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‘Deadly Dinners’ Initiative – an activity of the Cherbourg State School

Aim

The ‘Deadly Dinners’ initiative aims to improve the students’ knowledge of nutrition by integrating relevant learning activities into the school curriculum. It does this by using children’s interest in food to engage them in learning. As a result, they develop a better understanding of nutrition. Children also improve their literacy and numeracy skills through the process of planning, buying, preparing, cooking, presenting and serving food to parents and members of the community at a ‘Deadly Dinner’.

Background

A nutrition program began in 2000 to ensure that Cherbourg children had breakfast each day before school. It was a result of the federally funded National Child Nutrition Program. This breakfast program also helped students learn about food and why it’s important for their health. Read more

Why it Works

Family and community support for ‘Deadly Dinners’ has been excellent, and has involved parents in a very positive learning experience with their children. It is successful because parents and family members are invited to the school to join in an activity which, because it’s about eating good food, everyone enjoys. Students learn the social and practical skills around preparing and serving a meal as members of a team. This includes cooperating, sharing duties, working together and taking turns, as well as the skills associated with cutting up, presenting the food, setting the table, serving the food and cleaning up. Read more

Keys to keeping this initiative alive

Cherbourg State School has endeavoured to engage children in learning which builds their self esteem, engages them in culturally appropriate ways and challenges them through a curriculum aimed at building their strengths, intellectual ability and promotes health and wellbeing. Read more

Advice to others who might want to try this in their communities

It’s important to believe children can do what is expected of them. Having high expectations of students and careful ‘scaffolding’ of activities throughout the process, is important for success. At all stages of preparing and cooking, teacher instruction and supervision is critical to the safety of students involved in these activities.

Teachers working together in a ‘team teaching’ situation for events have helped spread the workload and use people’s strengths. It’s also a way of mentoring new teachers into the program to ensure all aspects of preparation for the ‘Deadly Dinner’ are known and understood and teacher’s skills are enhanced.

Consultation with the community about possible dates for the dinner at the beginning of planning ensures parents and community members can attend. It’s important the date of the dinner doesn’t coincide with another community event or even a State of Origin match.

In the words of the Principal, “Last of all, remember that parents are just so proud to see their children achieving and are very forgiving if all is not ‘perfect’! Believe that it will all be good on the night and take the chance to enjoy being part of something magical with your fantastic students!” 

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