In a time when the world has basically shut down and our schools have dramatically moved to online learning, Oregon's Roseburg Junior Academy has strived to make sure they are constantly giving students the best academic education, showing students and their families the love of Jesus, and supporting families in every way possible.
This means the teachers at RJA have dedicated themselves to inventing fun and unique ways to learn. Principal Jeff Jackson says he believes “it is important for the students at RJA to be the best prepared students on the planet.”
Heather Iverson, the RJA kindergarten teacher, was inspired by The Great British Baking Show to provide a positive educational experience for families to share. Baking a delicious cake during Teacher Appreciation Week in May and then sharing it seemed like an amazing way to thank parents and grandparents for stepping into the role of “teacher” while also celebrating moms. Each student was given a fully stocked British-themed baking basket. Every detail was accounted for, including a special RJA shirt, a white chef's hat, measuring spoons and cups, cake mix, British decorations, special cookies, and even a fresh and fragrant lemon.
The event started with an online learning session. Students (with adult help) followed Iverson’s instructions as they mixed up their cake batter. When the cake batter went into the oven, they made a special fresh lemon frosting. After that, students signed off and spent the afternoon letting their cakes cool and then decorating them.
At 4:30 p.m., students and their families signed back online to show each other their cakes and visit. At the exact same time, students and their families cut into the cakes and had an online party.
Kindergarten student Bethany Phifer says her favorite part of the day was “having cookies, eating cake and drinking tea.”
Her classmate Levi Otis enthusiastically adds that his favorite part was “cracking the eggs” when making the cake.
“It was fantastic," says Carmalyn Phifer, kindergarten parent. "We had so much fun. My daughter learned so many things: how to measure, follow instructions and learn online.”
Iverson had another student tell her the next day that the family dog had stolen the last piece of cake — it was so yummy that even the dog loved it.
Violet Perham measures sugar for her fresh lemon frosting while following instructions during the online class.
Kindergarten teacher Heather Iverson created British-themed baking baskets for each of her 12 students.
Bethany Phifer and her sister, Adele Phifer, enjoy cake and goodies while visiting with classmates online.
Keith Randleman is ready to bake in his home kitchen.
Heather Iverson shows her kindergarten class how to empty batter into a prepared baking pan.
