On November 12th, the “Build Your Own Pizza Oven” course was organized at the Joy Valley. The children dug the soil, mixed the clay, carried bricks, and moved stones to build their own small pizza ovens.
The Principles of a Traditional Pizza Oven
Whether using bricks or ordinary stones, how can we shape these materials into the desired form and make them sturdy and resistant to collapse?
Through simple games, we came to understand the principle of mutual support between bricks and stones. Just like people, when they rely on each other, they can provide support and stability to one another.
We gathered around the “prototype oven” that the instructor had built and sat on small stools. We listened attentively as the instructor explained each step of the construction process.
Digging soil and working with clay, endless fun!
Following the instructor, we arrived at the designated spot and picked up small shovels to dig, dig, dig, filling our buckets with soil.
We added an appropriate amount of water to the soil, thoroughly mixing it until it reached a sticky consistency. We competed to see whose water-to-soil ratio was the best and who could achieve the most even mixture!
But soil alone wasn’t enough. That’s when the instructor revealed a secret weapon — a large bucket of clay! By adding water and mixing the clay, it became more flexible and adhesive, allowing us to firmly attach stones and bricks together.
Teamwork and Group Building
The children were divided into two groups, the boys’ team and the girls’ team. They were assigned to use either bricks or stones to construct their pizza ovens.
Without hesitation, everyone gathered the materials they needed, discussed the desired shape of their ovens, and allocated tasks. Some took charge of constructing the framework, while others were responsible for using the well-prepared mud and clay to bond the materials together.
At first, the children worked cautiously with their shovels. But soon enough, they became immersed in the task, working with enthusiasm and even abandoning the shovels to use their hands directly. They unleashed their innate nature and connected with the energy of the earth through their touch.
Even though their hands were covered in sticky mud, the smiles on the children’s faces remained radiant and bright.
Creating a Naturally Roasted Chicken Together
At Joy Valley, even the preparation of food is done in a natural way. We brought in fresh free-range chickens, coated them with seasonings, and personally massaged them to enhance the flavors. Then, we wrapped them in large banana leaves and secured them with wild vine branches before placing them in the traditional wood-fired oven.
The enticing aroma fills the air, making it hard to resist salivating!
Collect Materials, Decorate the Pizza Oven
After the meal, the children excitedly headed towards nature to collect various beautiful flowers, plants, and leaves from the forest. They used these natural elements to decorate their finished pizza ovens.
Moment of Honor
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