How can the book be used to teach KS2 children about different countries and their food?
Welcome to Our Table: A Celebration of What Children Eat Everywhere by Laura Mucha and Ed Smith is an excellent resource for teaching KS2 children about different countries and their food. Here are ways it can be used effectively in the classroom:
1. Exploring Global Cuisines
- Introduce students to the diverse meals eaten by children around the world, such as biltong, biryani, ramen, and roti.
- Discuss what people eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in different countries, highlighting similarities and differences between cultures.
- Encourage students to research the origins of specific dishes mentioned in the book.
2. Cross-Curricular Learning
- Geography: Use maps to locate the countries featured in the book and discuss their climates and how they influence local cuisines.
- History: Explore the historical significance of certain foods or ingredients in different cultures.
- Science: Discuss where food comes from, including farming practices and food production processes.
3. Interactive Activities
- Create a classroom "world menu" where students contribute recipes or dishes inspired by their own cultural backgrounds or those explored in the book.
- Host a "food tasting day" where students can sample simple dishes from different countries (with proper dietary considerations).
- Encourage students to draw or write about their favourite meals and compare them with those featured in the book.
4. Promoting Empathy and Understanding
- Discuss how food reflects cultural identity and traditions, fostering respect for diversity.
- Explore how meals bring families and communities together across cultures.
- Encourage students to reflect on their own eating habits and how they connect with their families or communities.
5. Creative Projects
- Create a class cookbook inspired by global recipes from the book, combining illustrations and student-written descriptions of dishes.
- Incorporate storytelling by asking students to imagine a day in the life of a child from another country, focusing on their meals and cultural practices.
This book provides an engaging way for KS2 children to learn about global cuisines while fostering curiosity, empathy, and an appreciation for cultural diversity through food.
