Math for All Seasons. Posted by Charles Glenn

Title: Math for All Seasons

Author: Greg Tang

Illustrator: Harry Briggs

Recommended Grade Level: 1-3

Common Core Mathematics Standards Addressed:

Work with equal groups of objects to gain foundations for multiplication.

• 2.OA.3. Determine whether a group of objects (up to 20) has an odd or even number of members, e.g., by pairing objects or counting them by 2s; write an equation to express an even number as a sum of two equal addends.
• 2.OA.4. Use addition to find the total number of objects arranged in rectangular arrays with up to 5 rows and up to 5 columns; write an equation to express the total as a sum of equal addends.

Summary: This book connects the yearly calendar with countable objects. Throughout the year during season changes and holidays, we find objects relating to each season, and are given the task of counting them. In the spring, we are counting tulips in bloom. In the summer, we are counting scoops of ice cream and dandelions. In the fall, we are counting pumpkins and ears of corn. In the winter, we are counting snowflakes and icicles. There is a pattern with counting each object. Sometimes we find ourselves counting by twos, threes or fives. At times, we are prompted to subtract, to find 0ut how many of each object there is.

Rating:***** I highly recommend this book. It helps to take away from the abstractness of numbers. It helps to give reasons to why we multiply. If we are able to multiply, we can collect data and count more efficiently.

Classroom Ideas: This can be an introduction to how we use math for data collection. We can also use this when we learn mathematics equations where multiple equations are used. If there are two rows of four pumpkins, and all have faces except for two, we can quickly multiply and subtract two. It gives meaning of (4x2)-2, beyond the numbers. Students are constantly seeking the relevance of their learning. Being able to make a connection with what they are learning, makes it interesting.