At Clovis East High School, Carol Vande Kerkhoff has been teaching English for a remarkable 10 years. In the past couple of years, she introduced an innovative and mouthwatering assignment that goes beyond the ordinary, helping students grow as writers.

"Where Delicious Dishes Transform Writing Skills"

Assignment: Choosing a Meaningful Dish

On Thursday mornings, every student in Carol's classroom at Clovis East High School arrives with their favorite dish. This is an integral part of a larger writing assignment where they select a recipe significant to them and their family and then write an essay about it. As Carol explains, "I just want them to grow a little bit more as writers than when I first got them in August."This prompt allows students to delve deep into their writing. As Bella Soyinthisane brought in sticky rice from the Laotian culture and said, "I saw my grandmother make it a lot, and it's important to me." One student's personal connection with the dish shines through in their writing.

Principal's Perspective: Dedication and Diversity

Principal Ryan Eisele stopped by the classroom and expressed his pride in the thoughtful lessons and dedication Mrs. Vande brings to her students year-round. He said, "She is so invested in the English department and in her students. When she does these creative lessons to really highlight diversity and develop their writing skills, it's very neat for their campus."This shows the impact of Mrs. Vande's efforts on the entire school community.

Student's Testimony: The Best Teacher Ever

Student Nipun Sharma wholeheartedly stated, "I learn the most from this class. She is the best teacher ever." The passion and investment Mrs. Vande shows clearly resonate with her students.Mrs. Vande herself believes this is one of her favorite assignments and hopes students will continue to challenge themselves as writers. It's not just about writing; it's about connecting with different cultures through the medium of food.For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.