Creating Connection, Confidence, and Community One Recipe at a Time Through Washington Virtual Academies’ Baking Club 

At Washington Virtual Academies (WAVA), learning extends far beyond the virtual classroom. For more than 120 students across the state who are part of the Baking Club, it has become one of the most anticipated parts of the week. Each session brings together a strong group of students who log in to connect, create, and build life skills through the joy of baking. 

What started as a small enrichment opportunity has grown into a thriving community, with 124 students officially signed up and many more tuning in throughout the year. Sessions are open so students can attend as their schedule suits, with about 30-40 attending each session to learn together.  

A Club That Feels Like a Live Cooking Show 

Jennifer Wilson, now in her 13th year with WAVA and a second-grade math and English Language Arts (ELA) teacher, took over the Baking Club in 2023. Since then, she has transformed it into something much more than a recipe demonstration. 

Each week, students log in for a 30-minute session that feels part cooking show, part social hour, and part hands-on learning experience. Recipes are shared in advance through Padlet, where students can also upload photos of their creations and suggest new ideas for future sessions. 

During the live club, Wilson walks students through each recipe step by step. While she does not wait through the full baking process, she ensures students understand every step before revealing the finished product at the end. Some students bake alongside her in real time, while others prefer to watch, learn, and try the recipe later at home. For many, it is a flexible and low-pressure way to participate. 

Baking, Belonging, and Student Voice 

One of the most unique aspects of the club is the strong sense of community it creates. With chat boxes and microphones open, students actively engage throughout each session, talking about the recipe, sharing tips, and even discussing their interests beyond baking. For some students, the Baking Club is their favorite social outlet of the week. 

“Some students just watch like it’s a cooking show and use it as social time,” Wilson explained. 

Others take a more hands-on approach, baking regularly and growing their confidence in the kitchen. One student, Holden, has been part of the club for multiple years and continues to show up week after week, fully engaged. Another student, who had never baked before, joined with excitement alongside her mom, turning each session into a shared family experience. 

Recipes Designed for Real Life 

Accessibility is at the heart of the Baking Club. Wilson is intentional about choosing recipes that families can realistically make with common ingredients and basic equipment. She also understands that not every student has the same level of support at home. 

To address this, participation is never limited to baking in real-time. Students can watch, take notes, and return to recipes later when they have what they need. This approach ensures that every student can be part of the experience. 

From seasonal favorites to savory creations, the club offers a wide variety of recipes throughout the year. One of the most popular to date has been a classic apple crisp, a crowd favorite that students continue to revisit. 

Teaching More Than Recipes 

Beyond measuring ingredients and mixing batter, the WAVA Baking Club is filled with practical life lessons that students carry with them far beyond the kitchen. 

Wilson weaves in guidance on preparation, organization, and problem solving, encouraging students to read recipes fully before starting, check for necessary ingredients, and think ahead. 

These small but meaningful lessons help students build independence and confidence in everyday situations. 

A Teacher Who Brings Heart to Every Session 

Outside of the virtual classroom, Wilson’s passion for baking continues. She enjoys cooking, reading, staying active, and spending time outdoors. Recently, she has taken up pickleball and enjoys golfing during the summer months. 

Her love for baking extends into her community as well. With so many treats coming out of her kitchen, she often shares them with others, bringing baked goods to her mother’s senior living community to gatherings with her mom’s friends. 

Building Community in an Online Setting 

Baking Club is just one example of how WAVA creates meaningful opportunities for students to connect beyond academics. In an online environment, spaces like this are essential for helping students build friendships, explore interests, and feel a sense of belonging. 

Through Jennifer Wilson’s leadership, the WAVA Baking Club has become more than a weekly activity. It is a place where students find their voice, build confidence, and create something they are proud of, one recipe at a time. 

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