Lesson Plan : Where do Pretzels Come From?

Teacher Name:
 Claire Gibbons
Grade:
 Grade 11-12
Subject:
 Interdisciplinary

Topic:
 Pretzels are used as a vehicle to explore the origin of foods that have become household words, or a "given" in the past time referred to as snacking. Among the topics covered by this six day lesson are: Food from other cultures, Food bourne diseases, Nutritious snacks, Measurement, The food industry, and Where food comes from (plants or animals).
Content:
 The content of the first lesson is the origin of the pretzel and how and when it came into being. We will look at the country of origin and how it came to the United States. Vocabulary: pretiola, bretzeln, immigrants, historians, monks, Germany, Oktoberfest, dough, yeast, pretzel, symbol, medieval, vendors, twist, traditional, mustard, Austria, Turkey, theory, discovery
Goals:
 Students will learn about the pretzel and its country of origin. They will read about the history of the pretzel and become familiar with a recipe for soft pretzels. Students will try to make the shape of a pretzel using soft, prepackaged dough.
Objectives:
 Students will be able to: 1. Identify a familiar snack food and name the country of origin. 2. Recall an historical fact about the food. 3. Name at least two ingredients in a recipe for the food.
Materials:
 Elmo, pictures of pretzels, readings, : The Twists and Turns of Pretzel History, and All About Pretzels. Pre-packaged pretzels and a nutrition label.
Introduction:
 Before reading, the teacher will, along with the classroom assistant ask the following question: Can anyone name a snack food that has been a snack for many years with an interesting shape? We will then proceed to a short history stating the history of the pretzel and sequey into the reading. The lesson overview will be presented before starting the student reading.
Development:
 After reading the first selection, students will be asked to choose vocabulary words which will be placed on the board. They will be guided toward the words mentioned above, then they will find the words withing the first reading that can be located. Using highlighters, the students will mark words that they find. The rest, it will be explained, will show up in readings and exercises to follow. After the second reading, the same exercise will be given
Practice:
 In addition to reading, students will look at a recipe (using the Elmo)and prepare to make pretzels by reviewing the recipe, the ingredients, measurements, and utensils necessary for baking soft pretzels. There will also be a discussion about the origin of the flour as a key ingredient in the recipe.
Accommodations:
 Reading levels for the two readings are from level 2 to level 5 according to the Kincaid scale. Those who have a difficult time with the reading will be given cues and the Elmo will aid those with limited attention by allowing a larger view of the written page and focused using light on a screen.
Checking For Understanding:
 A multiple choice exercise after each lesson, a disussion after each reading, and a rubric for each section of the multiple day's lesson will be used to check for understanding.
Closure:
 While shaping the pretzels, both a wrap up and a lead in to the next lesson: Food Bourne Diseases (wash hands, before and after food preparation)will take place.
Evaluation:
 
Teacher Reflections:
 

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