The Cupcake Bakery

One of our students came to us with an idea to change the house centre into a bakery. We questioned her about what she thought we should bake and she excitedly explained her idea about cupcakes.
Her enthusiasm was so contagious that more kiddos joined in the conversation and it got myself so excited to begin the process.

We decided that we would need to make the cupcakes first for sale, before even laying out the storefront. I may have had a little input into this first, as I love the idea of making cupcakes and all the art possibilities for this. I also didn't want the kiddos to lose interest in not having the opportunity to make the cupcakes right away.

Our first step was to make the playdoh together in order to review the concept of a recipe. Everyone enjoyed getting their hands sticky with the mixture before it formed the dough to become our playdoh with various colours. Wow - I went back through all my pictures and can't believe we were having so much fun and had such sticky hands that I forgot to take pictures - Sorry!

Our next step, once I had searched out some of the key materials for baking the cupcakes, was to form them and decorate them. All the kiddos in the class want to take a turn at this centre. Too bad we don't have enough time in a day for everyone to get through, however it is teaching them how to be patient and take turns. Great Kindergarten skills.

And the cupcakes are taking shape. Love the decorations. One of the kiddos said "so delicious!" Great word.

While some kiddos are continuing to make more cupcakes, we have a few friends working on the sign for the bakery. We are planning and practicing what we want it to look like before creating the good copy on the Bristolboard for hanging. This is helping us with team work and cooperation making sure everyone is included in the poster creation.

Planning and practicing for the real sign.

While making the cupcakes, this is a good chance for us to ask math questions relating to how many cupcakes each of us can make if we have 12 wrappers? We are getting lots of talk with numbers, using one-to-one correspondence, counting by 2s and making groups of 6.

Meanwhile, other kiddos have been busy at work making a cupcake factory to speed the process along. They have created a machine that started out as making cupcakes, however has since expanded into making several other things. Good time to introduce making a list.

Our cupcake machine.

What else can we make in our factory?

Our plan for next week will be to set up the bakery. Please stay tuned for the Grande Opening.