If you are a regular reader here then you know we are having a ton of fun homeschooling this year. Last week Kym, a mom from our group, organized a tour of a local chocolate factory, Chocolate Necessities. This place is already favorite of ours. A couple of times a year Chuck will stop by here and pick up some fresh chocolates.
Mmmmm…..
As much fun as this was, it isn’t actually our first foray into homeschooling and chocolate. Years ago (pre-blog) we did an entire unit study on chocolate that culminated in a chocolate party (with plenty of samples)! And, of course, we also threw a fun Willy Wonka Party (with lickable wallpaper) a few years back!
The owner of Chocolate Necessities was amazingly friendly and patient with the kids. He talked about how chocolate was grown and made. Discussed quality vs quantity and plenty of samples for us all. He even gave lessons in how to sample (just let it sit on your tongue and melt).
We got to go past the storefront, into the back, where the really magic happens.
Apollo loved trying to lift this eleven pound chocolate bar!
Check out Apollo’s face! He had a great time sampling the chocolate…really he did!
For more learning about chocolate check out these resources:
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Did you know that M&Ms were invented for WWII soldiers as the chocolate that wouldn’t melt in their hands? Or that Marie Antoinette had her own personal chocolate maker? Or that Thomas Jefferson predicted that chocolate would outstrip coffee as the most popular drink in America?
When we did our original chocolate unit study this story (of chocolate dropping from the sky) was hands down the favorite of my kids! If you don’t know about The Berlin Airlift and Candy that Dropped from the Sky you are in for a real treat too!
This covers the history of chocolate, how it is grown, processed and eaten!
Make your own chocolate kit? I think this one is pretty self-explanatory.
Do you have any great chocolate resources? If so, share in the comments!
