Tuesday, April 12, 2016

A Proper Afternoon Tea

   

     The jam was strawberry.  The sugar was cubed.  The tea was Earl Grey with a Chamomile choice, too.  Authentic English teacups and saucers rested on fancy white tablecloths.  Homemade scones, baked by students in our kitchen, were complemented by shortbread and small savories.  There was even Marmite---for the initiated or simply curious.
     Laraway's conference room was transformed into a cozy tea salon.  Our resident Brits---Tim and Duncan---who serve on Laraway School's staff, provided real-time interpretation of the common British ritual.  Heather, a Laraway teacher, furnished the English China and led a lesson on tea with fun facts about the steaming elixir that fuels many a busy day.  Who would have known that tea was discovered by Shen Nung, Second Emperor of China, in 2737 B.C....and that it happened by accident?
     Members of this teaching team believe that students learn best when provided with both choice and hands on learning opportunities.  Integrating core academic content and life skills is an effective and positive way to support our students and their individual needs.
     "The coolest part is watching everyone work together, learn together and sit down to an elegant tea together," Heather said.

Note:  Thank you, Heather, for assistance with content.  Thank you, students, for the delicious scones.

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