On October 27, 2025, Clarkdale Elementary School hosted its second annual Pizza Pop-Up Shop as part of an effort to teach first-grade students economic concepts in a practical setting.
First graders participated by creating their own pizzas using ingredients grown in the school garden. The event was held in the school’s media center, which was set up to resemble a pop-up pizza shop. Groups of three students worked together at individual tables and used a small portable oven to bake their creations.
Teachers incorporated various academic lessons into the activity. First-grade teacher Unique Duffy explained, “In the classroom, we’ve been learning about shapes, equal shares, spending and saving, economics, and jobs, so they knew this was their job. They had to create a logo, a business name, and they made commercials in Canva with our innovation teacher, so they knew exactly what to do.”
Students sold their pizzas to parents using play money provided by the school. This exercise required them to calculate prices and make change for customers. First grader Erin described her experience: “We went to the garden, grabbed the produce, and it’s been fun to make the pizza.” Another student named Isaiah shared what he learned from participating: “I learned that we could save it or spend it.”
The Pizza Pop-Up Shop is designed not only as an engaging activity but also as an opportunity for students to apply math skills and understand basic economic principles while involving parents in their educational process.
