Food as a Frigate
From Kathryn Avery, Program & Services Coordinator:
“There’s no Frigate like a Book / To take us Lands away,” writes Emily Dickinson. I love the poem, but I disagree with Dickinson’s claim. Sometimes Food is a better Frigate. I lived in Beijing for a year, and ever since I have been fascinated by grocery stores and the way they provide an immersive experience of people, places, and cultures.
For instance, at a recent visit to New Asia Market down the road, I went looking for yogurt with no success. But I found multiple options for large packs of noodles. Just this experience highlights the way that dairy is minimal in many asian dishes and the role of noodles in others. How does this reality relate to the geography and climate in different areas of China or other parts of asia? I also notice the contrast between the large packs of noodles to feed a crowd with the individual packs for one or two people which I see at a store like Trader Joes. Does this difference speak to the contrast between a communal and individualistic culture? I’m also always surprised at how similar New Asia Market feels to the grocery stores I visited when I lived in Beijing.
I love going to a variety of restaurants for similar reasons. But there is something unique about a grocery store which offers an affordable and immersive experience which brings history, geography, and even science together! Perhaps during the summer, pick a few different grocery stores to visit and talk about the different feel and focus of each! Notice the German influence and cheap avocados at Aldi, the live fish at H-mart, the local produce (what is in season?), and talk about your finds. Perhaps pick a few recipes to try as well! Even grocery shopping can become a frigate to knowing and loving our local and global neighbors. Are you in? Let us know in the comments below what grocery stores are near you and which one you’d like to visit this summer!
Notes
1. Office Hours: Here is a link to the recording of Wednesday's office hours on Language Study!
2. Podcast: Tune in to this podcast featuring Dr. Shannon Whiteside as she delves into the current education landscape and explores the love of learning within a Charlotte Mason education! Listen here.
3. June 30 Deadline: On June 30 all lesson plans from the 2023-24 school year will be removed from the website. Be sure to download everything you need before then! If you are planning to renew your membership be sure to do it before June 30 to remain in the Hive.
4. Alveary+ QR Codes: Don’t print from Alveary+ yet! By August 1, lesson plan printouts will include a QR code for links.
5. History Charts: We have compiled a list of dates for grades 4-8 that can be used in history charts or Book of Centuries. You can find those lists in the quick links section of the history lessons.
6. Community Read Alouds: Community Read Alouds can be found in the Literature lesson plans for grades 1-3 or in the Citizenship lesson plans for grades 4+. Check out this past Office Hours recording to learn more about them.
7. Hive Giveaway: Are you joining us next month at the Joy of Making? We have a special treat for two lucky Alveary members—coffee with CMI Board Members and conference hosts Amber O’Neal Johnson or Min Hwang! Head to the Hive to enter to win!
8. Joy of Making: CMI is giving away the ultimate Joy of Making Giveaway: conference ticket, meal plan, pre-conference activity, and book bundle. Enter to win here!
9. Mid-Year Sale: Living Book Press is offering their biggest sale of the year June 25-July 9. Shop here!
10. Alveary in the Classroom: Check out this new hybrid Alveary school in Kinston, NC. Dreaming of starting a Charlotte Mason co-op or school? We’d love to help you bring relational education to your community! Visit our website for school and co-op applications.
