Fraction Pizzeria
Room transformations can be intimidating! The Fraction Pizzeria was one of the first classroom transformations that I did, and now I look forward to doing it each year. The best part is that it’s INEXPENSIVE and can be set up quickly!
I use this room transformation to practice identifying shaded and unshaded parts of a whole. (If you’re a fellow 3rd grade Eureka Math/EngageNY user, I use this in place of module 5 lesson 7!)
I have 2 products that I got from TpT that I use for this lesson.
The first product is this set of pizza themed task cards from Believe to Achieve. Some of the cards ask for the fraction of the pizza that has been eaten, and others ask for the fraction of the pizza that is leftover. I put 4 at each group, students solve the 4 cards, let me check their answers, and then move to another group.
The second product is a fraction pizza craft by Amy Lemons. Students use different toppings to make their own pizza, and then write what fraction of the pizza is covered by the specific toppings.
Now let’s talk the set up… like I mentioned earlier, this is very quick and easy to set up and it definitely won’t break the bank! Plus, your kids will LOVE it!
TABLE CLOTHES: I like to arrange my desks in groups of 4 and then cover them with a table cloth. I ordered a pack of 7 from amazon for about $15. Another alternative would be to use red butcher paper to cover the tables.
PIZZA BOXES: This step is 100% unnecessary, but I think it really adds some magic. I put the task cards for each table in a pizza box. I just went to Pizza Hut and they gave me a few for free!
DOOR SIGN: I like to add a little sign above my door, it’s simple… I think it just says “Welcome to Mrs. W’s Fraction Pizzeria” or something similar.
MUSIC: Of course you have to get them in to the right mindset with some background music! If you search on youtube for “Italian pizzeria music” you should be able to find a few good options!
COSTUMES: Okay, now let me be honest. I do NOT like to dress up… so I do not go all out for this! Instead, I just put on a little red and white checkered apron over my outfit. My co-teacher wore one also - and talked in an Italian accent the whole day… she’s the best! I also had my kids make a little chef’s hat for their morning work that morning.
If you’re new to room transformations, I think this one is a PERFECT place to start! Just a few simple touches, and your kids will forget that they’re even doing math. CAIO!
