Loaves & Lessons: Crafting Bread and Cultivating Curiosity in Form 1

Embarking on their journey through Form 1, students at Lorien Wood, a private school in Vienna, delve into a period of holistic growth, encompassing social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.

Within our carefully structured daily activities, emphasis is placed on fostering independence, self-confidence, and cooperative group dynamics through hands-on, interactive experiences. These pivotal years promise a tapestry of discovery and joy as young learners explore their role in God's world.

Truth & Tales

As part of their exploration within the "Truth and Tales" unit study, Form 1 students delve into the realms of real truth and fanciful fairy tales. In the study of truth, they immerse themselves in the incredible miracles of Jesus, including the profound lesson of faith illustrated through the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 with merely 5 loaves and 2 fish. Students learn about the elements of a story and how stories help us understand real truths.

The Science of Breadmaking

An integral aspect of this unit involves delving into the science of breadmaking. Students eagerly dive into crafting their loaves from scratch, unraveling the mysteries behind bread's rising process. Through hands-on experimentation, they discover the role of yeast in producing carbon dioxide, which in turn creates the bubbles responsible for the bread's rising. Students learn about the conditions necessary for yeast's growth and fermentation, gaining insights into the living organism's requirements for warmth, moisture, and nourishment.

Form 1 students delight in mixing ingredients, observing the dough rise, and kneading with gusto. They learn the valuable lesson of “waiting” for the yeast to do its good work through each stage of the bread-making process. Excitement mounts as they eagerly anticipate sharing their mini loaves with their families at home.

The Importance of Hands-on Learning 

Engaging the senses is fundamental to our approach at Lorien Wood. As a Form 1 teacher, I love to incorporate hands-on activities tailored to the five senses, enriching the learning journey for our kindergarten and 1st-grade students. By infusing stories with interactive elements, we ignite their curiosity and foster a deeper comprehension of our curriculum. Recognizing the importance of play at this developmental stage, hands-on experiences breathe life into our unit material, making learning a vibrant adventure.

For those curious to replicate our experience at home, here's a link to the Breadmaking in a Bag recipe we use in class. Happy Baking!

Learn more about experiential learning at Lorien Wood.