As the scholars read a fable, they were encouraged to try out an old butter churn, provided by Dean of Lower Elementary Nick Buza.
Dean of Lower Elementary Nick Buza teaches students how to churn butter.
“During my observation in Mr. Barrick’s class they read a book about two frogs who fell into a bucket of cream,” Buza said. “The one didn't give up on swimming, which made the butter and allowed the frogs to escape. This inspired me to bring in my churner to give the kids a chance to see it happen in person.”
The fable helps teach children about perseverance and encouragement, two Moral Focus virtues they learn about throughout the year.
Unlike the older butter churns which use a wooden pole and bucket, Mr. Buza’s churn was glass with a crank that turned flaps inside the container. Students took turns cranking the handle round and round to keep the cream moving and were surprised as it slowly thickened into butter.
Students had the opportunity to churn butter while learning about a fable.
“They did a great job hand-making some butter,” Buza said.
Students and staff had the opportunity to sample the butter once it was finished.
Great job with hands-on instruction, Center Line!
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About Center Line Preparatory Academy
Center Line Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Center Line, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through 12th grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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