Historical Fiction Through Cooking: A Summer Book Club Adventure With Recipes
Dive into historical fiction, explore historical context, and cook or bake a period-inspired recipe each week. Enhance critical thinking, cultural knowledge, and hands-on learning through engaging discussions and activities.
Julie Willis
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(186)
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What's included
8 live meetings
5 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursProjects
2-4 hours per week. I will give ongoing, verbal feedback during class to help learners cook the assigned recipe. Learners can share pictures and comments in the classroom for additional feedback.Progress Report
At the end of the course (or more frequently if requested or if I feel it may be helpful), I will provide feedback on the learner's progress.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
Does your child enjoy cooking and reading? This just may be the class for them! Each week, learners will read an assigned historical fiction chapter book before class. During class time, we will discuss the book and its time period. We will also make a recipe that would have been popular at the time. This is a hands-on, interactive class where learners will be having so much fun that they won't realize they are learning! Please see the syllabus for a complete list of the books we will be reading and foods we will be cooking. Upon enrollment, I will send you a list of all books and ingredients. Please make sure you have your notifications turned on so that you are notified of any announcements made in the Classroom.
Learning Goals
learn about history through fiction and cookingimprove cooking skills and kitchen safety knowledge
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Ben and Me by Robert Lawson–Apple Cranberry Crisp
Please read Ben and Me prior to our lesson and check the provided list of ingredients to be prepared. In class, we will discuss the book as we make apple cranberry crisp. Ben and Me is about a mouse named Amos tells the untold story of his adventures with Benjamin Franklin, adding humor and a whimsical twist to historical events during the American Revolution. 40 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare–cornbread
Please read The Sign of the Beaver prior to our lesson and check the provided list of ingredients to be prepared. In class, we will discuss the book as we make cornbread. The Sign of the Beaver is about a young boy named Matt who has been left alone to protect his family’s cabin in the late 1700s; he gets to know a Native American boy and learns survival skills and respect for their different cultures. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Hannah’s Fancy Notions by Pat Ross–Corn and Potato Chowder
Please read Hannah's Fancy Notions prior to our lesson and check the provided list of ingredients to be prepared. In class, we will discuss the book as we make corn and potato chowder. Hannah's Fancy Notions is set in the 1860s. Hannah learns about independence and creativity and helps her family. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
A Horn for Louis by Eric A. Kimmel–Latkes
Please read A Horn for Louis prior to our lesson and check the provided list of ingredients to be prepared. In class, we will discuss the book as we make latkes (potato pancakes). The story focuses on a young Louis Armstrong and his journey toward discovering his love for music and jazz. This book takes place around 1908 in New Orleans. 40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
I have experience working with diverse, unique learning needs and am happy to make accommodations to help all learners succeed.
Parental Guidance
Parental supervision in the kitchen is required. If your learner has any food allergies, please inform me as soon as possible, so I can help brainstorm substitutions.
Please understand that the books we read are historical fiction, and many portray unpleasant events from the past. I will handle all issues with compassion and kindness and with an unbiased approach. I will also attempt to give an accurate account of the historical context of each book, but please understand that my teaching background is in English, not history. Also, while I try to choose books with a very young audience in mind, some children may be sensitive to certain topics. Please let me know if you have any questions about the content of any of the books. I have children of my own, and I understand the sensitivities that some children deal with, so I will be honest with you about the content of the books.
Supply List
Learners should be able to access and read each book prior to class. The books have an average of about 120 pages each, and there is one book per lesson. Listening to audio books is acceptable. The required books are Ben and Me by Robert Lawson Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare Hannah’s Fancy Notions by Pat Ross A Horn for Louis by Eric A. Kimmel Dog Diaries: Togo by Kate Klimo Secrets of the Manor: Betsy's Story by Adele Whitby Sylvia & Aki by Winifred Conkling The Gold Cadillac by Mildred D. Taylor In addition, please have the necessary ingredients ready for each lesson. A list of ingredients will be sent out upon enrollment.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2021
5.0
186reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in English from California State University
I have experience teaching about sensitive topics, and I have taught these books in the past. I realize the need for sensitivity when it comes to historical topics, especially the racial issues that arise in Sylvia and Aki as well as Gold Cadillac. These books portray actual people and events that occurred, and their stories deserve to be told without bias.Reviews
Live Group Course
$17
weekly1x per week, 8 weeks
40 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
2-9 learners per class
