As a homeschooling family, much of our academic work is, by the very nature of the beast, done at home. This means that it's often the kids and I, found gathered in one spot somewhere (because they absolutely insist on us being all together) reading, writing, painting, adding something, or working on some kind of project. We are part of a science co-op and do lots of field trips, but much of that extends something that we've begun to study at home.
Then this past winter a friend got the brilliant idea for a few of us to study chocolate. Perfect, right? We were able to purchase Amanda Bennett's Chocolate Challenge study at a great discount and each began work at home.
When we downloaded it, however, we noticed that the last day's plan called for a tasting party.
Why should we taste all of this delectable chocolate at home? Why not throw a party?
Do you ever throw parties to match up learning and fun? What are your favorite kind of kid parties to have?
Then this past winter a friend got the brilliant idea for a few of us to study chocolate. Perfect, right? We were able to purchase Amanda Bennett's Chocolate Challenge study at a great discount and each began work at home.
When we downloaded it, however, we noticed that the last day's plan called for a tasting party.
Why should we taste all of this delectable chocolate at home? Why not throw a party?
So we did. That same fabulous friend created a basic plan for the party (thanks, Susan!) and we all brought supplies. During the course of the party the kids each sampled white, dark, and milk chocolate, then did a blind taste test to determine which brand of milk chocolate they liked best - Hershey, Nestle, or a generic one. They graphed results and used some great describing words to tell us their thoughts.
When we had finished with that, they got creative. We passed out plates with melted white and dark chocolate and the children chose from a wide assortment of dippables to sample the way that the flavors complement each other. Personally, the strawberries and potato chips in dark chocolate were my favorite, but oranges and pretzels are pretty good, too.
My kids loved this activity - really, who wouldn't? What better way to solidify your knowledge and personalize your experience with a given topic than by eating it with your friends?
Last week Christina linked up a post sharing ways that she works with her difference in personality and celebratory styles with her son. This is a really important topic - stifling our children's differences can have disastrous results. To find out more, visit NextGen Homeschooler - and Christina, please visit our Inspired Wednesday page and take the "I was featured on Washed Up Inspired Wednesdays' button back with you.
My bestie and I did this last year. It was a ton of fun. The kids had a blast having school this way.
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