Boersma invited a group of retired teachers and grandmothers, including Sally Kellogg, JoAnn Law, Mary Cisler, Caroline Steensma, Joyce Coe, and Gayle Jansen, to spend time in her classroom each week. The volunteers played classic board games such as Yahtzee, Sorry, and Uno while also helping students learn basic cooking skills.
While the activities were enjoyable, students were learning much more than they realized. Through cooking and games, they practiced fractions, addition, subtraction, measurement, reading comprehension, and problem-solving skills. Following recipes required students to carefully read directions and apply math concepts to ensure their creations turned out just right.
A Wilson Craig Grant through the Barry Community Foundation helped make the program possible. The grant provided funding for a cooking cart, mixing bowls, pans, cookie sheets, measuring cups, and other kitchen supplies. Each week, small groups of students worked alongside the volunteers to prepare a variety of treats.
One favorite activity involved making personal pizzas. Students rolled dough into individual pizza pans, added sauce, cheese, and optional pepperoni, and then watched as their pizzas baked in the cafeteria oven. Before enjoying their creations, however, they faced an important challenge: determining how to divide their pizzas into equal portions—a practical lesson in fractions.
Throughout the year, students also made cookies for a Christmas celebration, Rice Krispie treats, homemade playdough, and many other snacks and projects.
“It’s science and math,” Boersma explained. “I like to see the kids doing things where they can understand the purpose and meaning. It’s hands-on learning, lessons they can apply to real life, and it’s fun. They love learning how to make their own food.”
Beyond the academic benefits, Boersma emphasized the importance of the relationships formed between students and volunteers.
“Some of my students don’t have grandparents they get to spend a lot of time with, and some don’t know how to play simple board games,” she said. “That multi-generational bonding is so important. My students gain so much from these experiences.”
Volunteer Mary Cisler, one of the OGs, said she enjoys every moment she spends in the classroom.
“I have seven grandchildren, and my youngest is in fourth grade,” Cisler said. “Vikki is a good friend of my daughter, and I’ve known her for years. I’m happy to be able to do this. It’s good for the kids, and it’s good for me, too. It helps me stay connected and reminds me how fortunate I am to be able to participate.”
Fellow volunteer Gayle Jansen agreed.
“I get so much out of it, and I think the kids do too,” she said. “I love being here with the students. It’s so easy to talk with them, and I enjoy hearing their stories.”
Caroline Steensma, affectionately known as “Grandma Steensma,” smiled as she watched students prepare their pizzas.
“I just love hearing their conversations,” she said. “I learn so much from them, and I know I’m teaching them some things too.”
Through a combination of hands-on learning, meaningful relationships, and plenty of fun, Boersma’s classroom has shown that some of the best lessons happen around a game board or a mixing bowl.