To strengthen connections between home and school, celebrate Chinese culinary heritage, and foster practical skills in students, Yongchun County's Third Experimental Primary School recently hosted a heartwarming parent-student cooking class. The session, which highlighted traditional Yongchun snacks, deepened family engagement amid the inviting aromas of local cuisine.

　　The class was thoughtfully structured around beloved Yongchun treats, including sesame brittle, tangerine peel cake, sweet rice wine, and spring rolls. Each activity was both enjoyable and challenging, sparking the students' curiosity and enthusiasm. Children worked side-by-side with their parents, attentively following each step. Some coated delicacies in ground peanuts, others tried their hand at rolling spring rolls, and a few carefully arranged the finished dishes. Parents provided patient guidance throughout, fostering a warm and lively learning environment.

　　"Our teacher told us that Quanzhou is applying to become a UNESCO City of Gastronomy—I'm so proud!" shared Xu Yinglan, a student at the school, her eyes shining with excitement. "Our school has so many food-related classes, and I especially love the parent cooking sessions. Here, I've learned to make sesame brittle and tangerine peel cake, and I've even mastered rolling spring rolls, making dumplings, and baking egg tarts. If I can help with Quanzhou's application, that would be incredible!"

　　During the class, teachers and parents also shared tips on nutrition, cooking techniques, and the cultural significance of the dishes, helping students gain knowledge and broaden their horizons through hands-on experience. As each dish came out of the kitchen, parents and children gathered to share the fruits of their labour. This engaging experience not only preserved traditional culinary skills through family collaboration but also used food as a bridge to strengthen communication between school and home.

　　"It was so much fun making sweet rice wine and rolling spring rolls with the kids!" parent Zheng Yajun reflected, a bright smile on her face. "Watching them carefully choose ingredients and enthusiastically share their ideas, I could see how hands-on practice nurtures their growth. These classes build practical skills and show them the joy of working with their hands. I hope the school continues offering them in the future."

　　This parent-student cooking class exemplifies Yongchun's innovative approach to fostering home-school partnerships. It has brought families and the school community closer together, creating a positive environment for children's growth and development.

　　"Our 'Parent Classroom' is one of the first hands-on education initiatives recognized in Fujian Province, and the culinary classes are especially popular among the students," said Xu Youbao, a teacher at Yongchun's Third Experimental Primary School. "We invite parents from all walks of life to join us in the classroom to explore different culinary themes with their children. Through these experiences, students not only learn valuable life skills but also gain a deeper understanding of the rich culinary heritage of their hometown, blending hands-on learning with cultural appreciation."

　　(Reporting by Chen Peifang and Li Yuzhi)