Over in Columbus, the kids are not only beating the summer heat, but they're also learning to beat eggs in the kitchen. The program is part of the Columbus City Schools' Summer Experience, offering youngsters from various elementary schools, including Maize and Cedarwood, a chance to dive into the culinary arts. A recent session was centered around crafting jhal muri, an Indian street food, according to an article from the school district's news page. The dish is a piquant blend of puffed rice, fresh vegetables, and chickpeas, dialed down in spiciness to suit young palates.
Under the guidance of chef Dr. Bidisha Nag, founder of Create Your Curry, students got to literally get their hands in the mix, learning how to layer flavors in a dish. "I loved their interest in doing something completely different and new, especially this particular class," Dr. Nag told Georgian Heights Elementary School in a statement obtained by CCS. The sessions aren't just about the end product; they're a covert lesson in math and fine motor skills, too. As Dr. Nag put it, students not only learned "how to slice and dice" but also to measure and taste-test as they cooked.
The initiative seems to have struck a chord with the students, inspiring ambitions and expanding culinary horizons. One eager third grader, Marigold Virden from Maize Elementary, expressed a dual dream to the school news page: "I want to be a chef at a restaurant on Saturdays, and then the rest of the week, I want to be a teacher." And it's not just about the food, it's about the skills and confidence they gain. Fifth-grade teacher Cheri Denis, who helps lead the Summer Experience’s Culinary Arts pathway at Georgian Heights, explained the broader impact: “They’re slowly building how to be a risk taker.” According to Columbus City Schools.
Not only do these sessions keep kids engaged over the summer, they allow them to explore their interests in a supportive, structured environment. Each pathway, according to Denis, is a chance for the students to not only explore but also to grow. The kids taking part in this program are laying the groundwork for future success, one diced cucumber at a time. And with a variety of pathways available, from Urban Agriculture to Performing Arts, CCS is serving up opportunities for personal development with an educational twist.
As the young participants savor the results of their labor, it's evident that this program is about more than just introducing them to new foods or cooking techniques. It's about instilling a sense of ownership and pride in their learning—a sentiment echoed throughout the school's coverage of the event. With each new task, the students aren't just preparing meals, they're preparing for life, learning to adapt, improvise, and take charge of their learning journey.
