Let’s Eat Lasagna

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• 6 containers of modeling clay (for large lasagna model)
• 1/3^rd of a container of modeling clay for each pair of children (for small lasagna model)
• Baking pan, either plastic or metal, with a firm, sturdy surface to make cutting the lasagna easier
• Small square plastic containers (approximately three inches square, or a similar-sized square cookie cutter)
• Small paper plates: four for the stuffed animals and two for each pair of children
• One plastic knife for each pair of children
• Four stuffed animals or dolls

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Preparation

1. Make the large lasagna model: Press four to six containers of the modeling clay into the larger pan to a depth of about half an inch. Loosen the modeling clay from the pan bottom to make it easier to remove later.
2. Make the small lasagna models: Use the small square container to make a half-inch-thick lasagna for each pair of children. (Note: If you want, support the children in doing this step.) Each can of modeling clay makes three or four small lasagnas. Set each small lasagna on a plate with a plastic knife.
3. Place the four stuffed animals or dolls and a plate for each in a small circle on the floor.

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This activity introduces children to the equal sharing of continuous wholes, or whole objects. A continuous whole is an object that is not already split into pieces. For instance, a pan of lasagna before it is cut is a continuous whole. After it is cut, it is a collection of objects, or squares of lasagna.

1. Tell the class, We have been sharing groups of objects, like cookies or blocks. Now we are going to share a whole object equally, like this pan of pretend lasagna. Show the class the pan of lasagna. Let’s pretend the animals are having a dinner party. Point to the circle of animals. They made this pan of lasagna to share. Can they share and eat it when it’s all one piece? No! We have to cut it up into pieces and share the pieces equally among the animals.
2. Have the children count the animals together. We have 4 animals, so how many pieces of lasagna do we need? (We need one for each of the 4 animals.)
3. Now, is it equal sharing if one animal gets a really big piece and the others get really small pieces? Discuss with children that equal sharing in this case means that each animal must get the same number of same-sized pieces.
4. How can we cut this lasagna into 4 pieces that are the same size? Let the children offer ideas and, if needed, suggest that you can cut the lasagna in half and then in half again. Have a volunteer cut the lasagna in half widthwise or lengthwise. Have a second volunteer cut the lasagna in half in the other direction.
5. Ask, Are the pieces the same size? Ask a volunteer to check by placing the pieces on top of each other and comparing the sizes. If they are not the same size, ask the children how they can make the pieces equal. (They might suggest taking a bit off the bigger pieces and adding it to the smaller ones. Or, they might suggest mashing all the dough back together to start over with a whole lasagna.)
6. Show the children how to plan each cut by marking light lines (scores) on the surface of the lasagna to see if the pieces will be equal.
7. Once you have 4 equal pieces, have one or more volunteers share the lasagna equally by putting a piece on each animal’s plate.
8. Now have the children work in pairs. Give each pair of children a modeling clay square on a plate, a plastic knife, and 2 paper plates. Ask the children to work together to cut their lasagna in half, make sure the pieces are the same size, and then share the lasagna equally with their partner. If the children have difficulty, ask, How can you cut it in half? How can you make the pieces the same size?
9. Once everyone has cut halves, ask them to cut each half in half again, and to share the 4 pieces equally with their partners.
10. Bring the group back together and discuss the children’s process of sharing a whole lasagna equally. How did you share your lasagna? How many pieces did you each get when you shared halves? Did you measure your pieces against each other? What happened? What did you do if the pieces were not the same size? How many pieces did you each get when you cut your halves in half?
11. Congratulate the children on successfully sharing their lasagnas equally.