Bake Shop Play in Sunset View Classroom

As a dedicated kindergarten teacher, Cecily Clark has found an innovative way to teach her students math and basic economics through play and imagination. With the help of a Mini-Grant from The Provo City School District Foundation, Clark purchased a small bakeshop stand and a play cash register for her classroom. This new addition has quickly become a favorite among her young students, offering them a fun and interactive way to practice valuable skills.

The bakeshop stand and cash register are more than just toys. They serve as tools for learning, allowing students to engage in hands-on activities that reinforce their understanding of numbers, counting, and money. Clark’s students use the play equipment to “buy” and “sell” baked goods, which has opened up opportunities for learning in ways traditional methods might not.

In the first week of using the bakeshop, Clark utilized the stand as a “fast finisher,” a technique to reward students who completed their classwork early. The impact was immediately noticeable: a long line of eager kindergarteners formed in front of her to get their turn at the stand. Though the reward was strong, it acted as much more than a simple motivation. Instead of simply enjoying the pretend play, the students engaged on a mathematical level. 

It was clear that Clark understood her students and their needs on a deep level. Her students were practicing math without even realizing it, reinforcing their counting skills and understanding of basic economics. The interactions between the children as they traded play money for cupcakes and cookies provided real-world learning experiences that would last far beyond the classroom.

The success of the bakeshop didn’t just happen because the equipment was engaging—it happened because Clark knew exactly how to tune into her students’ curiosity and natural sense of wonder. She was able to seamlessly incorporate learning into their play, creating a space where children could be themselves while still developing important life skills. It’s this type of connection that makes Clark’s teaching so effective. She knows how to make learning fun, and that’s exactly what makes it stick.

For many children, the foundation of basic math skills comes from these early experiences. By incorporating play, Clark is making those early lessons memorable and impactful. Her students aren’t just learning to count or make change—they’re learning how to think, solve problems, and engage with the world around them in a hands-on way. The bakeshop isn’t just a classroom prop; it’s a gateway to curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world.

Clark’s approach to teaching is working. Her students are not only mastering the basics of math, but they are also learning the value of hard work and resourcefulness. As they continue to engage in the imaginative play that Clark fosters, they’re also building the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

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