When I first began my cooking classes, at least the ones that were officially for the mini-chefs instead of for the mamas, we had thirteen two year olds running around, wielding-and that would definitely be the word-wooden spoons, whisks, and spatulas. It was quite the chaotic class and a huge opportunity and crash course for me to learn about teaching very small children.
The next year, because that huge group of children then had younger siblings, including a set of natural twins, our class got even bigger. As their teacher, I would call upon my yoga training and years of meditation to go my stillest place. The stillest place? It is the place where things are constantly shifting, going with the flow, adjusting to the circumstances, and it is the place from which I tried to move. With the help of all the other mothers and many wonderful babysitters who were willing to pitch in, we got through that year and even had some fun in the process. At the end of that year, I think we counted 25 children altogether, including newborns and four sets of twins.
After that, my classes had a cap of 8 children. Electronically, you could not enroll for class if it had already been filled. First come, first served. This turned some students away, but it made for such a lovely year. After two years of practice with a humungous class, it was smooth sailing with my classes of 6-8 students.
This year, there will be two cooking classes, and the first class, pictured above, happened already. Somehow, because of a small mix up on my part and other various scheduling details, 12 students showed up for class yesterday. All sets of brothers and sisters (or pairs of brothers AND pairs of sisters). When I looked out at this crowd, I started having flashbacks. How would I manage?
The strangest thing happened. It was fine. They listened. The big kids helped the little kids. They cooked. They ate. They ate some more. They played. It was even, dare I say it, easy.
The punch line? Guess how many kids are signed up for my other class? Two. Love it that the Universe always has a twinkle in its eye….
The theme for next week’s Corner View is “The Incredible, The Mysterious Mustache”. Take a look around at these other Humor Corner Views from all over the globe:
22/09/2010 at 8:43 am Permalink
Oh yes, size of a class determines quite a bit when it comes to kiddos. I remember an art class I taught of 18 kids ages 6-12. Fun but crazy!!!
Cate you are hosting cv next week right?
22/09/2010 at 8:47 am Permalink
Hi Cate! Long time no see- love the new format- you are so orangized! I need to get cooking with my own yummies- you are such an inspiration! Have a great week!
22/09/2010 at 10:30 am Permalink
I bet you get a lot of humor with a class full of little ones. WOW your classes are growing. Yahoo… xo
22/09/2010 at 8:05 pm Permalink
Boy, the two in the second class are lucky – they’ll get almost 1-to-1 attention. I bet there are funny stories to tell of children cooking – everything is so textural with the little ones: lots of ewwws, I suppose.
Thanks in advance for hosting the CV next week. Off to find some mustacheod faces now. Cheers~
22/09/2010 at 10:22 pm Permalink
I am glad your class went well,but I can only imaginea class of 25. Your amazing.
22/09/2010 at 10:51 pm Permalink
hello cate – to change the subject a little; i just read upon your cv choice for next week… i take that’s humour? oh boy
)))
thank you for visiting and pleased to meet you as well.
nadine (aka woolf)
23/09/2010 at 12:27 am Permalink
I love the photos of your classes and of your barefooted “students” sitting in circle on the floor!
23/09/2010 at 2:22 am Permalink
It depends of the children…Good luck
PS : I love your new blog Cate…
23/09/2010 at 4:24 am Permalink
Dear Cate,
thank you so much for your lovely comments.
I love how your blog has changed!
I can’t even imagine so many small children around- you are a brave girl!
The next week theme sounds really mysteriuos!
23/09/2010 at 4:45 am Permalink
Of course I noticed and enjoyed the part of your post about how your yoga and meditation helped inform you in your teaching, and the whole post has such a wonderful and positive ‘coming together’ to it. Now in your well-earned confidence, I bet more and more ‘humor’ will come in to play!!! (probably lots already with all the kids and delicious tastes around to make all smile!!)
Best wishes, and I too am curious about how to meet with a mustached theme in the upcoming week…xo
23/09/2010 at 9:18 am Permalink
a class full of little ones must be the best!!
23/09/2010 at 11:47 am Permalink
That first photo is wonderful.
23/09/2010 at 12:25 pm Permalink
You are a brave, brave girl! I did a cooking birthday party with my daughter when she was in third grade. It was with 3 or 4 other girls. I was wiped out after! I think you definitely have to get to a relaxed place mentally to deal with chaos going on all around you. I’ve never found that when other people are in my kitchen.
23/09/2010 at 12:35 pm Permalink
Wonderful! such a lovely touch you have! Thank you.
25/09/2010 at 11:00 am Permalink
ha!
“mine” also try to run amok at the slightest opportunity, the one difference being they “wield” shiny blackberries.
26/09/2010 at 8:42 am Permalink
hi Cate,
My sister is interested in joining CV.
How does it work to ‘join in’? Should she just start posting?
Should I have her contact you directly? Sorry I couldnt find your e-mail address so I am writing here,
Thanks,
and btw the new post looks delicious!
Happy day/night to you,
Joanne
26/09/2010 at 2:51 pm Permalink
Oh my goodness! I don’t think I know anyone with a mustache. Why oh why did I just check the assignment NOW???!! It’s going to be an interesting couple of days, trying to find a stache. Hmn..
28/09/2010 at 11:00 am Permalink
I think I’d like to be in the second class.
funny how we think we have everything ender control!