The Dinner Party Project at PS 111 Something's cooking on W. 53rd Street! Three 5th grade classrooms at PS 111 in Manhattan are participating in the Dinner Party Project this fall, sponsored by Bloomberg, LP. In this hands-on multi-week program, students learn all the steps involved to plan and execute a dinner party for their classmates, families, and invited guests. The goals of The Dinner Party Project directly align with our mission of promoting healthy eating around the family table. The curriculum includes weekly cooking lessons and covers nutrition, table setting, and etiquette. The powerful experience of planning a dinner party deepens their understanding of teamwork and sharing, while building self-esteem and having fun. For the staff, there are teachable moments along the way.
"The thing that stuck out in the first class lesson is that these kids do not eat together with their families," said Dinner Party Project Manager Hope Mirlis. "They do not know how to make conversation with their families, and mostly eat alone. I told them that they would be eating with their families and so we will practice making conversation." Meanwhile, the kids are preparing for their dinner party with family and friends, which takes place at school on November 21st. Stay tuned for updates. It is sure to be a memorable meal!
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