How Did This Pizza Get On My Plate?
What’s inside...
The book explores the journey of how a pizza is made, from farm to restaurant, and eventually to the plate of a young curious child. It delves into the process of growing grains for the crust, harvesting tomatoes for the sauce, and producing cheese from milk at factories. Readers are taken on an informative adventure to discover how each component of a pizza is prepared before coming together as the beloved dish.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think are the steps to make a pizza from scratch?
Can you name some of the ingredients mentioned in the book? Why do you think they are important?
How do the illustrations help you understand the process of making pizza?
What other foods would you like to learn about how they are made?
How do you feel about working together to make a meal, like the characters did with the pizza?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about pizza and what they think goes into making it. This sets the stage for learning.
While reading, pause at each stage of the pizza-making process in the book to ask your child what they think will happen next.
Discuss the importance of each ingredient and how it contributes to the final product, reinforcing the concept of teamwork and contributions.
After reading, consider making a pizza together using the steps in the book as a guide. This hands-on activity can help reinforce the concepts learned.
Encourage your child to draw or describe their ideal pizza and discuss the various ingredients they would use.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the Process of Food Preparation
Explanation: This book takes children on a journey from farm to table, showing how a pizza is made starting from the basic ingredients. It covers the growth of vegetables and grains, the production of cheese, and the process of creating a pizza.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an appreciation for the work that goes into making their meals, encouraging them to value food and possibly make healthier eating choices.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The book illustrates the collaboration between farmers, chefs, and others involved in making a pizza. This shows how teamwork plays a crucial role in achieving goals, such as making a pizza.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group projects or family activities where cooperation is needed. Understanding the value of each team member's contribution can foster better collaborative skills in children.
Example Lesson: Learning About Different Cultures Through Food
Explanation: By exploring the origins of pizza and its ingredients, the book introduces children to the cultural significance of food and how it varies around the world.
Real-World Application: This can spark curiosity in children about different cultures and cuisines, encouraging them to explore and respect diverse culinary traditions.
Example Lesson: The Science Behind Cooking
Explanation: The book delves into basic scientific concepts involved in cooking such as heating, melting, and chemical reactions when ingredients are combined and cooked.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to experiment with cooking at home, applying scientific thinking to everyday activities, and enhancing their understanding of science through practical experiences.