Is a good way to teach your kids about ancient cultures by making some of the simpler ancient recipies?

Question

we homeschool our kids,and after finding some ancient recipies archived online, we thought about making some of the simpler ones w/our kids, and thus teaching them about the ancient cultures through that medium. is this a good idea?

Answer 1

Sure!

You can also do things like mummify a chicken!  Or if you want something a little less disgusting, mummify an apple since the ancient Egyptians also mummified food for the deceased to eat in the afterlife.

Answer 2

It's a great idea!

I teach Latin at our co op, and we always have a "toga party" for my elementary classes.  The kids dress up in bedsheet togas and they often make semi-authentic recipes.  (The originals call for things like quince and animal innards, not things that are likely to impress a 9yo) :)

The kids love it!  They tend to want to read and watch things that will teach them more about what they're making, so they can have as "authentic" a party as possible.  

I don't use it as the only way to teach them about ancient cultures of course, but it is effective.  I did the same thing with my son when he was a bit younger (now 6th grade) and it was often his favorite lesson of the week.  

Now, I supplement geography the same way - we have some international cookbooks, and when we study a continent or country, we cook, grill, or bake some items from that region.  We then talk about *why* people make those foods - are they made of ingredients that are locally found?  Cultural recipes that have historical or ceremonial significance?  Or just tastes that appeal to many people in that culture?

Cooking is a great way to teach - again, you don't want it to be the only way - but it is fun and effective.  Food is meaningful in many cultures, and it's hands-on and personal, so it's something that kids can easily relate to.

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

It would be PART of teaching them about the ancient cultures. If you think about what culture is--food, language, clothing, architecture, art...--anything you can incorporate into its study will be great.