Abraham Lincoln’s favorite cake was a white almond cake. The other day, I
showed the kids in my reading group this recipe, and they asked, “ So are we
going to bake a birthday cake for him?” I actually had an angel food cake mix
at home, and some almond flavoring, so without divulging my shortcut, I showed
up with a birthday cake for Abe on February 12th!
We read the recipe, and
discussed the ingredients, and made a vocabulary list. I wrote some phrases for
the baking process on the board. Before the kids could cut the cake and
celebrate, their writing task was to list the ingredients and write directions
for baking Abraham Lincoln’s favorite cake!
There is nothing cuter, and
more genuine, than to read a child’s perspective of cooking! But I also think
children who struggle with writing are more comfortable and engaged when they
write for a reason. And what better reason than Abe Lincoln’s cake!
Enjoy!
