The idea of this assignment is to help you to see that math and children's literature are easily integrated. Many children's books have themes or plots which lend themselves to mathematical investigations.

What to do:

1. Look through a variety of children's books. The best books to use are those that are not blatantly mathematical. Choose a book that you enjoy and think kids will enjoy. If you need some suggestions for books, try internet searches for "math and literature" or see me. I have several reference books which discuss ways to connect children's literature and mathematics instruction. There are also examples of how children's literature can be connected to mathematis in our text. BE SURE TO KEEP TRACK OF ALL SOURCES you use to complete this assignment.

2. When you have a book or two in mind, brainstorm several mathematical topics appropriate for grades 2-6 that may stem from that book. Choose a mathematical topic that you have NOT already covered in a lesson plan. You may use outside sources to help you come up with ideas. For example, the journal Teaching Children Mathematics (available in our library) has many articles on how literature can lead to mathematical discussion and learning. There are also several texts in our library which discuss ways to integrate children's literature and mathematics.

3. Once you have decided on related math topics, come up with ONE SPECIFIC math activity related to the book you chose. Again, you can use texts from our library or other sources for ideas. YOU SHOULD NOT DO A REVIEW ACTIVITY LIKE ADDITION BINGO OR MAKING A COUNTING BOOK. Also, please do not use a book that promotes a product (like the M&M counting book or a Pokemon adventure book).

You should choose a quality children's book and plan an activity that will help children develop NEW knowledge about mathematics.

4. Write a COMPLETE, DETAILED lesson plan. Please use the department's lesson plan format and make sure you include EACH of the following:

• Objectives (what do you want students to learn);
• a detailed description of what will happen during the lesson INCLUDING:
  • how you will introduce and present the book to students,
  • a summary of the book;
  • how you will transition from the book presentation to the math activity;
  • and how you will (1) introduce, (2) conduct and (3) wrap-up your math activity.
• some means for evaluating students' learning from your activity;
• a discussion of how you might adapt this lesson for students facing learning challenges;
• the NYS Learning Standards (both ELA and MST) supported by this lesson (make sure you describe the specific performance indicators related to each standard; don't just give numbers);
• a brief discussion of why you believe the lesson supports the standards you chose;
• a reference page with appropriate APA citations you used in planning the lesson (including the children's book you used and the Standards).

Grading will follow the rubric below:

An "A" lesson plan will:

• Have all required elements, which are of high quality.
• Be well-written with few grammatical and mechanical errors.
• Demonstrate significant thought and/or creativitiy in organizing the plan.

A "B" lesson plan will:

• Have most of the required elements, which are of high quality OR have all required elements which are of average quality.
• Be well-written with only minor errors in spelling or grammar.
• Demonstrate thought in the creation of products.

A "C" lesson plan will:

• Have some of the required elements, which are of high quality. OR have most or all of the required elements of mediocre quality.
• Be written satisfactorily with some problems in style, grammar and/or spelling.
• Demonstrate minimal thought in creation of the products.

A "D" paper will have significant problems and will require a meeting with the instructor.

Feedback:

If you wish to get feedback on your lesson plan, please submit to me a week in advance of the due date. I will have the lesson plan back to you in 48 hours.

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