A fifth-grade math class at Holly Springs Elementary School was transformed into the ‘Flapjacks 
in Fifth Café’ recently as students applied their decimal and fraction knowledge, along with a host of other skills, in a real-world employment scenario.
The students welcomed teachers and staff to sit down and order from the menu of flapjacks and toppings while they ran the restaurant. All tasks were completed by these classmates as they hosted, took orders, prepped and cooked the food, served, figured the bills, took payment, ran the cash drawer and made change for their guests. And just in case you’re wondering…coupons were accepted!
Math teacher Katie Winslett said “learning money” was used in lieu of actual cash. “From calculating costs per item, applying coupons to the total, taking cash, giving change, measuring ingredients, to customer service...decimals became more than just numbers on a page,” she added.
The exercise provided students with an opportunity to develop and practice many skills in addition to the required math. “This hands-on experience made learning delicious (also sticky!) and engaging, while simultaneously helping students develop essential life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and community service,” said Winslett.