Cooking Club

Special-needs students chose nondisabled peer buddies to assist them in mastering the skills necessary to shop for groceries and prepare a nutritious meal. The special-education students began by practicing their ability to read labels and recipes, along with the math skills to make change for food purchases. As a group, they chose an ethnic theme and searched for appropriate recipes. They planned the meal, made a grocery list, and purchased the ingredients. The students prepared the food and served it at a multicultural celebration, where visitors from a local senior center were guests of honor.

In the process, students began to rely on each other, instead of adults, for assistance with making decisions. Through ethnic foods and customs, the students shared their knowledge of other cultures with the guests. The special education students increased their reading, math, and communication skills, and improved their ability to develop peer relationships with nondisabled students. The nondisabled students increased their awareness and acceptance of students with disabilities.