Measurement – Brady Bakes a Cake
The children have been exploring measuring tools in the classroom, and discussing how these tools are used in our daily lives. We decided to read a story that talks about ‘measuring tools’ that the children had not yet mentioned during their conversations. In this story, ‘Brady Bakes a Cake’, The character shares the experience of baking a cake for his mum’s birthday. As we read the story, we paused to talk about the details in the pictures, to help the children explore the different ways authors communicate ideas with others.
Jacob and Isabella noticed the recipe in the book and explained:
- Jacob “I see the list for making the cake.”
- Isabella “This is for making chocolate “
- Jacob “How many he need, butter, flour, milk.”
- Isabella “With a list you count it.”
- Jacob “On the list, it tells how many you use the spoon.”
As we read on, they began to predict what might happen next in the story.
The author included pictures, numbers, symbols and fractions (half and quarter cups) to explain and show the quantities of ingredients used to make the cake.
- Jacob “So he need two little cup to get it bigger. I made cupcake so I know. Two little spoons can make a big spoon.”
- Archie “Vanilla is for putting in the ice cream.”
- Jacob “If you have little spoon, you can add three times, big spoon you need one time.”
The children wondered if Brady was going to make cupcakes or one big cake. They began to debate and provide reasons for why they thought Brady was making a cake or a cupcake.
- Archie “They are making cupcakes because there are some sprinkles.”
- Isabella “It’s because the spoon and chocolate.”
Adalyn and Jacob thought he was one big cake. Suzy and Euno disagreed and said he was making cupcakes “because there are sprinkles.”
- Archie “My mom made cupcakes, she use eggs and all these ingredients and makes the table yucky.” He said with a laugh, adding that they all helped clean up afterwards.
- Suzy “Ms. Karen made cupcakes at school with us and she has this (mixer). I didn’t know my mom’s birthday so I didn’t make a cake for her.”
- Archie “When I have a birthday, I will have a birthday cake too, and I will be in another country.
- Riccardo “I made cake with my dad. He writes the recipe down before he makes it.”
- Adalyn “I made cupcakes with my sister. That cupcake is chocolate.”
- Riccardo “I and my brother help mummy in the kitchen. Daddy says what we need to take and do. And then we do it. Like something yummy and something sweet like cake.”
- Evan “I can make just pizza. Some flour and red sauce and some sugar. Put some sprinkles on top, like cheese. And then cook it.”
- Dahyun “Mummy going to the home and then cook. Mummy makes Korean rice. No chicken, no fish, no potato. I drink water. Water is yummy.”
- Sea “We make pizza. She makes fish and soup. Pizza making I help. First pizza put the tomato. Then, jam and put the ham. Put in oven for little time. It is yummy. I like pizza.”
- Euno “My mum makes soup and yummy food. Carrots and tomato sauce and soup. Little bit rice. Soup has chicken. My mummy makes cupcake, strawberry cake.”
- Finn “My daddy and I go outside to the restaurant to eat. We eat rice.” (in Mandarin)
The children’s conversations revealed many interesting theories and ideas about measuring tools, ingredients and the process of food preparation. It also highlights the importance of real-life experiences as they explore and share important events with family and the community.
We wonder, what measuring tools you use in the kitchen, and how they help you prepare a yummy meal.
