Subjects
Language Arts
-- Literature
Mathematics
-- Geometry
Grades
Brief Description
In this lesson that integrates literature (The Math Curse by Jon Scieszka) and math, students create geo-critters (geometry critters) from four shapes.
Objectives
Students
recognize the geometric shapes parallelogram, trapezoid, right triangle, and kite.
recreate the geometric shapes parallelogram, trapezoid, right triangle and kite.
Keywords
math, geometry, literature, The Math Curse, Jon Scieszka, parallelogram, trapezoid, right triangle, right angle, kite
Materials Needed
- four large cardboard cutout shapes (parallelogram, trapezoid, right triangle and kite) of different colors
- construction paper with the four pre-printed shapes of different sizes on it
- a copy of the book The Math Curse by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
- scissors
- glue
- geometric shape boards with pegs and rubber bands (optional)
The Lesson
Anticipatory Set
Display the cardboard shapes at the front of the class. Then say: “Things in our environment are made of these shapes. Can you find any of the shapes anywhere in our classroom?”
Teaching/Presentation
Display the four shapes for all to see. Ask students the following questions about each shape. Develop a list of descriptive words about each shape.
Point to the first shape. Can you describe this shape without saying its name? Write the words the students come up with on the board.
Finally, ask for the name of the shape. If students cannot come up with the name, tell them and write the name above the shape on the board.
Ask students to help you create a list of objects that are the same shape (up to 10 objects).
Introduce New Vocabulary
adjacent: across from
congruent: same
parallelogram: a shape with two parallel sides, opposite angles and opposite sides are congruent
trapezoid: a shape with exactly one pair of parallel sides
right triangle: a triangle with one ninety degree angle
kite: a shape with two distinct pairs of adjacent sides that are congruent
Checking for Understanding/Guided Practice
Read aloud the story The Math Curse by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. While reading, have the students do the following things:
Watch for the four shapes in the pictures of the story.
Recreate all of the shapes on the same pegboard with rubber bands. (optional)
Save the recreations so the teacher can check for understanding.
Independent Practice
Have students use the four shapes to create a geo critter from construction paper.
Have students write about their creations. (Adjust expected quantity of writing to your grade level.)
They should also include a description of the shapes they used and what parts of the body those shapes represent on the critter.
Closure
Allow students two minutes each to present their creations to the class. Encourage the use of new vocabulary. Hang critters in the hall for visitors to enjoy.
Accommodations:
Dictate sentences for any student that has reading difficulties.
Allow students with writing difficulties to dictate their sentences.
Assessment
Students
watch for and identify the four shapes in the pictures of the story.
recreate all of the shapes using rubber bands on pegboard. (optional)
save the recreations so the teacher can check for understanding.
Submitted By
Loretta Greenough, University of Idaho in Coeur D'Alene
Education World®
Copyright © 2007 Education World
04/12/2007
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