7th Grade Latin America Geography Recipe Project

[Malibustyle23]

So my son has come to the part of school where he must choose to do a themed project for geography class. Each student must choose to do either make a flag, make a craft, write a children's book, learn a song or dance, or bring in a traditional recipe from a Latin American country.

While I know it is his project to decide, do, etc, etc. I would like to ask those that are familiar with the recipes, heritage, cultures, etc if they have suggestions on recipes to try or types of things to start looking for? I would love to hear from actual people that know what they are talking about instead of him just looking at random recipes online. Something that you think others may not bring in? Would be easily portable? They do have class first period in the morning. Something that most 7th graders would probably enjoy?

It must be homemade and include a recipe. Any suggestions on things for him to try and see what he likes? Project is not due until April 28th.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Flags are cool. Make the flag.

 

[kimblebee]

May I suggest sofa pillows?

 

[diznygirl]

Tres Leches cake is so moist and yummy. You could make cupcakes.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Living in the world of Latin Americans, I can tell you it's all about rice & beans. (Yes, I'm pretty much burned out on them. ) It isn't that complicated, but they're on all Cuban & Mexican restaurant menus here. Use either black beans or pinto/refried beans & you're good. Add chunks of pork or chicken, if you prefer. There should be plenty of easy recipes online.

 

[Malibustyle23]

Unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it the boy is set on make a dish to share.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it the boy is set on make a dish to share.

We were posting at the same time. Rice & beans are perfect for that.

 

[brittanidp]

Empanadas! You can make them sweet or savory!

 

[Disney_traveler]

What countries are included in their definition of Latin America? Central and South America's? If Mexico is an option, would they allow papel picado as a flag? It's a traditional decoratively item. We made them in Spanish around Cinco De Mayo.

 

[sonnyjane]

Do you have a specific country in mind? A lot of items, like rice & beans, empanadas, arepas, tamales etc. differ from country to country. If you want to be authentic, you should make them according to the style of that country, not just a general recipe.

 

[adisneyaunt]

I would think this project for a 7th grader is meant to include some critical thinking and decision making. The teacher gave the student/s 6 weeks to complete, a significant period of time.
Seems like ...asking for a recipe here is basically skipping the learning part of the entire project. What I mean is... what's the difference of Pinterest/google Latin recipe versus asking here ... I think teacher wants them to actually Research, learn etc.
just my thoughts on student project and Parental involvement.

No DISrespect meant, but what has He learned from you doing the research/the first step? He might actually enjoy researching food/culture etc....
Best of luck to him.

 

[Malibustyle23]

I would think this project for a 7th grader is meant to include some critical thinking and decision making. The teacher gave the student/s 6 weeks to complete, a significant period of time.
Seems like ...asking for a recipe here is basically skipping the learning part of the entire project. What I mean is... what's the difference of Pinterest/google Latin recipe versus asking here ... I think teacher wants them to actually Research, learn etc.
just my thoughts on student project and Parental involvement.

No DISrespect meant, but what has He learned from you doing the research/the first step? He might actually enjoy researching food/culture etc....
Best of luck to him.

Nevermind. I had typed out a lengthy response of my thoughts and opinion but then decided to just back track, "thank you" for you opinion and move on.

 

[Malibustyle23]

What countries are included in their definition of Latin America? Central and South America's?

That is a good question I hadn't thought about. I will have him ask his teacher to be sure.

Do you have a specific country in mind?

He has no preference thus far.

 

[CarolAnn856]

By 7th grade, unless a student has pretty significant special needs, a parent's involvement with this kind of project should basically be limited to approving the ingredients list for cost, driving him to the grocery store, and paying. I can't think of any reason, especially with this much lead time, that a student can't get online or look at books from the library to get ideas him- or herself.

 

[Malibustyle23]

By 7th grade, unless a student has pretty significant special needs, a parent's involvement with this kind of project should basically be limited to approving the ingredients list for cost, driving him to the grocery store, and paying. I can't think of any reason, especially with this much lead time, that a student can't get online or look at books from the library to get ideas him- or herself.

What is significant enough to you? He has an IEP. He has a 504 plan. He had delayed speech for the first 3 years of his life and then speech therapy until 4th grade for speech articulation issues. He has cognitive delays. He has slow and delayed processing issues. He reads on a 3rd grade level in 7th grade. Is that enough at this point or should I continue to go on for your approval?!

I am not asking to do his project for him. I am not picking out the theme that he wants to do. I am asking for tips on easy portable recipes that are delicious enough that other 7th graders would enjoy trying. I am asking for some other things but at this point they aren't Dis friendly enough to share.............

 

[Disney_traveler]

What is significant enough to you? He has an IEP. He has a 504 plan. He had delayed speech for the first 3 years of his life and then speech therapy until 4th grade for speech articulation issues. He has cognitive delays. He has slow and delayed processing issues. He reads on a 3rd grade level in 7th grade. Is that enough at this point or should I continue to go on for your approval?!

I am not asking to do his project for him. I am not picking out the theme that he wants to do. I am asking for tips on easy portable recipes that are delicious enough that other 7th graders would enjoy trying. I am asking for some other things but at this point they aren't Dis friendly enough to share.............

First I'm sorry you had to post all this, but I forgot you said craft, so that justifies papel picado, but given your the above, what about making a small piñata?

 

[Wendy31]

One of my favorite Latin American dishes is Cuban - Ropa Vieja.

It's basically shredded beef stewed in a braised tomato-based sauce w/ peppers & Spanish onions. It's served over white rice.

Our 2 older children both like the dish as well.

Plantains are also very traditionally Latin American.

Would a Cuban sandwich be considered traditionally Latin American or is it more Cuban-American?

Your son could do Cuban sandwich sliders w/ beans & rice or plantains for the side.

EDITED TO ADD - Since the class is in the morning - maybe Guava & Cheese Turnovers? They're on the dessert menu of a local Cuban restaurant, & they're also served at a Spanish-style bakery we frequent in St. Augustine.

Or Churros could be good too!

 

[Malibustyle23]

First I'm sorry you had to post all this, but I forgot you said craft, so that justifies papel picado, but given your the above, what about making a small piñata?

A sincere thank you.

He was very set on the recipe when he came home with the project outline but I think I am going to ask him his thoughts about making a pinata. He loves them and really wanted to have one for his birthday party this weekend that we unfortunately had to cancel. He is turning 13 and I think he is trying to find his place in middle school along with just becoming a teenager and hormones his attitude and disrespect towards me and now his teachers are needing to be corrected before he would be rewarded with a party. Thanks for the idea!

 

[Snap Crackle Pop]

What about Sopapillas? It's a dessert and isn't that hard to make.

 

[jevs]

Go the pinata! That would be fun to make.