More than 50 First grade students and approximately 200 of their parents got a taste of American history and learned about cooking in West Side Elementary’s annual First Grade Feast.
“Thanksgiving is a truly original holiday in which everyone enjoys food that the pilgrims may have eaten as well as family favorites, and this opens up the dialogue for families to share their stories,” said Principal John Wright. “Now, when they go home for Thanksgiving, they can participate with the cooking experience they’ve gained and also by telling their families stories from early American History.”
On Monday, they were divided into three groups, and each prepared dishes to bake for the feast.
“My favorite part was mixing croutons in the stuffing and adding ingredients,” said Carson Hughes. Her mom, Lacy, said that she loves to help in the kitchen, and Carson agreed, saying she plans to help make a lot of Thanksgiving food this year.
Many students had never helped prepare these dishes before, but others already had experience cooking.
Jackson Graves said he made corn casserole and cornbread, and his friend Kapri Vanover made a salad. Junior Berry mixed ingredients for the sweet potato casserole, and Abby Gwinn made macaroni and cheese for the first time.
Madyline Everhardt made mashed potatoes, and her mom Kelly said they also practiced hand washing and food safety.
Students also made pilgrim and Indian hats and placemats with poems and pictures
The environment encouraged a spirit of sharing and togetherness between parents, students and teachers that Wright hopes will carry over into the holiday at home with family.