Oak School Students are Chefs for a Day

Families of Oak School students may be asking their children to do the cooking at home after their involvement in the Chefs for a Day after school enrichment program. In the first six weeks of school, Oak School students in Grades 1-3 had the opportunity to participate in a once-a-week cooking class led by Chef Laura Valcour. Chef Valcour of Chefs for a Day explains that each class is a unique experience that combines working with fresh ingredients, learning preparation techniques, practicing culinary terms, and understanding kitchen safety.

Valcour began implementing hands-on cooking programs for students in 1998 and is the co-owner of Chefs for a Day. “Everyone has read the research that states when foods are introduced to children at a young age, they develop healthier eating habits,” Valcour states. “Our program reinforces school subjects, as well, through a fun and engaging activity. Cooking is math, science, history, language arts/literature, geography, art and health/wellness. Our program also provides an opportunity to practice etiquette, build teamwork, and inspires creativity.” Valcour says the best part of her day is seeing a child share what they made in class and seeing their confidence grow. “It's an amazing gift,” she notes.

Oak School parent Lynn Ambrose notes, "The cooking class at Oak has been a huge success. Chef Laura's holistic approach to cooking has taught the children not only how to cook, but has incorporated life lessons including making healthy choices, etiquette and how to set a table. The children have thoroughly enjoyed the classes, which are all centered around academic lessons, including Gobble Up Art, Gobble Up Literature and Gobble Up P.E. Chef Laura joins a host of other enrichment programs at Oak, including Foreign Language Labs, Chess Club, Typing, Young Rembrandts and many others."

Students in Grades 4 and 5 start their six-class session October 29.

For more information, visit www.chefsforaday.com.