Whole language reading: Pumpkin pie baking activity

A whole language literature-based reading lesson that culminates in a cooking extension activity.

A lesson plan for grade 1 English Language Arts and Mathematics

By Amy Durso

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Related topics

• Learn more about English language arts, arithmetic, mathematics, and reading.

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

• recognize high frequency sight word in text.
• use sentence and story meaning to identify unfamiliar words in text.
• identify rhyming words (words with similar phonemes) in text.
• predict and explain what will happen next in a story.
• answer what, when, where, and how questions.
• read numerals.
• solve problems using addition.
• solve problems using non-standard measurement.
• observe, infer and predict.
• retell new information through writing and illustrations.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

90 minutes

Materials/resources

• Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman Scholastic Inc., ISBN: 0-590-47760-9
• Reading comprehension questions
• Pumpkin pie recipe on large chart paper
• Baking Materials for two pumpkin pies
  • 2 large bowls
  • 2 large wooden spoons
  • 2 pie plates
  • 2 spatulas
  • 1 can opener
  • 1 teaspoon
  • 1/2 teaspoon
  • 1 cup
• Food items for two pumpkin pies
  • 2 unbaked pie shells
  • 4 cups pumpkin: 2 16-oz cans
  • 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Oven available for baking
• Paper divided into four sections. Number each section 1–4. See writing activity sheet.
• Pencils and crayons

Technology resources

Microsoft Word to access attached documents.

Pre-activities

Set up cooking area and materials for quick and easy transition.

Activate prior knowledge of students.

• Discuss Halloween symbols (witches, bats, vampires).
• Show students the cover of the book. Predict what the story might be about.
• Discuss rhyming words. Ask students to generate and give examples. Write responses on the board. Preset students to be listening for rhyming words.
• Discuss baking experiences with students. Ask students to volunteer one thing they know about baking.

Activities

1. Read aloud Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman. At the end of each appropriate page ask students to identify the rhyming words. Encourage students to read along orally and to read the repetitive verses chorally. Ask students to predict what events will happen next after each character in the story attempts to remove the pumpkin from the vine. Ask students to predict what the witch will say at the very end of the book.
2. Ask each student to tell what his or her favorite part of the book was. Ask students comprehension questions.
3. Introduce extension activity.
   • Discuss the following key words: ingredients, recipe, spatula, etc.
   • Ask students to brainstorm what ingredients might be in pumpkin pie.
   • Show cooking utensils to students and ask them to guess the function of each.
   • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
4. Read aloud pumpkin pie recipe written on large chart paper.
   • Ask students to identify high frequency sight words.
   • Ask students to read numbers.
5. Discuss with students the concept of “doubling the recipe” or making two pies.
6. Reread recipe and have students problem-solve how much pumpkin, milk, pie shells, etc. will be needed.
7. Make pies with students. Provide mini-lessons on breaking eggs, using the can-opener and spatula. Ask students what cooking utensils are needed to open containers, blend, scoop etc. Read and follow the recipe to demonstrate functional reading skills and sequencing.
8. Put pies in oven to bake for 50–55 minutes.
9. Distribute writing activity sheet. Review how the pies were made (“First we mixed all the ingredients. Second we . . .” and so on) Ask students to write how they made the pumpkin pie using their own words. Students may also draw illustrations if time is available.

Assessment

Completed written recipes

Verbal answers to comprehension questions and mathematical problem-solving questions.

Supplemental information

Comments

Be sure to take time to eat the pumpkin pies the same day they are made. Your students could make invitations to invite other teachers and administrators in your building to share in the pumpkin feast. While the students are enjoying the pie, reread the story. Send original recipe home to share with families. The pumpkin extension activity possibilities are endless!