For my math 3213 class we are required to choose a children's book and create a math lesson plan using the book. I chose a book called 12 Ways To Get To 11 by Eve Merriam.

This book is excellent for helping children learn how to count in twos and threes and so on. It starts out by counting to twelve, but leaving out eleven and asking where's eleven. Then throughout the rest of the book you count to eleven using two or three different objects. For example picking up nine pinecones from a forest floor and two acorns, equaling eleven. This book can help chilren understand the concept of adding and subtracting better.

mAtH LeSsOn pLaN

AgE gRoUp: pre-school (3 & 4's)

iNtRoDuCtIoN: To begin my lesson I would first introduce the book to the children and read it once. Then I would explain the concept of adding different things and still getting the same number. While explaining this I would show examples from the book. Then i would let the children take turns counting all the examples from the book.

MaTeRiALs: glue, scissors, construction paper, cut-outs of shapes, animals, etc. (in the book there are rabbits, flowers, cars, apples, frogs, turtles, stars, and others)

AcTiViTy: When explaining a math concept to young children it makes the experience more meaningful if you incorporate some sort hands on activity to go along with it where they can explore and interact with their surroundings. I would give the children each a piece of paper and let them each count 11 different shapes of objects from the book or allow them to make their own to glue on their paper. The point is to teach them that there are several different ways to get 11.

RaTiOnALe: This activity would help the children practice counting and adding and also encourage creativity.

For more lesson plan ideas you can visit Elaine Young's Children's Literature Page!