Not many students get to say they are “hungry” for math, but for high school students in Connie Pearson’s class, math – and most subjects – are mouthwatering. Using creative, hands-on lesson plans, Ms. Pearson builds classroom connections for all students, both those in her classroom and those who have opted for remote learning. It starts with food.

Her life-skills oriented lesson plans incorporate many subjects. In a single cooking lesson, students can learn functional academics in math, reading, science, and health and wellness. Students work together, reading each step in unison. Students who do not use language have learned to point to each word, and may use technology to participate. Every student learns to measure, pour, mix, count in unison, open, cut, peel, and use small appliances safely. And when students are done, they clean up together.

“Best of all, we can all look forward to tasting our finished product when we are done. Cooking is essential, motivating, and fun,” she said. “And who can’t use a little fun these days?”