The County Press

Weston Elementary students explore bread


First-grader Markus Flores takes a closer look at wheat grains with a magnifying glass. Photos provided

First-grader Markus Flores takes a closer look at wheat grains with a magnifying glass. Photos provided

IMLAY CITY — There’s a lot that can be learned from something as simple as bread.

Students in Susan McNary’s first-grade classroom at Weston Elementary School in Imlay City combined lessons throughout the curriculum by learning about and exploring the many different ways bread is made and served around the world.

The students tasted samples of Naan, Pita, and Baguette bread during their snack time. Afterward, they each chose their favorite of the three samples and wrote their opinion, and in the process, they practiced using adjectives and providing descriptive reasons for their choices.

To integrate science into their lesson, said Dina Tallis, executive director of curriculum and instruction at Imlay City Community Schools, students viewed via online video a Kansas wheat farmer at harvest time. “The students then used magnifying glasses to examine wheat grains from Mrs. McNary’s own farm,” said Tallis. “Finally, they compiled a list of what they learned and shared their observations with farm families.”

Investigating wheat grains is Meya Rodriguez, a first-grader at Weston Elementary School.

Investigating wheat grains is Meya Rodriguez, a first-grader at Weston Elementary School.

Nicholas Pugliese