Math Lesson in Literature

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses how Eric Carle's 'The Grouchy Lady Bug' may be used as a first grade math tool. The writer notes that although a number of printed and Internet sources have already expressed how to adapt this book for student exercises in mathematics and literature, this book shows itself amenable to other lessons a teacher devises, directly from the book in relation to what the curriculum must cover. The writer concludes that in its seeming lack of limitation for grade one learners, and others, the book can be strongly recommended to teachers accustomed to using literary and visual sources in the teaching of elementary mathematics.

Outline:
Introduction
Class Activities
Examining the Text
Concluding Remarks
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"To generate interest in a book that will be used for a number of lessons, learners can be helped to talk about the ladybug in general. Some Grade One students will say that they have seen one, and others can state words they would use to describe a ladybug to someone who had never seen one. Other students will answer questions as to how large a ladybug is in relation to other things in the room, reinforcing ideas of larger than and smaller than, the teacher framing questions that can be answered in simple responses of "Yes" or "No". Grade One students will giggle when asked if a ladybug is larger than the teacher's chair, or smaller than a speck on the ceiling, if it would fit in the teacher's pocket or handbag, or if a ladybug is larger than a cat? If the teacher had a pet ladybug, would he need to take it for walks?"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carle, Eric. The Grouchy Lady Bug - a Children's Story of Friendship. NY: Harpercollins, 1996. IBSN: 0060270888.
• Hellwigg, S.J., E.E. Monroe and J.S. Jacobs. "Making Informed Choices - Selecting Children's Trade Books for Mathematics Instruction." Teaching Children Mathematics. November. (2000): 138-143.
• Roth-McDuffie, A.M. and T.A. Young. "Promoting Mathematical Discourse through Children's Literature." Teaching Children Mathematics. March. (2003): 385-389.

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