmeal or add their favourite fruits to a smoothie.

Make it fun: Play background music, wear matching aprons and create a positive atmosphere to make the experience of cooking together enjoyable.

Teach them about food hygiene and safety: Take this opportunity to demonstrate the basic rules of food safety, such as washing hands before handling food, cleaning surfaces, storing different types of food properly and more.

Explore new foods: Encourage children to try different flavours and textures. Talk about new foods, where they come from and how they grow. Try new recipes that reflect diversity.

Highlight their efforts: Praise and acknowledge them for their work. This will make them want to continue participating in culinary activities.

Involve them in the planning process: Ask for their input on what they would like to cook and involve them in menu planning. Encourage them to share recipes from different cultures. All of this can make them more excited about helping out.

Be patient and supportive: Cooking with children can be a bit chaotic at times, but remember that it’s a learning experience. Let them go at their own pace, encourage their efforts and have fun together!

Make the experience last beyond the activity: Share recipe cards with parents so that children can make the same thing at home. Discuss the activity and recipes in the school newsletter. Send a collection of the recipes used home at the end of the year. The possibilities are endless!

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Spotlight on Green Initiatives in Time for Earth Day!

Cooking with Kids: Tips for Successful Involvement

Spotlight on Green Initiatives in Time for Earth Day!

Cooking with Kids: Tips for Successful Involvement

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Spotlight on Green Initiatives in Time for Earth Day!

At Sainte Agathe Academy, a K–11 school in the Laurentians region of Quebec, they like to do things a little differently. The environment has been a top priority for the school’s breakfast program since it was introduced in 2021.

Cooking with Kids: Tips for Successful Involvement

Involving children in cooking can be a rewarding experience for everyone concerned. Not only can it help develop students’ culinary skills, but it can also foster resourcefulness and encourage healthy eating habits. Here are some tips and tricks to increase kids’ kitchen IQ!

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Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

At Sainte Agathe Academy, a K–11 school in the Laurentians region of Quebec, they like to do things a little differently. The environment has been a top priority for the school’s breakfast program since it was introduced in 2021.

Involving children in cooking can be a rewarding experience for everyone concerned. Not only can it help develop students’ culinary skills, but it can also foster resourcefulness and encourage healthy eating habits. Here are some tips and tricks to increase kids’ kitchen IQ!

Donate

What we do

Who we are

Get Involved

COVID

School Corner

Journal

Come Visit Us

Subscribe

Involving children in cooking can be a rewarding experience for everyone concerned. Not only can it help develop students’ culinary skills, but it can also foster resourcefulness and encourage healthy eating habits. Here are some tips and tricks to increase kids’ kitchen IQ!