Title of Book: Miss Fiona’s Stupendous Pumpkin Pies
Author: Mark Kimball Moulton (Illustrated by Karen Hillard Crouch)
Publisher: Ideals Children’s Books
ISBN: 0-8249-5489-0
Grade Levels for Recommended Use: 4 and 5
TEKS:
§111.16. Mathematics, Grade 4 - focal points include comparing and ordering fractions and
decimals, applying multiplication and division.
4.11 Measurement. The student applies measurement concepts. The student is expected
to estimate and measure to solve problems...uses measurement tools to measure capacity/volume
and weight/mass. The student is expected to:
(A) estimate and use measurement tools to determine length (including
perimeter), area, capacity and weight/mass using standard units SI (metric) and
customary;
(E) explain the difference between weight and mass.
§111.17. Mathematics, Grade 5 - in grades 3-5, students are expected to develop basic concepts
of fractions.
5.2 Number, operation, and quantitative reasoning. The student uses fractions in problem-solving
situations. The student is expected to:
(A) generate a fraction equivalent to a given fraction such as 1/2 and 3/6 or 4/12 and 1/3;
(B) generate a mixed number equivalent to a given improper fraction or generate an
improper fraction equivalent to a given mixed number;
(C) compare two fractional quantities in problem-solving situations using a variety of
methods, including common denominators.
5.10 Measurement. The student applies measurement concepts involving length (including
perimeter), area, capacity/volume, and weight/mass to solve problems. The student is expected
to:
(A) perform simple conversions within the same measurement system (SI (metric) or
customary);
(B) connect models for perimeter, area, and volume with their respective formulas; and
(C) select and use appropriate units and formulas to measure length, perimeter, area, and
volume.
5.14 (A) Underlying processes and mathematical tools. The student applies Grade 5 mathematics
to solve problems connected to everyday experiences and activities in and outside of
school. The student is expected to identify the mathematics in everyday situations.
Brief Summary: Miss Fiona’s Stupendous Pumpkin Pies is a clever and entertaining storybook
in rhyme. Kooky Miss Fiona lives in a spooky house, with bats and cats, and cobwebs galore. In
fact, she just might be a witch, but she has a heart of gold and bakes the most stupendous
pumpkin pies! What secret ingredients go into her delicious pies is a question for children to
ponder and a segway into this activity using fractions and measuring volumes such as cups,
teaspoons, etc.
Materials needed: printed recipes for pumpkin pie and/or apple cider - at least one per pair of
students (can be printed on recipe cards); 1-2 blank recipe (index) cards for each student;
Fall/Halloween stickers or art supplies (optional); measuring cups and spoons for demonstration
(one set per table or group); pumpkin pie and apple cider for demo and yummy end of activity
snack (optional).
Suggested Activity:
• Read the book to the class prior to beginning math lesson & activity. Activate prior knowledge
regarding pies, baking, measurements, and fractions. Discuss cooking with recipes and review
fractions, such as 1/3 c or 3/4 tsp, as well as the need for accuracy in recipes.
• Explain the activity, showing students the real recipe (each student should receive one to keep),
then display your own pre-filled recipe card or fill one out as you explain the activity.
• Each student should fill out his/her own card and worksheet, but students may work in pairs or
small groups.
1. Students will write their own version of a pumpkin pie and/or apple cider recipe as they
imagine Miss Fiona (a witch) would use to make her “stupendous” goodies for trick-ortreaters. Each student should receive one or two recipe cards (index cards) to write their
recipes on, as well as a copy of a real recipe to refer to for format and sample measurements.
2. Pass out the recipe/math worksheet, one per student. Students will answer the questions
related to measurements and fractions, showing their work when appropriate.
3. When first 2 steps are finished, students may decorate their recipe cards with Halloween or
Fall themed stickers or art supplies (markers, crayons, etc.).
4. Finish with a review of the story and fraction/measurement questions.
5. Optional: serve pumpkin pie and apple cider to class.
6. Assessment: Student worksheets and recipe cards will be collected for assessment. Students’
recipe cards will be returned to them, and students can even trade recipes with classmates.
Adapted by Brandy K. Calhoun, 2012