Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Sing to the Power: A Social Justice Program for Children Grades 4-5

Alternate Activity 2: Baking Biscuits

Activity time: 20 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Leader Resource 2, Biscuit Recipe
  • Ingredients: Flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, shortening or butter, and milk
  • Baking equipment: Mixing bowl(s), measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin(s), large round cookie cutter(s) or juice glass(es)

Preparation for Activity

  • Arrange to use a kitchen with counter space for preparation and a stove for baking.
  • Make sure children have no food allergies or restrictions which would prohibit their handling ingredients or eating biscuits.

Description of Activity

The first major project for Project Harvest Hope was the creation of a bakery, which would provide the village with bread, the staple food of the area, as well as jobs. Making yeast bread takes longer than most sessions will permit, but quick-rising biscuits are an easy alternative. Follow the instructions in Leader Resource 2 for making biscuits, having children take turns with the various steps, including measuring, pouring, rolling, and cutting.

While the participants are working, discuss what it would be like to live in an environment in which you knew the people who grew the wheat and ground the flour for your baking. What do we gain from living so far from most of our food sources? What do we lose, that a more agricultural lifestyle might offer?

Including All Participants

Consider the abilities of participants in assigning baking tasks. A child who would have difficulty measuring may well be able to stir, for instance.