Math/concept books and math/literary books can be very helpful when teaching kids about math.
The book I have chosen to discuss today is…
Illustrated by John Manders
Book info:
- Age Range: 5 – 8 years
- Paperback: 40 pages
- Publisher: Candlewick; Reprint edition (July 10, 2007)
Teaches:
- Doubling/multiplying by two in a fun way: I enjoyed how the McFay brothers were twice as big as the one before.
- Shows weight: Minnie can barely hold the serving tray once Papa McFay orders.
My review: It was well written and had beautifully clever illustrations. I enjoyed how the story flowed and the illustrator did a great job of portraying size and proportion.
Math related activities to do with this book…
- Look at the pictures and ask questions: How many of the pies are the same on each tray? How big would papa be if he was twice the size of his oldest son?–Would he be able to fit through the door?
- Talk about doubling and possibly exponents and binary numbers: What would happen if we doubled this a few more times?–Would those orders even fit in the restaurant? Show how they doubled in this book 1×2=2, 2×2=4, 4×2=8…
- Make some food and weight it: When making dinner salads or pies, take time to weigh them and calculate how heavy 4 salads or 8 pies actually is!
Have you enjoyed this book? How have you taught math with it?
Can you think of some activities to do with it?
great job on the blog, Lucy!! I love how you made one right after our workshop. We'll have to update your business card to include your blog addy 🙂
Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
That book looks like it would be fun for a child to read. As an adult, it just makes me hungry! Lol. I might consider getting it for my niece tho.
I'll have to check this one out. There are tons of books on addition and counting, but I admit this is the first I've seen that deals with multiplication, which my son is very interested in, though they aren't doing it in school yet.
Good luck with the A-to-Z!
Shannon at The Warrior Muse
Welcome to the A to Z Challenge!!
As a former math teacher, I'm intrigued by the book, though I taught middle school.
Welcome to the A-Z Challenge and the world of blogging! It's going to be quite the initiation for you…so hang on tight!
Tina @ Life is Good
Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
@TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge
That's funny they make you hungry : ) I have some math books that have food in them and my sister calls them "tummy teasers."
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Thanks for your comment and following me. My 2nd grader loved this book almost as much as I did. Hopefully, as my blog progresses you can get some hands-on activities to do your son : )
Thanks for following me Tina! What math levels did you teach in middle school–pre-algebra? algebra? geometry?
I tend to lean my teaching target to the advanced 6-year-old to about 10/11 year-olds. I believe kids can handle some pretty complex math if done in a hands-on way so they grasp the concept behind the formulas and memorization.
I might touch on subjects that are a little more advanced, but mainly I love promoting mathematical exploration.
Hi – just stopping by from Arlee's to say hello – looking forward to your A-Z posts
Lx
Blogging AtoZ @ChickLitLove
Hopped over from Arlee's blog – glad I did! It's great to meet you. This book looks like a wonderful resource. I occasionally tutor in math and will have to keep it in mind. Thanks for the info! 🙂
Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! I'll be stopping back to check on your A post soon! This is a great way to have a theme and really get some ideas going, too!
Hello! I found you over at Arlee's blog~ I love that you share math on many levels and make it interesting! I love your theme~
Nice to meet you 😀
Hey Lucy, nice to met you.
I know a very bright 6 year old, who would love to read this book. Always looking for ways to keep her engaged.
Hopped from Arlee's blog, welcome to the A-Z challenge, good luck! I wish I had some of this type of book to read when I was a kid, would have helped so much with application and fully fleshing out the ideas behind the numbers! Love it. 🙂
What a great idea. I never thought about getting my son books to help with his math, just with his reading.
Duh.
Welcome to the blogging world. Don't worry, we only bite if you ask nicely!
Heather
Thanks! I hope you come back and enjoy the other activities I will be posting as the days go by : )
Love the idea of the book. I want to read it and use it.
That would be great!