Y4Y Canada recently travelled to Mallorytown to facilitate a bannock-making workshop with students at Front of Yonge Elementary School. Throughout the day, we led four workshop sessions with approximately 27 students in each group, reaching students from Kindergarten to Grade 6.
The workshops took place in the school gym and combined hands-on learning with cultural education. Before getting started, we shared information about bannock, its history, and the important role that food plays in bringing people together. Students learned about different ways bannock can be prepared before rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.
Each student had the opportunity to make two different kinds of bannock. The gym quickly filled with conversation, laughter, and excitement as students mixed ingredients and shaped their dough. The energy in each session was high, but it was clear that the students were having a wonderful time and were eager to learn.
Many of the older students stepped up to help their younger peers throughout the mixing process. It was wonderful to see students supporting one another, sharing tips, and working together. Several students told us that they enjoy watching cooking shows on television and were excited to make bannock because they often help their parents cook at home.
We were also impressed by the leadership shown by many of the older students. Several volunteered to help distribute ingredients, collect the finished bannock tins for baking, and even assist with washing dishes after the activity. Their willingness to help contributed to the success of the workshops and demonstrated strong teamwork skills.
As the bannock baked in the school kitchen, the delicious aroma drifted through the hallways. Staff members commented on how tasty the mini loaves looked as they cooled, and students eagerly waited to sample their creations.
One of the best parts of the day was seeing the pride on students' faces as they held up the bannock they had made themselves. The workshops provided an opportunity to learn new skills, work together, and experience the joy of preparing food from scratch.
We would like to thank the students and staff at Front of Yonge Elementary School for welcoming us into their school. We had a fantastic time learning, cooking, and sharing this experience together.
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