tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23485948379033706202024-02-20T13:11:47.870-08:00Beth's BookshelfBrowse my bookshelf for teaching ideas to integrate children's literature and elementary math. I'm just getting my 'books' organized, so I hope that you visit often to browse the new titles added to the shelves. You are welcome to add your own tips using the comments tool. As my collection expands, use the list of labels at the left to search past entries by math topic. Use the links at the right find other great resources that link math and literature.Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-73898212833438349432012-02-15T09:47:00.000-08:002012-02-15T09:47:54.324-08:00I'm movingBeth's Bookshelf has moved to <a href="http://bethsmathbooks.wordpress.com/">http://bethsmathbooks.wordpress.com/</a><br />
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I am in the process of moving the content to the new site. As soon as I am settled I will begin adding new posts about the wonderful pieces of children's literature that we all enjoy.<br />
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Thank you for your patience!Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-21785098701707718692012-02-09T20:34:00.000-08:002012-02-09T20:34:56.314-08:00Play nice!Ever since Blogger changed their interface I've been unable to get new book links to Amazon to work. [See the Nov 27 post--I can generate the HTML code at Amazon, it just doesn't appear correctly here.] It seems that Google and Amazon have forgotten how important it is to play nice. The frustration that developed as I attempted to figure out how to resolve the problem greatly contributed to the lack of new postings over recent months. If anyone reading this has advice for how to fix the problem I would appreciate hearing from you.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
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BethBeth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-33094095656241822692012-02-07T08:17:00.000-08:002012-02-07T08:26:22.230-08:00RebootFirst thank you to all of you who have stopped by to browse the bookshelf. I must beg your pardon for allowing the shelves to get a little dusty. This week I am brushing away the cobwebs and making room to add new titles beginning next week.<br />
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Thank you for your patience and understanding!<br />
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BethBeth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-1852624957092775352011-11-27T11:50:00.001-08:002012-02-16T08:42:26.303-08:00StuckOne of the 11 <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2011/11/21/best-childrens-books-2011/">Best Illustrated Books of 2011</a>, <i>Stuck</i> by Oliver Jeffers would not be at the top of my list of books that can be used to teach traditional math concepts. However, I think it is a fantastic book for conveying the value of perseverance and persistence in problem solving. The story begins with Floyd getting his kite stuck in a tree then proceeds with his comical attempts to throw a variety of different items into the tree in his attempts to dislodge the kite.<br />
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<b>TEACHING TIP:</b><br />
Read aloud <i>Stuck</i> to your students then discuss the attributes that helped Floyd solve his problem. For example, persistence, trying alternative solutions etc. Relate these attributes to solving math problems. Later, when student face a challenging math problem, remind them of Floyd.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399257373/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=bethsbook-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0399257373"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0399257373&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=bethsbook-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" ></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bethsbook-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399257373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
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<br />Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-32628184276207399192011-09-10T06:54:00.000-07:002011-09-10T06:54:19.086-07:00Eat Your Math HomeworkMy favorite new book for the math classroom is <i>Eat Your Math Homework Recipes for Hungry Minds</i> by Ann McCallum. Students won't report to class claiming their dog ate their homework with activities such as the ones McCallum has cooked up. These tasty recipes can be followed at home or at school for a tasty snack of milk and math.<br />
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The recipes begin with "Fibonacci Snack Sticks" where children learn about patterns and sequences with a side of math history as they skewer a variety of ingredients to create edible patterns. Other recipes including "Fraction Chips," "Tessellating Two-Color Brownies," and Probability Trail Mix" will have students coming back for seconds.<br />
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<b>Teaching Tip</b><br />
Invite parents to join the class and assist small groups of children as they cook up some math. <br />
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[NOTE: I've provided links to both the hardcover and paperback versions of this book. You may want the hardcover for you personal library. I suggest multiple copies of the paperbacks so you have at least one copy for each small group.]<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1570917795&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1570917809&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-47956037917095884522011-09-09T10:27:00.000-07:002011-09-09T15:52:13.047-07:00Teddy Bear MathWhile I was away for the summer break a new book found it's way to my desk <i>Teddy Bear Math</i> by Barbara Barbiere McGrath. This book can engage children in a delightful exploration of counting, estimation, sorting, addition and graphing. The rhyming verse encourages readers to grab handfuls of Teddy Bear Counters for a variety of activities. Even if you do not have a set of Teddy Bear Counters for children to use along with reading the book I think it is a great addition to your classroom library. <br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1580892833&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />
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An earlier book by McGrath, <i>Teddy Bear Counting</i> is a perfect companion to the new title. Together children will build Number Sense and develop counting skills.<br />
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<b>Teaching Tip</b><br />
Substitute beans as an inexpensive substitute for the teddy bear manipulative. I suggest dried white beans that can easily be spray painted red, yellow, purple, blue, orange and green then used for all of the counting and sorting activities.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1580892159&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0006PKZ7W&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0006PKZBI&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-29554506113261068482011-07-22T07:32:00.000-07:002011-08-16T12:18:12.688-07:00Ten Flashing Fireflies<i>"What do we see in the summer night?<br />
Ten flashing fireflies burning bright!<br />
Catch the one twinkling there<br />
Like a star.<br />
One flashing firefly in our jar."</i><br />
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One of my favorite childhood memories is sitting on my grandmother's porch at dusk waiting for the fireflies. Some nights all of the cousins would happily run around and try to catch them other nights we would lazily watch as in unison they seemed to float into the tree tops.<br />
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<i>Ten Flashing Fireflies</i> by Philemon Sturges beautifully depicts this summer ritual in an imaginative counting book that is the story of a brother and sister catching and counting fireflies then releasing them back into the night.<br />
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<b>Teaching Tip</b><br />
Counting seems such a simple concept from our adult perspective, but for the young child learning to count can be a daunting task. For starters they must learn the number names and the counting sequence, then it gets more complicated with concepts such as cardinality (knowing that the last number said identifies the total number of objects in a group) and stability (knowing that rearranging the position of objects in a group does not change the cardinality). To help youngsters master these complex mathematical ideas we must give them many opportunities to count. Reading books such as <i>Ten Flashing Fireflies</i> can help. Luckily, children often like books read to them over and over again, so each time we read with them we can ask questions that help them learn to count. First, have them count along with the characters. Then, ask them to predict what comes next. For example, when the children have three fireflies in their jar then catch one more ask how many fireflies are now in the jar. Have objects available such as beans, pennies or some other small item and have children use them to represent the fireflies. They can add a bean to a jar (or pile) each time another firefly is captured. After reading they can count the objects again and again.<br />
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What other ideas might you have for using <i>Ten Flashing Fireflies</i> to teach basic counting concepts?<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1558586741&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-63900241747466256372011-07-11T12:29:00.000-07:002011-07-11T12:29:24.280-07:00Welcome ISI ParticipantsToday I enjoyed a delightful morning with the <a href="http://illuminations.nctm.org/">Illuminations</a> Summer Institute participants talking about my favorite topics: children, mathematics and literature. Welcome to those of you who have found your way to my blog following the workshop.<br />
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During the session I mentioned that my favorite source for guidance and inspiration about the integration of math and literature are David and Phyllis Whitin. They co-authored <i>New Visions for Linking Literature and Mathematics. </i> It and the two titles David co-authored with Sandra Wilde (<i>Read Any Good Math Lately?: Children's Books for Mathematical Learning. K-6</i> <i>and It's the Story that Counts:More Children's Books for Mathematical Learning</i>) are fantastic resources. In my humble opinion the books are "must-haves" for every teacher's resource library. <br />
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In <i>New Visions</i>, the Whitins lay out a 4-part criteria that serve as a guide when selecting good math-related books. They believe the literature should demonstrate:<br />
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1. Mathematical integrity<br />
2. Potential for Varied Response<br />
3. An Aesthetic Dimension and<br />
4. Ethnic, Gender and Cultural Inclusiveness<br />
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There are literally thousands of pieces of children's literature to sift through before you find the gems that make good resources for the elementary math classroom. This simple criteria serves as a great tool for identifying great books.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0814133487&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0435083341&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0435083694&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-91083108144341955842011-07-09T04:47:00.000-07:002011-07-09T04:48:59.312-07:00Favorite books? Advice?Happy Saturday everyone! Welcome to all the new folks who have recently found their way to my bookshelf. Thank you for the e-mails that let me know you are enjoying your browsing. I welcome your comments, you can leave them here or write to me at bethsbookshelf[at]aol[dot]com <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0873534395&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />
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I would actually like to hear from you on something specific--this weekend I am preparing for a workshop that I'll give Monday morning to a small group of teachers who will be developing lessons for the <a href="http://illuminations.nctm.org/">Illuminations</a> site. I am always eager for an opportunity to talk about children's literature and mathematics. As always, I have already gathered far more books than I will be able to share during the two-hour session. Help me edit myself down so I focus in on the best of the best. When someone asks for suggestions on great book for teaching math concepts what are the top titles in your list? Do you have any advice as far as what makes one book better than another to use during your math lessons? <br />
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Today I'll leave you with a few sources for teaching ideas:<br />
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<i>The Wonderful World of Mathematics: A Critically Annotated List of Children's Books in Mathematics</i> is the first teaching resource for math related children's literature that I bought for my personal collection. Now in it's second edition, this book is analyzes the content of more than 550 titles. Chapters organize the books by math topic.<br />
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<i>Hand's on Math and Literature with Math Start</i> is a fantastic new series written by Don Balka and Richard Callan that is packed with great teaching activities and reproducibles that extend the mathematics found in Stuart Murphy's Math Start series. Of course Murphy's titles can always be counted on to engage children in math concepts. Now this series by Balka and Callan help you extend the investigations with more hands-on activity ideas that explore the math concepts with more depth.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1583242376&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1583242384&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1583242392&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-64100012120567462702011-07-04T16:32:00.000-07:002011-07-05T12:43:38.759-07:00Who sank the boat?<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=080503854X&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><i>Mr Grumphy's Outing</i> by John Burningham and Pamela Allen's <i>Who Sank the Boat?</i> provide the perfect excuse to splash around in a cool tub of water on a hot July afternoon. In both stories the characters pile into the boats until they reach maximum capacity and ultimately sink the boat. As each new character is introduced children can make predictions of what will happen next. After reading the book children can investigate the sinking scenario as described below.<br />
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Teaching Tip</b><br />
A lot of math and science can be explored with this activity. Give each child or small group a square sheet of aluminum foil (6" x 6") and ask them to shape the foil into a boat. Then children then place identical objects (marbles or bottle caps or pennies or paper clips etc.) into their boats until the boat sinks. The goal is to place the most objects into the boat before it sinks. <br />
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A detailed lesson plan for the foil boat activity can be found <a href="http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/science/sciber00/8th/forces/sciber/foilboat.htm">here.</a> Extend the lesson by having different students use different objects then chart the results. Which objects needs the fewest to sink the boat? The most?Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-62690028793883084992011-07-03T11:29:00.000-07:002011-07-03T11:29:24.876-07:00Patriotic MathLike everyone else I am taking a long-weekend to celebrate the anniversary of America's independence. In the meantime, here is a source for <a href="http://www.kidzone.ws/math/usa/index.htm">patriotic math activities</a>.Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-37369624944419462772011-06-27T12:03:00.000-07:002011-06-27T12:03:39.709-07:00Math Wizardry for Kids<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0764141767&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe> Although the school year has just ended and summer only officially kicked off last week, I've already heard from parents who are searching for ideas to help their children fill their vacation time with productive activities. First, planning a weekly trip to your local library is always a great idea. While at the library look for a copy of Barron's <i>Math Wizardry for Kids,</i> it is full of projects you can turn to respond to the child who is already lamenting, "Mom, I'm bored. I don't have anything to do!" <br />
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In <i>Math Wizardry for Kids</i>, authors Margaret Kenda and Phyllis S. Williams have have created a rich resource packed with dozens of creative projects that will not only keep children busy, but also encourage them to discover many of the mysteries and wonders of mathematics. The list of materials and clear directions are for each activity, accompanied by simple illustrations, empower children to work independently. I predict that many parents will enjoy completing projects right alongside their children.<br />
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<b>Teaching Tip</b><br />
Teachers will find <i>Math Wizardry for Kids</i> a handy resource for creative projects that students can do in and outside of class to reinforce math concepts and discover mathematical understanding for themselves. For example, Chapter 9 includes a project titled, "Build a Sun Clock." Students can use their sun clock to tell time as well as learn about measurement and angles.Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-30503127814300999762011-06-22T07:22:00.000-07:002011-06-22T07:22:45.864-07:00Let's Hear it for the Girls<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0452289491&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004E3XDE4&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe> Last week I read an interesting post over at the <a href="http://mathforlove.com/">math 4 love</a> blog. The posting, <a href="http://mathforlove.com/2011/06/when-girls-leave-math-and-what-to-do-about-it/">When Girls Leave Math and What to Do About</a> got me to thinking about books we can use that present girls as strong characters AND skilled in mathematics. <br />
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Danica McKellar, perhaps better known as Winnie Cooper from the television series "The Wonder Years" does a wonderful job of promoting girl math-power in <i>Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle School Math Without Losing Your Mind or Breaking A Nail</i> and <i>Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss</i>. Her third title in this series is <i>Hot X: Algebra Exposed!</i> and is scheduled for release June 28, 2011. [Note: <i>Hot X</i> is available for pre-order from Amazon.com, click the book link here to learn more or reserve your copy.]<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0452297192&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />
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McKellar's books are breaking down stereotypes and demonstrating that girls can and do make great mathematicians. Her sassy and witty style not only teaches math concepts it also encourages young girls to tap into their own undiscovered math potential. <br />
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I mentioned novels yesterday that are worth noting again, Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra and Do the Math #2: The Writing on the Wall by Wendy Lichtman who has created a young teenage heroine who uses math to solve life problem and mysteries.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0061229571&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=006122958X&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe> <b>Teaching Tip</b> <br />
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From time-to-time we should all do some personal reflection and examine our teaching practices. Are we guilty of reinforcing the negative gender stereotypes? As role-models do we send subtle messages that it is okay for girls not to understand math? Parents, when your child asks for math homework help how do you respond? Rather than comforting a daughter that struggles with math with comments such as "I wasn't good in math either" parents can begin to send positive messages with responses such as, "I don't know, let's find out together." After all, parents are the most important role-models of all.Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-34430630962080843132011-06-21T07:33:00.000-07:002011-06-21T07:33:21.682-07:00Official Start of Summer<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0393309347&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0805062998&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>The summer solstice has arrived, bringing with it the official start of the summer season. Yesterday we began or list of books for beach reading, long car rides, or simply reading while lolling in the backyard and sipping lemonade. On this day that is the longest day of daylight I hope that you and your children enjoy reading math. <br />
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Here are a few more titles to consider:<br />
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The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures</i> by Malba Tahan follows the travels and adventures of a mathematical wiz who uses his skills to settle conflict and give wise advice. <br />
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The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure</i> is a rich mathematical fantasy that reveals both the mystery and beauty of numbers using a relatable character for readers age 8 to 80.<br />
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In <i>Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra</i> and <i>Do the Math #2: The Writing on the Wall</i> author Wendy Lichtman has created a young teenage heroine who uses math to solve life problem and mysteries.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0061229571&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=006122958X&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />
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<b>Teaching Tip</b><br />
All of the books that I am listing this week would make good classroom read-alouds.Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-36125175947850183112011-06-20T09:04:00.000-07:002011-06-20T11:07:38.103-07:00Welcome Math Jokes 4 Mathy Folks fansWelcome to all of the first time visitors joining us today from <a href="http://mathjokes4mathyfolks.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/interview-beth-skipper/">Math Jokes 4 Mathy Folks</a>. <br />
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You might be especially interested in this post from last month, "<a href="http://bethsbookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-ten-things-can-you-always-count.html">What ten things can you always count on...</a>"? That just so happened to mentioned the runaway bestseller by Patrick Vennebush, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Math-Jokes-4-Mathy-Folks/dp/1934759481?ie=UTF8&tag=bethsbook-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Math Jokes 4 Mathy Folks</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bethsbook-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1934759481" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />.<br />
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I hope that you like what you see and bookmark this site so you can come back often.Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-26340059202201133562011-06-20T07:47:00.000-07:002011-06-20T07:47:05.645-07:00Fun Summer ReadingSometimes you just want to kick back with a good book and read. There are a number of books with a math bent that are also just plain fun to read. This week the summer soltice begins and many of us will be searching for books to read while soaking up the sun. Here are a few suggestions for books to tuck into your beach bag.<br />
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<i>Crimes and Mathedemeanors</i> by Leith Hatoutis is a delightful collection of short detective stories that will challenges teenagers and adults alike. The main character, Ravi, is a 14-year-old math genius who uses mathematics and physics to help the local detectives solve perplexing cases. <br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1568812604&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />
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<i>The Parrot's Theorem</i>, an International bestseller by Denis Guedj is an interesting cross between mathematical history and a murder mystery combined with a charming parrot that will discuss math with anyone.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0312303025&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />
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Finally, for younger readers, check out <i>The Great Number Rumble: A Story of Math in Surprising Places</i> by Cora Lee and Gillian O'Reilly. A book that aptly illustrates that math is indeed all around us.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1554510317&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-40217267478213288052011-06-17T11:35:00.000-07:002011-06-27T11:09:55.268-07:00KenKen Puzzles<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001KW08HC&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>For our final suggestions of fun resources to consider using while celebrating National Brain Training Week (June 11-17, 2011) we will look at KenKen puzzles. Just as with the magic square and sudoku puzzles discussed earlier this week, KenKen puzzles help children develop problem solving skills and number sense. Puzzles also help develop concentration. <br />
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Here are a few good sources of KenKen puzzles:<br />
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<i>Will Shortz Presents I Can KenKen! Volume 1: 75 Puzzles for Having Fun with Math</i> is recommended for children ages 9-12. Shortz has also published volumes 2 and 3 for the same age range of children. All of the titles in the series include a "Home and Classroom Guide for Parents and Teachers" written by Marilyn Burns.<br />
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KenKen puzzles are also available as a handheld game. <br />
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<b>Teaching Tip</b><br />
The bulletin board idea mentioned in the <a href="http://bethsbookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/06/sudoku.html">June 15 posing on Sudoku</a> can be adapted for KenKen puzzles.<br />
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As an alternative, instead of incorporating the puzzles we have talked about this week into classroom instruction, consider just having number puzzle books available for children to enjoy in their leisure time. Parents might consider having a few number puzzle books available in the car to occupy children on long trips. Magic Squares, Sudoku and KenKen are a great way for children to enjoy math with out any pressure. Let's always remember to create opportunities for children to enjoy the wonder and beauty of mathematics.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0312546416&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0312546424&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0312546432&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-71506380599877164032011-06-16T08:14:00.000-07:002011-06-16T08:14:08.973-07:00The Art of ScaleIn the spirit of full disclosure you should know up front that I have no books to share today. I'm taking a brief departure from the typical entry you find on this blog because I ran across two Web pages last night that fascinated me. I thought I would share them with you in hopes that you would know of a piece of literature or two that could be used along with these sites. I also hope that these resources inspire you to share your ideas for teaching scale.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lukejerram.com/glass/gallery/oval-swine-flu"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioraSOWbcUo8pXSQf_AlHLnH8QmnHwGaIDK9599f8LqGWscuLFkFkB7N4vYGeQ9u_XBs4CC-e7thMuq3Nrt6_HmloMD3Sc91ZIU8447GjgaezLzbCuct0dQrjKB1XuPNlfycoCRsXYzPQ/s1600/Swine_flu_sharp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioraSOWbcUo8pXSQf_AlHLnH8QmnHwGaIDK9599f8LqGWscuLFkFkB7N4vYGeQ9u_XBs4CC-e7thMuq3Nrt6_HmloMD3Sc91ZIU8447GjgaezLzbCuct0dQrjKB1XuPNlfycoCRsXYzPQ/s320/Swine_flu_sharp1.jpg" /></a></div></a> SOURCE: Image of Swine Flu from http://www.lukejerram.com/glass/gallery<br />
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The above photo is one example of the dozen or so unusual <a href="http://www.visualnews.com/2011/06/11/harmful-virus-made-of-beautiful-glass/">glass sculptures</a> created by <a href="http://www.lukejerram.com/">Luke Jerram</a>. Each beautiful piece is an authentic representation of some of the deadliest viruses on our planet. The sculptures are each about 1,000,000 times the size of the actual pathogen. <br />
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While exploring Jerram's <a href="http://www.lukejerram.com/glass/">Glass microbiology</a> site I found a link to Learn Genetics and a depiction that is a <a href="http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/cells/scale/">great illustration of scale</a> that can help you and your students comprehend just how small single cell organisms are compared to familiar items such as a coffee bean, grain of rice and a sesame seed.<br />
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<b>Teaching Tip</b><br />
I think both sites are great visual resources to use when teaching scale. What do you think? Do you see applications for these sites in your classroom? What resources and activities do you use to teach scale?Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-48402647305091526712011-06-15T08:15:00.000-07:002011-06-17T11:37:29.271-07:00Sudoku<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0312368429&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1402736029&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />
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Continuing with our look at number puzzles in observance of National Brain Training Week (June 11-17, 2011) today we look at Sudoku, the number puzzle that quickly went from something no one had every heard of, let along pronounce, to becoming a global phenomenon. The traditional 9 x 9 grid Sudoku is easily adaptable for a range of age and ability levels. Books such as <i>Will Shortz Presents the Monster Book of Sudoku for Kids: 150 Fun Puzzles</i> begin with a short introductory lesson on solving Sudoku and entry level 4 x 4 grid puzzles before advancing to 6 x 6 then the traditional 9 x 9 grid puzzles. <br />
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In <i>Sudoku Puzzles for Kids</i>, author Michael Rios also modifies puzzles for children by only using the digits 1 - 6 in his puzzles rather than the typical 1 - 9.<br />
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Sudoku is accessible to even the youngest students with puzzles like those found in <i>Kindergarten Sudoku</i> by Peter Kattan and <i>Sudokids.com Sudoku Puzzles For Children Ages 4-8: Every Child Can Do It. For Kids At Home or At School</i> by Jonathan Bloom.<br />
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<b>Teaching Tip</b><br />
Carol A. Buckley describes a clever use of Sudoko in her November 2008 article, "<a href="http://www.nctm.org/eresources/article_summary.asp?URI=TCM2008-11-208a&from=B">Using Sudoku Bulletin Boards to Teach Mathematical Reasoning</a>." Just as you can surmise from the article title, Buckley's idea is to create an interactive Sudoku as a bulletin board display. Using an enlarged 9 x 9 grid made of poster board mounted on a cloth covered classroom bulletin board, Buckley staples digit cards in the appropriate squares to replicate the given numbers of a puzzle she has selected from resources such as the books listed above. Velcro tabs are placed in the open spaces. Students use digit cards, with Velcro tabs on the reverse side, that Buckley makes available in an envelope positioned beside the grid. Throughout the day students can work individually or collaboratively to solve the puzzle. Once a puzzle is completed, Buckley can easily replace it with a new puzzle.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0615153348&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0620405937&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-7725973305848985632011-06-14T12:28:00.000-07:002011-06-14T12:34:47.539-07:00National Brain Training WeekIn observance of National Brain Training Week (June 11-17, 2011) here are a couple of books that will give you and your students a good brain work out. What better way to put your mind through the paces than with number puzzles?<br />
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First let's ponder the challenges in magic squares. In <i>Before Sudoku: The World of Magic Numbers</i> Seymour S. Block and Santiago A. Taveres take readers on an engaging tour through time from the earliest appearance of the magic square (some 4,000 years ago in Ancient China) through modern times. <br />
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While <i>Before Sudoku</i> is more appropriate for high school students and adults, younger students will enjoy reading <i>Ben Franklin and the Magic Square</i> by Frank Murphy. <br />
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<i>Benjamin Franklin's Numbers: An Unsung Mathematical Odyssey</i> by Paul C. Pasels may be most appropriate for the mathematicians among us.<br />
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Teaching Tip<br />
Try this <a href="http://www.keithschwarz.com/mathtricks/magic.php">Magic Square Generator</a> students can use to create puzzles to share. Or select one of these <a href="http://www.worksheetworks.com/puzzles/magic-squares.html">classroom ready worksheets</a> of magic squares built from whole numbers, fractions or decimal numbers.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0375806210&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0691129568&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0195367901&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-86282854511367188312011-06-09T07:21:00.000-07:002011-06-09T07:21:51.800-07:00Hubert Horatio Bartle Bobton-TrentWOW! How would you like to have that name? Hubert Horatio Bartle Bobton-Trent is a delightful character created in the mind of author Lauren Child. The humorous plot is along the lines of the classic parent/child role-reversal. Hubert Horatio's irresponsible socialite parents are squandering the family fortune. In his efforts to save the day the charming and resourceful Hubert learns that money isn't nearly as important as family. <br />
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<b>Teaching Tip</b><br />
Young readers will enjoy this tale that can be used as a starting point for conversations about money. If you want to follow the book with a continuation of the lessons on identifying, counting, and exchanging coins that we touched upon yesterday I suggest the "<a href="http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=217">Coin Box</a>" activity found on the Illuminations site. The activity was inspired by the article "<a href="http://www.nctm.org/eresources/article_summary.asp?from=B&uri=TCM1999-01-264a">Teaching the Value of Coins</a>" published in the January 1999 issue of <i><a href="http://www.nctm.org/publications/tcm.aspx?id=8590">Teaching Children Mathematics</a></i>. In the article authors Randell L. Drum and Wesley G. Petty Jr. address the fact that coins are nonproportionate models in terms of the value they represent and offer alternative, proportionate models that can be associated with each coin.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000FDFWEQ&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-48074921767370025502011-06-08T06:43:00.000-07:002011-06-08T06:43:06.091-07:00A dime doesn't buy as much as it use toI've had money on my mind lately...not because of the economy, but because I've found myself in various conversations about children and money. Specifically, the topic has been concern that children are exhibiting increasing difficulty counting and exchanging coins. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that as our society evolves and depends more and more on digital commerce children have less and less opportunity to see the use of coins modeled in everyday life.<br />
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<i>"Clink, clink, clink, clink...Clink, clink, clinkity... Money saved in a bank makes your brain think-thinkity!"</i><br />
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In <i>You Can't Buy a Dinosaur with a Dime</i> author Harriet Ziefert uses rhyming verse to tell the story of Pete and his experience in earning, saving and budgeting his allowance. Readers can join him as he saves, spends, and strategizes over future purchases.<br />
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<b>Teaching Tip</b><br />
If possible, provide children with an assortment of real coins to model the actions of Pete as they re-read the book. Encourage students to begin to save coins and create their own spending and saving plan.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1593545916&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-91177233284236937632011-06-07T10:56:00.000-07:002011-06-07T10:56:28.738-07:00And the winner is.........Jen! Congratulations!!!! <br />
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Using the random number generator on <a href="http://random.org">random.org</a> Jen was selected as the winner of the book <i>Learning Algebra with Pizza</i> by Dawn McMillan. Jen was one of the people that left a comment on the June 2, 2011 entry: <a href="http://bethsbookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/06/more-than-pizza-and-brownies.html">More than Pizza and Brownies</a>. Thank you Jen and everyone else who joined the conversation!<br />
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Congratulations Jen! You have one week to e-mail me at bethsbookshelf[at]aol[dot]com with your mailing address so I can send out your prize. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqquDn0EZe-Y1o89RmmdBHD8sPHPI-uPHsmQJUhtgwUpuZaH8kLYwnBoUyI8fka4YaTRuXerh7HJPAaXQz8_uqG_EO-BRDf4_lnn8U-_InxD9IjsKwaMjR_C1WaBmgDeWTor8mbNMZzw/s1600/random+winner+June+7+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqquDn0EZe-Y1o89RmmdBHD8sPHPI-uPHsmQJUhtgwUpuZaH8kLYwnBoUyI8fka4YaTRuXerh7HJPAaXQz8_uqG_EO-BRDf4_lnn8U-_InxD9IjsKwaMjR_C1WaBmgDeWTor8mbNMZzw/s200/random+winner+June+7+2011.jpg" /></a></div>Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-46367194305950050342011-06-06T07:03:00.000-07:002011-06-09T10:26:53.426-07:00Growing PatternsIn April I shared several <a href="http://bethsbookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/04/0-1-1-2-3-5-8-13-21-34.html">books and ideas</a> for learning more about the Fibonnaci sequence. Here is one more title to add to that collection, <i>Growing Patterns</i> by Sarah Campbell. Using stunning photographs, Campbell explores the appearance of the Fibonacci numbers in nature. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLSwCVy4iuJp6hTflZf0Vm2yw3ySWB26Db-NpXiBuBphh0SqOBWc3MFNTsymnp5_fHMO2rNrzZKH08KHX0uYnlMWCXbLLMFP3XVEv4C2wdEfaXCNFCqPmwrb_JtW26FZ58J2O4YenW4Q/s1600/sunflower-detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLSwCVy4iuJp6hTflZf0Vm2yw3ySWB26Db-NpXiBuBphh0SqOBWc3MFNTsymnp5_fHMO2rNrzZKH08KHX0uYnlMWCXbLLMFP3XVEv4C2wdEfaXCNFCqPmwrb_JtW26FZ58J2O4YenW4Q/s200/sunflower-detail.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Interestingly, the progression of the photograph layouts represent a Fibonnaci spiral. The text begins with a very simple pattern and advances to more complex mathematical concepts.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=bethsbook-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1590787528&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><b>Teaching Tip</b><br />
If possible bring an assortment of flowers, seed heads, fruit etc into the classroom for students to examine. <br />
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Discovery education offers an <a href="http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/numbers-in-nature.cfm">excellent lesson plan</a> that includes a set of <a href="http://static.discoveryeducation.com/feeds/www/media/pdf/Lesson-Plans/numbersnature.pdf">activity sheets</a> that can help guide students as they investigate Fibonacci numbers found in nature.Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348594837903370620.post-21723355957919521312011-06-03T08:24:00.000-07:002011-06-03T08:44:37.915-07:00Book GiveawayDon't miss your chance to win a free book by commenting on my June 2, 2011 blog post. The contest rules are re-capped below:<br />
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<b>Let's talk</b><br />
I want to begin a dialogue with my readers so that I can learn from you and tailor blog entries to your instructional needs. To kick off the conversation I decided to offer a bribe, er I mean incentive, to encourage you to post a comment. Post a comment to yesterday's post by Monday, June 6, 2011 and you'll be in a drawing for a copy of Learning Algebra with Pizza by Dawn McMillen.<br />
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Here are the giveaway rules:<br />
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1. Leave one comment to the June 2, 2011 post anytime between now and Monday, June 6, 2011 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. You are limited to one entry. The contest is limited to US residents only.<br />
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2. For this contest, I will pick one winner at random from the comments section of this post. The comments will be numbered in the order they are received, i.e. the first comment is #1, the second #2, and so on. The Random Integer Generator at random.org will be used to pick the number of the winner.<br />
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3. The contest winner will be posted by Wednesday, June 8th. The winner will have one week to email me to claim their prize.Beth Skipperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424490023601623612noreply@blogger.com0