The warm, sweet scent of freshly baked cookies drifted through the fifth grade wing at Reiffton this morning, drawing curious noses toward the commons area where measuring cups were hard at work. Here, small groups of students moved carefully through each step of a recipe: mixing, pouring, and most importantly, learning.

Every Thursday morning, Mrs. Kim Watson’s 5th and 6th grade Life Skills class transforms into a bustling bakery under a colorful “PA Baking Company” banner that was purchased as a surprise for the students and teachers by 5th grade teachers, Mrs. Kelly Learn, Mrs. Samantha Rechieru and Mrs. Jess Schaeffer. What started as an occasional activity last year has now grown into a weekly tradition. Since the fall, Mrs. Watson’s students have been learning how to bake and delivering their creations to every teacher and staff member in the building.

“Every week we take a recipe and we break it down into doable steps so that the kids can do it independently,” Mrs. Watson explained as she pointed out the index cards with baking steps placed around the now flour- and sugar-dusted science tables. 

From cinnamon swirl bread–“definitely everybody’s favorite,” according to Mrs. Watson–to chocolate chip cookies and even cookie mix jars sold as holiday gifts (thanks to a grant from the Exeter Community Education Foundation), the class has explored a variety of recipes. On this particular Thursday morning, the students were preparing a special treat: unicorn cookies, chosen by 6th grader Ariella Scheuring to celebrate her upcoming 12th birthday. “Although it’s a little early,” Ariella said with a laugh and a smile as she mixed cookie dough and explained that her birthday isn’t actually until May. 

For students like Ariella, the experience is already extending beyond the classroom. She shared that she’s begun baking at home “a little bit,” often with her family. Her classmate Carina Seiler has also found her own connection to baking, noting that she enjoys making treats at her grandmother’s and aunt’s homes.

But the program is about more than just cookies.

Each week, four students from Mrs. Erin Trostle’s classroom join Mrs. Watson’s class to assist with the process. They help guide their peers through each step of the recipe and accompany them on deliveries throughout the building–creating opportunities for meaningful peer interaction. “That way, kids can have one-on-one assistance if they need it,” Watson said. “And then they go with them to do the deliveries as well, so they’re going with a peer versus an adult.”

The collaboration grew naturally. “Mrs. Trostle reached out to me at the beginning of the year and said, ‘Are you doing the baking again? I have perfect kids for you,’” Mrs. Watson recalled. “And they are perfect–they’re good, kind, kids.” Those four students from Mrs. Erin Trostle’s class–Ostin Dominguez, Jahir Cedeno, Bryson Randall and Anthony Pomo–were chosen because of their maturity and responsibility. Mrs. Trostle said, “I felt they were good role models for other students and that they would rise to the challenge for any tasks Mrs. Watson would throw their way. The boys have consistently shown consideration and empathy towards others and would also gain valuable experience in helping others.” 

As students navigate the hallways delivering their baked goods, Mrs. Watson explains that her students are building confidence and independence in real-world situations, which are qualities that are central to the Life Skills program. “Once our learners turn 14, we have to start looking at transition skills–or employability,” she said. “You can never start that early enough,” she said of her fifth and sixth graders who are around 11 and 12 years old. Specifically, she says that the experience is allowing students to practice essential skills beyond the act of baking and making food, including communicating with unfamiliar adults, following directions and navigating the building. 

By the time the last tray of cookies comes out of the oven, the commons area has quieted, but the impact of the morning is just beginning. Later that day, those carefully-prepared treats will make their way into classrooms and offices across the building, delivering not just something sweet, but a meaningful lesson in independence, collaboration and confidence.