Kyushoku

On Thursdays, learners have the opportunity to prepare a hearty pot of soup or stew for lunch. They are invited and encouraged to bring a vegetable of their choice to contribute to the dish. This activity is modeled after the Japanese practice called, "Kyushoku" which is the term for school meals, which are often prepared and eaten together by students and teachers. This practice is not just about eating; it also includes aspects of cooking, nutrition education, and socialization. Kyushoku helps students learn about healthy eating habits, teamwork, and the cultural significance of food. Students do not have to eat the soup if they do not wish to, but will enjoy being a part of making it for their friends!

This activity is designed to create a sense of community and togetherness while enjoying a delicious meal that they've crafted themselves. Cooking offers many opportunities for learning form language arts to math!

Today was our first soup day! After coming in from play, we watched a documentary on Japanese school lunches, Kyushoku, to get inspired. We then gathered around the table to create recipe cards, drawing and labeling each vegetable they saw. This way, they knew what went into the soup, and after tasting it, they could mark what they liked and cross out what they didn’t. As we make more soups throughout the year, they’ll notice how their opinions on certain ingredients can change with different preparations.

I serve and encourage everyone to try the soup, and asked those who were hesitant to still join us to chat the table. Some who didn’t want to try it snacked on oyster crackers, and I offered them a sip of the broth, which some enjoyed. I also asked the few that didn’t want to try it to stir the soup and take a spoonful to smell. This might seem odd, but it’s a great way to help children explore food without pressure. The more a child explores the sensory aspects of a food, the more familiar with it become, in turn the more likely they are to try it in the future. We also talked about how when we don’t like a food, we say can just say “no thank you.”

It was wonderful to see everyone coming together to cook a delicious soup! The aroma filled the school all day, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for our learning. We’re already looking forward to what’s in store for next week!