OVERVIEW and CLASS #1 : 

MAKING SWEETS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Every family holds its cultural traditions dear, none more than those from past generations’ traditional recipes for sweets! Born frequently in the family’s country of origin and passed down from generation to generation, these recipes delight and unite us as a family. This session is designed to encourage attendees to preserve their family’s culinary traditions. The presenters can choose sweets from a specific country (Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, etc.) or from a particular section of the United States (New England, the South, etc.).  Working with the attendees in the kitchen, our two instructors demonstrate three variations of a hot milk cake as well as two family favorites, a key lime pie and a birthday ice cream cake.  Needless to say, the desserts for today’s luncheon are fabulous!

CLASS #2: 

READING MATTERS AT ALL AGES: LISTS OF RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

The importance of good reading cannot be overestimated. As Mark Twain tellingly remarked, “A man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over a man who can’t read.” Good books entertain; they inspire; and they educate. During this session the presenter explores the myriad benefits of selective reading for children and adults, particularly very young children. Cultural literacy, language development, reading readiness, and vocabulary are all enhanced by reading. Attendees are given the booklet “A Mother’s List of Books” written by Theresa Fagan as well as a hand-out of recommended books about books and reading. Weaving in examples throughout the talk on how to ‘create’ readers at all ages is helpful for those attendees who often have reluctant readers at home. The role of imagination, criteria for assessing books, and parental example are also emphasized. Allowing time for questions and comments following the talk is a key component of this session.

CLASS #3: 

BRINGING GOOD MUSIC AND ART INTO THE HOME

Surrounding our families with the very best of what the culture has to offer in the worlds of music and art is a joyful and enriching work! Well-chosen art works can enhance not only the beauty and the tone of the home, they can also teach children to recognize what good art is; who the great artists are; and what good art can do for us. Good music has the same capacity and performs a similar function in the home. Our experienced teacher of music and art history used a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate her talk and to test the attendees knowledge of art history -a good reminder and incentive to fill in the gaps of our cultural literacy! Listening to musical masterpieces also gave the participants beautiful examples of what constitutes the best in our musical heritage and challenged their knowledge of famous composers. All in all, this session, whether an introduction to or a review of good music and art, serves as a real inducement to bring into our homes the very best of art and music.