This week at Shrub Oak International School, we introduced a fun, new, healthy-eating initiative called Foodie Wednesdays. Our students now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a hands-on learning experience that revolves around food—preparing, learning, and, of course, tasting! The goal of Foodie Wednesdays is to expose our students to a variety of foods while teaching them valuable life skills, from meal preparation to understanding the cultural significance of certain foods.
The focus of this week’s Foodie Wednesdays was Jambalaya, a traditional southern dish known for its rich history, spice, and flavor. As part of the experience, students learned about the cultural background of this comfort food, which has roots in the diverse culinary traditions of Louisiana. Jambalaya is a true fusion dish, combining influences from African, Spanish, and French cuisines, which made it the perfect meal to kick off this initiative. Students explored how food is not only nourishment but also a reflection of history, culture, and community.
In addition to learning about Jambalaya’s cultural importance, our students had the chance to take a very active role in preparing the meal. With support from our staff, they worked step-by-step through the recipe. Many of our students had the opportunity to work with ingredients that were new to them, such as peppers and okra, both essential components in traditional Jambalaya. This experience helped teach them practical kitchen skills, like following a recipe, handling different textures, and working safely with a variety of tools and ingredients.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Foodie Wednesdays is watching our students being brave and adventurous with food. After helping to prepare the meal, they had a chance to taste test their creation. This part of the program encourages our students to step out of their comfort zones and try new flavors, which is an important part of personal growth. For some, it was their first time tasting a dish like Jambalaya, and many were pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoyed it.
At Shrub Oak International School, we are always looking for new ways to integrate learning into fun, everyday activities, and Foodie Wednesdays is just one more example of this approach. By connecting food with education, we are providing our students with a meaningful and practical learning experience. Not only do they gain knowledge about different cuisines and cultures, but they also develop essential life skills they can use in the future.
We look forward to continuing this new initiative, with plans to explore even more cuisines and recipes. Foodie Wednesdays promises to be a delicious way for our students to learn, grow, and enjoy healthy eating. Keep an eye on our Instagram for pictures!
