Often when parents remark how much their child loves eating forest school bread in class, I encourage them to try baking a loaf at home. Yes, there’s something special about eating freshly baked bread that’s served to you by your teacher as you sit alongside your friends in the forest. But taking part in a bread’s creation — mixing the simple ingredients in a bowl, kneading it with your hands, watching it transform as it rises and bakes — can be a whole other magical experience for a child.

With this video, we documented that experience. Watch how our niece and nephew, both novice bakers, approach the process with a good dose of skepticism. They measure out the ingredients just so; they pay close attention to each step their cousin demonstrates for them. And then as they begin to mix and knead, they become as relaxed and stretchy as the dough they’re making. Finally, when all is baked and done, they get to eat it. Witness the bouncing joy that ensues.

“Shortnin’ Bread”
Traditional with additional lyrics by Charles Foster

Mama’s little baby loves shortnin’, shortnin’,
Mama’s little baby loves shortnin’ bread.

Put in the yeast, put in the flour
Our little bread will be done in an hour.

Put in the oats, put in the salt
Mix and mix them into your bowl.

Knead that dough, knead that dough,
Knead it just don’t eat it though.

Put in the pan, put in the fire
When it’s done, we’ll have our try.

Put on the butter, spread it ‘round
Our little bread’s the best in town.