Curriculum Unit: Pies

Target Age Group: Preschool

Part 1: Exploring Pie Stories

Objective: Introduce children to the concept of pies through storytelling.

1. Book Exploration:

   • Read "The Apple Pie that Papa Baked" by Lauren Thompson, "I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie" by Alison Jackson, and “Can’t Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie Like Our Mama” by Rose McGee.

   • Have a collection of various pie-themed books in the classroom library for children to explore independently or during storytime.

2. Pie Discussions:

   • Discuss different types of pies mentioned in the stories.

   • Encourage children to share their experiences or stories related to pies and if they have ever made pies or ate pies at home with their faimily.

Part 2: Making Pies Together

Objective: Engage children in hands-on experiences with pie-making, exploring ingredients, measurements, and fractions.

1. Pie-Making Sessions:

   • Conduct sessions where children help teachers make different types of pies (e.g., Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, Blueberry Pie).

   • Introduce and discuss the names of ingredients used in making pies. Show the ingredients to the children, encouraging sensory exploration. Have charts and graphics that show all the ingredients and label each ingredients on the chart to build literacy skills.

   • Teach children how to use measuring cups for ingredients, emphasizing concepts like full, half, and quarter cups.

2. Pie Eating and Fraction Discussion:

   • After making the pies, involve the children in cutting and serving them.

   • Discuss fractions (whole, half, quarter) as the pies are cut and shared among the children.

   • Use this opportunity to reinforce math concepts in an engaging way.

3. Pie Chart Activity:

   • Towards the end of the unit, organize a voting activity where children can vote for their favorite type of pie.

   • Create a simple pie chart together, representing the voting results.

   • Discuss the concept of the pie chart in a fun and age-appropriate manner.

4. Artistic Pie Creations

   Objective: Encourage creativity and fine motor skills through pie-themed art.

   1. Art Supplies Exploration:

      • Set up a table with various art supplies such as construction paper, glue, scissors, crayons, and craft materials like sequins or yarn.

      • Encourage children to create their own pie artwork using these supplies. They can cut out circles for pie crusts, decorate them with colors or textures, and design their "perfect" pies.

   2. Display and Discussion:

      • After the art session, create a display area for the children's pie creations.

      • Have a discussion about the different designs and variations the children came up with for their pies, fostering creative expression and appreciation for diverse ideas.

   Dramatic Play: Baker's Kitchen

   Objective: Promote imaginative play and role-playing in a pretend bakery setting.

   1. Dramatic Play Setup:

      • Set up a designated area as a baker's kitchen in the dramatic play corner. Include play kitchen equipment, aprons, oven mitts, pretend pie ingredients (plastic fruits, bowls, utensils), and a cash register if available.

   2. Role-Playing as Bakers:

      • Encourage children to take turns being bakers, creating their imaginary pies using the pretend ingredients.

      • Facilitate conversations during play, asking them about the types of pies they are making, whom they are making them for, and encouraging social interactions and language development.

Conclusion: At the end of this unit, children will have not only been introduced to various pie-related stories but also engaged in sensory experiences through pie-making. They will have learned about ingredients, measurements, fractions, and basic data representation through the pie chart activity. This holistic approach aims to make learning about pies both enjoyable and educational for preschoolers.