My First Demo

I don't object to laughter in my classroom. I like it better when they're laughing with me, but sometimes it's not so bad if they're laughing at me.

I attempted my first cooking demonstration today. The grade 8s are making potato skins. (I needed gluten-free recipes). I had planned to take one of the more challenging kids as my assistant chef, but changed my mind almost immediately after that student entered the room.

My newly conscripted assistant chef (previously a sixth grader and seventh grader in my classroom) was clearly unhappy with the school aprons, which are a bit grungy. Flash! I had found 2 nice aprons early in the summer. The blue one I was wearing, and a barista apron with a recognizable brand-name. He was happier in his green apron.

It was a comedy of errors: we missed steps, couldn't find equipment, my helper idly combed his hair with the chef's knife... and the skins were still under the broiler when the bell went and my class escaped. I sent my slightly bemused assistant to PE eating his hot, gooey potato skins.

I'm not even cautiously optimistic about the Lab tomorrow. But I'm glad that I planned to show a video in the block following the first cook of the year. If nothing else, Bill Nye the Home Ec Guy, will buy me some time to tidy up the debris.

I'm thankful the Tech Ed. teacher pops after the bell to see if I survived. I might need someone to laugh with at the end of the day.