What if we changed the book? Problem-posing with “Sixteen Cows”
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=815
A lesson plan for grades 3–5 English Language Arts and Mathematics
In this lesson that combines children’s literature and mathematics, students are challenged to observe a text and make changes in order to create math problems. After hearing the story read aloud, students are invited to brainstorm some literary and mathematical observations from the story. Once the teacher models how to fill in a problem solving graphic organizer using the mathematical information from the book, students are engaged in a problem solving activity that poses “what if” questions about the text. Then students solve their own problem based on an observation they made during the reading. Readwritethink provides several graphic organizers, sample work, and resources for the teacher in addition to suggesting extension activities and providing links to web resources.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
English Language Arts (2004)
Grade 3
- Goal 3: The learner will make connections through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.
- Objective 3.01: Respond to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes by:
- considering the differences among genres.
- relating plot, setting, and characters to own experiences and ideas.
- considering main character's point of view.
- participating in creative interpretations.
- making inferences and drawing conclusions about characters and events.
- reflecting on learning, gaining new insights, and identifying areas for further study.
- Objective 3.01: Respond to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes by:
Mathematics (2004)
Grade 3
- Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will model, identify, and compute with whole numbers through 9,999.
- Objective 1.06: Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation, estimation, calculators or computers, and paper and pencil.
Grade 4
- Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will read, write, model, and compute with non-negative rational numbers.
- Objective 1.05: Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation, estimation, calculators or computers, and paper and pencil.
Grade 5
- Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will understand and compute with non-negative rational numbers.
- Objective 1.03: Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation, estimation, calculators or computers, and paper and pencil.
