Combining Literature and Experience

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin

Watching chocolate be made at Videri Chocolate Factory

My career began in an elementary school classroom, a chapter that, while brief, was incredibly impactful. It's where I learned a fundamental truth: the most powerful way to teach is by creating experiences. While the rigid structure of a formal teaching role wasn't the right fit for me, it clarified my passion for designing meaningful, cross-curricular learning experiences.

I had the privilege of working with a wonderful team and truly special kids, but the standardized curriculum made it difficult to teach in the holistic, engaging way I believe in. This experience didn't dim my respect for the teaching profession; instead, it ignited my commitment to finding a different path to help people learn.

Today, my work is a direct reflection of that journey. I’m an advocate for a more integrated approach, where subjects aren’t isolated but woven together through experiential and literary-based lessons. You don’t have to be a teacher to create these moments. Anyone—a parent, a caregiver, or a grandparent—can use a little time and imagination to help a child's mind truly come alive.

Here is a great example for you! I'm going to tell you about our recent trip to Videri Chocolate Factory in Raleigh, NC.

We began our field trip at home! First we read Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory It's a simple and entertaining story about George's mishap at a chocolate factory, and of course how he ends up saving the day. Then we went to see an actual chocolate factory in action, and of course enjoyed free samples and bought our favorites. There are so many supplemental activities you can do on a visit like this which allow for connecting real world experience to a story you read at home.

Here are a few:

1. Bring $20 and let your child add up which chocolates they can buy with their budget. (clearly not age appropriate for these little's, but you can still talk about it with them)

2. Search for letters of the alphabet and numbers

3. Practice manners and life skills by ordering the chocolate

4. Talk about what is similar and different in the the story you read

5. Research where coco beans come from and how they are used

6. Make chocolate at home! Google any recipe or use this one: https://www.diynatural.com/homemade-chocolate/

Read more about Videri here: https://www.ourstate.com/videri-chocolate-factory/

Not near Raleigh? I am willing to bet there is a chocolatier near you. Just use the amazing powers of the internet to discover a local artisan closest to you and make a day trip out of it. If you are near Raleigh I highly recommend Videri. There is free parking in the Depot lot right beside the factory, and you can taste some of the chocolate for free! The Historic Depot has other neat shops and restaurants you can eat at as well to maximize your free parking downtown! Now go combine learning and making a memory with the children in your life!