Columbia, SC
Richland County School District One
Jennifer Etheredge, Parent and Family Engagement Specialist
Jennifer.etheredge@richlandone.org
Virtual Cooking Class
Rhame Elementary School’s Action Team for Partnerships (ATP) worked with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) on a COVID-inspired family engagement activity to strengthen the school’s welcoming climate—even though families could not come to the school. DHEC sponsored weekly nutrition and cooking classes for six weeks. There were limited slots, but 13 Rhame families—parents and students together—signed up.
The sessions included about 30 minutes for students and parents to participate in nutrition education in a fun and interactive way. This included a Q & A period when participants could ask their questions. Parents, teachers, and others also attended weekly sessions on nutrition for good family health.
Then, it was time to cook dinner. DHEC instructors provided participants with fresh ingredients each week for all recipes. The Rhame leaders for family engagement distributed the ingredients at the school to participating families and hosted the Zoom classes. Families were encouraged to have their cameras on while cooking and many did so. They displayed their cooked meals at the end of class—evidence of success!
Students gained academic and behavioral skills. They listened actively, asked and answered questions, measured mathematically, and cooked with care. They strengthened important behaviors that contribute to success in school. For example, they demonstrated discipline by following instructions. They practiced teamwork by working with siblings and parents. They strengthened time-management by being on time and staying on task during the virtual class. “This is really good for me and my kids,” wrote one parent. “We really bonded as we cooked.” Another noted, “Yesterday was the first time we cooked rice in a bag. It turned out nice.”
At the end of the series, parents and students attended a virtual “graduation” and received additional giveaways from the DHEC. Home, school, and the community came together for the Virtual Cooking Classes. The classes were virtual, but dinner was real and delicious!
Read more about Virtual Cooking Class in Promising Partnership Practices 2021.
