A compassionate curriculum: Greenfield preschoolers bake bread for those in need

GREENFIELD — At Beacon of Light Preschool, even the city’s youngest residents do their part in feeding the community.

Led by Catherine-Anne Cuff, director of educational outreach, and preschool teachers Anita Morin and Gemma Mohun, students Jack, Arlen and Anna each learned to make bread earlier this month that helped feed community members later that day at Blessed Trinity Parish’s weekly community meal.

Cuff explained that the preschool loves to give children a chance to get hands-on with their learning, and plans activities that connect with other core curriculum topics. With baking, students can learn about fractions and measurements, follow instructions and practice good hygiene by washing their hands between steps.

“We’re really trying to have a good hands-on connection. We have a wonderful curriculum that is standards-based, aligned with state frameworks for preschool, but offering activities in this way allows so much more deeper thinking and learning that is lasting at that age group,” Cuff said. “It’s something that you really can’t manufacture in a curriculum program, so we’re lucky we get to do this.”

Each month, the preschool tries to choose an activity that ties Catholic teachings into the hands-on curriculum. For November, the preschool honored Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, the patron saint of bakers, who is said to have fed and cared for the poor.

“We’re going to donate three loaves of bread, and you’re each making your own loaf, and it’s going to the community meals so anybody in our whole entire Franklin County can enjoy it,” Cuff told the children. “It’s open to everybody regardless of financial situation. Anybody who needs help can go there.”

Last month, students were able to get their hands dirty while learning how to make apple cider, with apples donated by Clarkdale Fruit Farms, Apex Orchards and Pine Hill Orchards. Cuff said that after being taste-tested and approved by students, the cider was sold as a fundraiser for the St. Vincent de Paul Fund, which supports the food pantry at the church.

Throughout the lesson, students were amazed at how just a few simple ingredients — flour, sugar, salt, water and yeast — could be turned into a hearty loaf.

“Woah, I made dough,” Arlen exclaimed once his flour mixture solidified.

“It makes me feel thankful,” Jack said when asked how making bread made him feel about being able to easily find bread on the shelves at the grocery store.

The bread was then served at the church’s community meal later that evening. Meals are served every Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, located at 135 Main St. The meals are free and open to all, regardless of faith, just like the preschool, Cuff said.

“We’re open to any person, religious or non-religious,” Cuff said. “What I always tell prospective families is what we’re doing here is teaching the foundations of character development. We’re teaching students how to be responsible community members and be compassionate and think of other people that might not be as fortunate.”

For more information about the preschool and community meal offerings, visit blessedtrinitygreenfield.org.