Connecting Classroom to Cafeteria in October

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30 FREE OR CHEAP IDEAS TO CONNECT CLASSROOM TO CAFETERIA AND HOME ABOUT IDAHO

🌲 Idaho-Themed Learning + Food + Fun

1. “Potato of the Day” Fun Fact Cards
   Students read a quick fact about Idaho potatoes during lunch or morning announcements.

2. Idaho Placemat Coloring Sheet
   Include outline maps, state symbols, and foods like potatoes and trout.

3. Build-a-Potato Bar (at home or school)
   Simple toppings (butter, cheese, sour cream) — families can replicate cheaply.

4. Idaho Food Taste Test Journal
   Students rate foods like potatoes, beans, milk, or berries.

5. Morning Announcement Trivia
   “Did you know Idaho produces about 1/3 of U.S. potatoes?”

6. Map It Activity
   Students label Idaho and its capital Boise.

7. “Where Does It Grow?” Sorting Game
   Match foods to Idaho vs. other states.

8. Family Dinner Challenge: Idaho Night
   Encourage a simple Idaho-inspired meal at home (baked potatoes, roasted veggies).

9. Idaho Farm Virtual Exploration
   Watch short clips about potato farming (free on YouTube).

10. Design a Potato Recipe Contest
    Students invent recipes and vote at lunch.

🥔 Cafeteria Connections

11. Featured Idaho Ingredient of the Week
    Highlight potatoes, lentils, or dairy.

12. Name That Potato Dish
    Give fun names to menu items (kids can submit ideas).

13. “Guess the Potato Weight” Jar Game
    Fill a jar with small potatoes or paper cutouts.

14. Idaho Menu Spotlight Signage
    Highlight foods tied to Idaho agriculture.

15. Cafeteria Table Talk Cards
    Conversation starters: “What’s your favorite potato food?”

16. Sample Day: Try a Bite
    Offer small samples of roasted or seasoned potatoes.

📚 Classroom Tie-Ins

17. Idaho State Symbols Mini-Book
    Include the Appaloosa horse and Mountain bluebird.

18. Write a “Day in Idaho” Story
    Students imagine living on a farm or in the mountains.

19. Math with Potatoes
    Weigh, count, or estimate potato quantities.

20. Compare States Activity
    Compare Idaho to Minnesota (weather, crops, geography).

21. Idaho Postcard Writing
    Students write postcards as if visiting Shoshone Falls.

22. Weather Watch
    Compare local weather to Idaho’s climate.

🏡 Home Connections

23. Family Food Interview
    Ask: “What’s your favorite potato dish growing up?”

24. Cook Together Challenge
    Make mashed or baked potatoes as a family.

25. Pantry Scavenger Hunt
    Find Idaho-related foods (potatoes, beans, dairy).

26. Idaho Movie/Documentary Night
    Watch something featuring nature or farming.

27. Draw Your Dream Idaho Vacation
    Mountains, lakes, farms, etc.

🎨 Creative + Interactive

28. Potato Stamp Art
    Cut potatoes into shapes and stamp paint designs.

29. Idaho Bingo Board
    Include foods, facts, and activities to complete.

30. “I Tried Something New” Certificate
    Reward students for trying Idaho foods.

INDIGINOUS INSPIRED INGREDIENTS

FRUIT AND VEGGIE OF THE MONTH