Cook up some Learning in the Kitchen

Cooking can incorporate many subject areas.
Language-learning to read and write directions
Math-counting, measurement, fractions,division, and multiplication
Science-chemistry reaction when ingredients are combined and various processes are used
History-examining the historical differences of cooking processes
Geography- looking at how geographical areas determine recipe methods and ingredients
Then of course there is home economics-examining nutrient and budgetary values of ingredients and recipes.
The most important ingredient is a sense of humour and discovery to encourage enjoyment of learning.
Here are some handy lesson links:

Budding Artists?

If you have a budding artist,  encourage their reading, writing,and artistic abilities, by having them submit work to a real audience. Having a “real audience” makes a world of difference in the quality of work and pride in the accomplishment.
When I was in University, Scott Young, offered to read over an essay I was working on, when I had writer’s block. Simply knowing ,a “real” writer would be reading my work, spurred me on. Writer’s block vanished! I polished it up to the deadline.

There are several companies open to submissions of artwork. Mead stationary is one such company. Many of Mead’s products, especially decorative items, contain photography and artwork from various artists.

What other “real audiences “ have you found?
Here are the details from Mead’s site:

Contesting-Coaxes Reluctant Readers

Have a reluctant reader at home? Many students (even teens)  enjoy contesting, when there is one to be found. Encourage them to read all the details and become familiar with the finer points of the rules. A natural mathematics extension with contesting is probability- examining  the odds of winning the contests, and other probabilities in life.

Here are a couple of Contests to get you started:

All Ages: Win an Original Signed Print

This one is from Annick Press -Great Natural Integration with Author/Illustrator Studies

Teens: Win a Leapster Explorer Pack posted HERE.

This giveaway is from divine.ca . Divinedotca can be found on\twitter as well . This site frequently runs contests open to teens, as well as adults.

Click Here to go to their Contest Page.