Many elementary students do not like math. They find the subject dry, boring and repetitive. That’s why the book Super Sand Castle Saturday by Stuart J. Murphy is a great introductory book about simple math concepts (ie: measuring). In this book three diverse students are competing in a sand castle building contest. Who can build the tallest tower, the deepest moat, and the longest wall? Each student measures their castle with a specific tool (using their shovel, spoon, or feet). In the end, the castle the students thought was the tallest, because of the differing measurement tools, was not always the winner when measured by a consistent measuring utensil (a tape measure).
At the end of the book the author gives teachers/adults helpful activities and suggested questions to discuss to continue learning about measurement concepts. This book is both fun and educational. If I had a young classroom I would definitely use this book and others in the series to help introduce my students to math in a fun and entertaining way!
At the end of the book the author gives teachers/adults helpful activities and suggested questions to discuss to continue learning about measurement concepts. This book is both fun and educational. If I had a young classroom I would definitely use this book and others in the series to help introduce my students to math in a fun and entertaining way!
Wow! What a lovely "Google Alert" to find in my inbox this morning. I work with Stuart J. Murphy, the author, who is currently traveling but will no doubt be delighted to see this. btw, here is the Super Sand Castle book page on our website: http://tinyurl.com/c44b76
ReplyDeletecheers and thanks!
Janet for Stuart
http://StuartJMurphy.com
I never liked math in elementary school either. This book seems like it would be good to read to find ideas for fun activities to do with students. I like that the book is fun and educational!
ReplyDeleteThis books is not only a great book to read to elementary school students like you said, but I think it gives teacher the idea to explore teaching beyond the class room. I loved when my teaching in elementary school would take us outside, on a field trip, or to the playground to learn. It makes learning more fun for students, but it also shows how you can relate what you learn in school to real life. It shows students there is a reason for what they are learning!
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