But, this isn't unique to myself or my family. I know many of you have the same experiences and I'm sure across the globe this is a shared experience. Food brings people together. It inspires, starts conversation, creates memories and allows people to bond.
Food is also a great way to engage students!
Recently, on UpWorthy (@UpWorthy) I came across a great article that showcased the weekly food purchases and consumption of a typical family in various countries (Meet 7 Families). I found myself studying each photo, finding similarities and differences to my own family and what we eat, and trying to think of the different dishes they might make from those items. The photo at right is from the article and shows a family from Vavuniya, Sri Lanka.
How could you utilize this article in your classroom?
- Have students bring in a list or create a collage of the foods their family purchases for a week and compare and contrast it with one of the photos from the article.
- In groups, students could take on the role of one of these families and, using the ingredients shown, create a weekly menu of meals for their "family."
- Engage in a class discussion to compare the different families and discuss the similarities and differences in vegetable and meat consumption, natural and processed foods, and portions for each family member.
- In various specialized classes you could use this to discuss American or Western Agriculture to foreign agriculture (Livestock production in US vs. Africa, Monocropping vs. Polycropping, Import and Export policies of various countries, Trade Unions and how the affect global agriculture markets).
- (My Favorite) COOK THE FOOD!!