A hearty serving of stone soup

By Brandie Majeau
The grade 1 students at H. A. Kostash participated in a yearly tradition just
before the Thanksgiving break, each student bringing in an ingredient and together,
whipping up a batch of stone soup. As various vegetables and herbs were added to the
pot, these young chefs became the embodiment of Thanksgiving, a celebration of
harvest and a shared feast.
Stone Soup is a European folk tale about travelers who are hungry and tired
when they arrive in a village. They ask the villagers for food and shelter, but the villagers
refuse because they don’t have enough to share. One of the travelers suggests they
make “stone soup” if they just had a pot and some water. Curious, a villager brings them
a pot and helps them start a fire. The traveler adds a clean stone to the pot of hot water.
As the soup cooks, more villagers gather around. The traveler tastes the soup and suggests that
it needs some onion. A villager remembers they have an onion at home and brings it to
add to the pot. This process continues as the travelers ask for more ingredients, like
carrot and potato. Villagers contribute whatever they can find. Soon, the pot is full of
delicious soup. Everyone enjoys the stone soup together. The villagers then invite the
travelers to stay overnight.
The tale of stone soup beautifully illustrates the power of working together and
how it yields richer results than attempting to persevere in solitude. Each villager adds
their unique ingredient to the pot, transforming a simple broth into a sumptuous feast
that reflects their combined creativity and generosity.
This story serves as an excellent exploration point for stirring conversations
about the essence of community, the importance of sharing, and the beauty of
openness to one another’s contributions. Just as each traveler brought their distinct
offerings, from morsels of food to vibrant tales, the grade 1 students at H.A.Kostash are
reminded that everyone has something valuable to give; it may be an onion; it may be a
clever idea, a cherished memory, or a specific skill. When everyone unites, something
truly extraordinary can be created or accomplished.