Last week, Big Sister’s school community read the book Stone Soup. Perfectly fitting for a time like this, where many families and their businesses, including our school, were affected by the super storm that hit our coast lines just a couple of weeks ago.

The lesson the teachers wanted to relay to the children was how a community came together, with what few resources they had, to make ‘stone soup’ for everyone to enjoy. Stones were used to absorb whatever flavor it was cooked with in the pot then reused again, boiling it in water creating yet another soup.

On Friday, each student in the 1st/2nd grade class brought in ingredients for the Stone Soup. We brought in carrots, one of Big Sister’s favorite vegetables. The students all participated in making the soup, including Big Sister who chopped onions.

At 2:15pm, myself and a handful of other parents arrived to three, hot, delicious pots of soup! The wonderful smell filled the hallways and attracted children and grown ups alike.  As I helped serve, I noticed something at the bottom of the pot – a stone! A real stone! Don’t worry, it was purchased at a pet store (stones used in aquariums) and cleaned and boiled properly

It was amazing to see so many children excited to eat soup filled with only vegetables – carrots, potatoes, green beans, turnips, squash, cabbage, corn. More importantly, touching to see how the children understood the message behind the project. They were encouraged, if able, to make a monetary donation to those affected by super storm ‘Sandy’.

I always believe in never underestimating the intelligence of children – no matter their age, therefore always being open to talking to them about current events. This past week was filled with news and opportunities to educate your kids. How did your family handle the news of the storm?