UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Curiosity on the Menu: How Student Lunches Inspired Multi-Grade Learning

A simple moment of lunchtime curiosity in an elementary classroom quickly grew into a meaningful, learning experience rooted in culture, creativity, and connection.

Grade 1 and Grade 2 students at Eamers Corners Public School noticed different types of foods in one another's lunchboxes and they began asking questions about different cultures and where foods come from. French Immersion Teacher Amanda Larocque recognized this as an opportunity to turn their curiosity into deeper learning

"That's just kind of the inquisitiveness of kids, isn't it?" said Larocque. "They asked questions, and they really enjoyed learning about each other's cultures. It became a mix between food and geography.

As students' questions continued, the class launched a project connecting French, Art, Social Studies and social emotional learning. Students explored cultures and traditions as part of their Grade 1/2 social studies curriculum.

All project work was completed in French, while drama and media literacy were incorporated through video presentations in which students explained their food and family backgrounds.

To take this project one step further, the Eamers Corners students travelled to St. Lawrence Secondary School (SLSS) and worked with Grade 11 and Grade 12 students to create clay sculptures that represented their lunches.

Many students in both classes speak English as a second language, providing opportunities for unique and supportive connections.

"We were able to pair students who shared the same first language," Larocque said. "They were really able to support and have discussion through the project."

For the high school students, the experience was equally impactful.

"It was really nice making connections with the younger group and making new friends," said Grade 12 student Havanna Prevost-Poirier.

"It made us think back to when we were that age," added Grade 12 student Skylar Massia.

"It was nice to see our young friends making connections with the older students, all through the realm of art and culture," said Sonya MacDonell, the art teacher at SLSS involved in the project, noting that students were carefully paired to support meaningful matches and allow senior students to step into leadership roles.

"They surpassed my expectations." MacDonell said. "It even made some of our senior students consider teaching as a possible career path. The experience was so positive that my students have asked to do other similar projects in the future. A definite win-win all around."