Book Title: Spaghetti and Meatballs for All! A Mathematical Story
Posted By: Renee Barrett
Author & Illustrator: Written by Marilyn Burns, Illustrated by Debbie Tilley
Recommended Grade Level: 5-6
CCSSM Standards:
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.G.B.3
Understand that attributes belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category. For example, all rectangles have four right angles and squares are rectangles, so all squares have four right angles.
Understand that attributes belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category. For example, all rectangles have four right angles and squares are rectangles, so all squares have four right angles.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.B.4.B
Find the area of a rectangle with fractional side lengths by tiling it with unit squares of the appropriate unit fraction side lengths, and show that the area is the same as would be found by multiplying the side lengths. Multiply fractional side lengths to find areas of rectangles, and represent fraction products as rectangular areas.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.4
Represent three-dimensional figures using nets made up of rectangles and triangles, and use the nets to find the surface area of these figures. Apply these techniques in the context of solving real-world and mathematical problems.
Find the area of a rectangle with fractional side lengths by tiling it with unit squares of the appropriate unit fraction side lengths, and show that the area is the same as would be found by multiplying the side lengths. Multiply fractional side lengths to find areas of rectangles, and represent fraction products as rectangular areas.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.4
Represent three-dimensional figures using nets made up of rectangles and triangles, and use the nets to find the surface area of these figures. Apply these techniques in the context of solving real-world and mathematical problems.
Summary: Mr. and Mrs. Comfort are planning a family reunion; they can't wait for the opportunity to feed their famous spaghetti and meatballs to the family, but they do not account for the fact that the rental company will not bring them enough chairs for the family, nor the fact that their family is larger than anticipated. How will they come up with enough room to accommodate everyone?
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Classroom Ideas: This book is ideal to teach perimeter and square units; they learn that area is the space a shape covers and that it is measured in units of length, which are often abstract and confusing for children. Spaghetti and meatballs for all teachers area and perimeter in a real-world context. The story helps children learn that shapes with the same area can have different perimeters.
Not only is this book ideal to for math, but it will help develop students' love of reading because it stimulates imagination, encourages questions and critical thinking. Some students may want to talk about the illustrations, some students may just want to know how it all works out in the end. Participation is key, let students direct the journey.
Children's learning can be extended by the following:
Cut out squares for cardboard or use small square tiles so that children are able to construct the different ways the guests were arranged in the story.
Go through the book again and helps students draw a picture of each new seating rearrangement and figure pout how many people could be seated at each. Use the words area and perimeter to talk about the size of each arrangement and the number of people it seats.
Use cardboard squares, tiles, drawings, manipulates etc., to investigate: what would happen if it were only 12 (and we knew for certain) people at the family reunion? What if any, different arrangements can be made? Which could use the least amount of tables? Which could use the most?
We could increase the number of tables to increase the challenge.
You can also use the tables/division to write equations in ratios or percentages: for example-what is the ratio of twins to non-twins, or kids to adults or boys to girls, etc.
Children's learning can be extended by the following:
Cut out squares for cardboard or use small square tiles so that children are able to construct the different ways the guests were arranged in the story.
Go through the book again and helps students draw a picture of each new seating rearrangement and figure pout how many people could be seated at each. Use the words area and perimeter to talk about the size of each arrangement and the number of people it seats.
Use cardboard squares, tiles, drawings, manipulates etc., to investigate: what would happen if it were only 12 (and we knew for certain) people at the family reunion? What if any, different arrangements can be made? Which could use the least amount of tables? Which could use the most?
We could increase the number of tables to increase the challenge.
You can also use the tables/division to write equations in ratios or percentages: for example-what is the ratio of twins to non-twins, or kids to adults or boys to girls, etc.
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ReplyDeleteRenee, I absolutely would love to read this book to my future students. Not only does this book teach students about perimeters and square units but I like how it made it fun. For example, students using manipulatives to construct different ways to arrange eight tables to seat the guests. In addition, not only does the book makes these concepts seem real, but most importantly, something that they will use in the future. Furthermore, you could use the book to help students use the appropriate cognitive skills to identify and resolve situations where no known solution is readily obvious. Figuring out the math will definitely motivate students and I believe that they will be totally engaged in the book and the activities that you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosemary. It's funny because these books that offer creative and engaging ways to teach mathematical concepts have been so helpful for me as well. I like your idea about using cognitive skills to identify and solve problems which seem "unsolvable." I like this idea of the "productive" struggle when it comes to math because when you reach a solution you truly feel like you've accomplished something great!
DeleteHi Renee,
ReplyDeleteIf I ever have the opportunity to teach math, I will definitely include this book into one of my lessons. The learning extension with the cardboard is very creative and hands-on. This assignment is very engaging and will give students of all learning abilities the opportunity to engage in conversation with their peers. Learning about perimeter can sometimes be very abstract for some students. This assignment will allow students to help the characters in the book accommodate their guests. This book will help take away some of the fears students might have on learning about dimensions. This book can also be used to introduce area and volume. Students enjoys when they are giving the opportunity to use what they have learned into their everyday lives.
Thank you for sharing Renee. I would love to read this to my class.
ReplyDeleteHey Renne,
ReplyDeleteThis book looks very interesting and engaging. When teaching complicated math topics finding books and activities to help the students understand should be our priority. By looking at the book cover, it looks very vivid and calling for students to learn about area and perimeter. So many students sometimes may ask "why do I need to learn this? When would I use it?" By using books that relate to the real life gives us a help for students that have similar questions. Finding books that students can relate to real life scenarios would make the material more understanding and relevant for students.