We’ve noticed that the children’s favorite meals often include bread or foods like bread (e.g. pizza, pretzels). The children are curious about the types of bread they eat, how it is made, the shape it comes in, and how we eat it. We think a study of bread will be a great opportunity for children to explore their interests.

To get our study started, we need your help to gather materials, such as baking supplies, baking gear, and ingredients. We’d also like to borrow cookbooks, recipes, or pictures of bread. Below are suggested items, but feel free to send other items that may enhance our exploration. Please label items with your name so we can return them to you at the end of our study. We promise to take good care of them! Also, please let us know if a family member’s occupation relates to bread (e.g., restaurant work, delivery person) and would like to share his or her expertise. We would love to arrange for that person to join our investigations. 

*baking pans            *rolling pins                    

*cookie cutters        *tortilla press

*pastry cutters            *empanada crimper

*plastic mixing bowls        *hand crank grinder or mortar and pestle

*wooden spoons        *aprons

*spatulas            *oven mitts

*measuring utensils        *cookbooks of breads with pictures

Ingredients:

*different types of flour    *bread your family eats

*cornmeal            *baking powder

*baking soda            *vegetable oil

*salt

As we study bread, we will learn concepts and skills related to physical development, literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology. We’ll also develop thinking skills as we observe, investigate, ask questions, solve problems, make predictions, and test our ideas. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME

Talk with your child about the bread you eat at home; sandwich bread. Naan tortillas. Examine bread in your local grocery or bakery. Talk about the features of bread, such as color, texture, shape, how it is stored, how it is used, and the difference between sweet and savory breads. Point out how breads are packaged. Notice bakery delivery vehicles and ask children how the bread is packed to avoid being crushed. Talk about who bakes bread. What equipment and supplies do they use?

Thank you for participating in our learning!