The smell of sweet ginger and sugar came from Prairie High Schools Baking and Pastries class as students put together dough, melted icing, and decorations to build their gingerbread houses.

Students in Foods class are putting their baking skills to the test this winter season by making their own gingerbread houses, turning the classroom into an area of teamwork, originality, and holiday spirit. Yadier Hernandez, a freshman, wants to share his thoughts, “Foods class shows that I learned how to make dough and other new things,” Hernandez says, “That I have never learned how to make until now.” This project was given to the students to apply their baking techniques to a hands on assignment that they’ve never attempted before. 

For many students, especially seniors, this gingerbread house project is a fun and significant way for them to end their last year in high school. Kbreelyn Karuo, a senior, is very thrilled about this project, “My favorite part of making this was having fun decorating it,” Karuo exclaims, “And making it look more festive for this holiday season.” It began with students preparing their dough the day before, then assembling the walls the next day while using icing to hold them together. This project brings a fun and festive filled atmosphere to the classroom, which is what makes it so important to our students.

This activity has an impact throughout our whole school, students walking around with their finished gingerbread houses, presenting them to others which helps bring happiness and warmth to staff members, students, and visitors from our community. It also helps students connect and communicate with each other, by working in groups and using teamwork to get it done. This festive and joyful atmosphere reduces stress during the busiest time of the year, the week before winter break. 

Overall, this project was a successful way for students at Prairie High School to learn and experience as well as express their imagination. They got to combine both creativity and education, as well as provide the seniors with a memorable and fun experience. Projects like this really show how hands on learning can make experiences more significant and engaging to students beyond traditional projects.