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Functional Application of Reading and Use of Fractions: Making Shepherd’s Pie

Functional application of fractions and reading to prepare Shepherd's Pie with students who are blind or visually impaired

As students read for information and answer multiple choice questions while following a recipe, this hands-on activity will help students who are visually impaired or blind with:

  • Ability to read braille document and answer four multiple choice questions
  • Knowledge of fractions
  • Ability to read and follow directions for a recipe containing fractions
  • Knowledge of kitchen rules, including hand washing and safety
  • Handskills to identify measuring cups and ability to measure out ingredients

Materials

  • APH tray, small casserole dish, spoon, braille measuring cups
  • Pre-baked food items – whole potatoes, hamburger with gravy, frozen corn
  • Hand masher, electric mixer
  • Recipe – in braille and downloaded onto notetakers
shepherd's pie cooking materials

Part One:

  • History of Shepherd's Pie, Multiple Choice Questions & recipeIn the classroom setting, individually read the document containing history of Shepherd’s Pie, multiple choice comprehension questions and recipe.  Use braille notetaker with refreshable braille (voice on or off as needed).
  • Review and discuss reading and questions.
  • Review recipe and set-up of materials that will be in the kitchen.
  • Review fractions and measuring cups used and how they relate to each other.

 

Part Two:

  • In the kitchen, follow prior procedures for kitchen skills. (hand washing, aprons)
  • At individual set-ups, review location of materials and recipe.  Re-read recipe.
  • Discuss recipe, questions to recall information from reading and recipe. 
  • Using serving bowls, pass ingredients to each other to measure out individual amounts.
  • With a staff, use electric hand or tabletop mixer.
  • At conclusion, review what we did.

 

Common Core State Standards

Math Standard NF 3.1:  Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.
ELA Standard RL 3.4:  Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.
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