Tuesday, December 2, 2014

AiA Cafe: We're Open!



Thank you to Erin Luchterhand, Ai Academy Lead Instructor, for writing today's blog. 


The popularity of Starbucks and Caribou Coffee comes to Shepherds College!   

People love coffee and cafes, and they serve as a great avenue to teach our students.  Ai Academy has adopted the idea of serving others through the use of a student run café.  During weekly advising group meetings, Ai Academy sets up a café to allow students (and staff) the opportunity to get a snack, interact with each other, and relax for a few minutes.

There is a lot that goes into preparing for the café, but students do it wholeheartedly as they prepare for work.  First, we decide on a menu.  Second, we purchase supplies.  Third, we prepare snacks and drinks ahead of time and store them until the café opens.  Fourth, we set up shop!


We have found that the benefits of using the café as a method of teaching are three-fold.  It allows Ai Academy students to practice their kitchen measurement and food preparation...


 it allows students the opportunity to practice their money counting and cashier skills...


and it allows Ai Academy students to practice both professionalism in the work place and social skills.


The café has been a fun and helpful teaching tool for the Ai Academy students.  It has provided learning, practice, experience, and social opportunities for students and staff to interact.  While we may not be able to make a fancy latte with extra foam, we do make a pretty good Rice Krispy treat and hot chocolate!


 



Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.edu.

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