POSTED BY ALFONSINA ACOSTA
Title: Give Me Half!
Author and Illustrator: Stuart J. Murphy, G. Brian Karas
Recommended Grade level: Grades K-2
Common Core Standards Addressed:
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.1 Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3.B Recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions, e.g., 1/2 = 2/4, 4/6 = 2/3. Explain why the fractions are equivalent, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.
Summary: This book is about two siblings who learn simple mathematics through the value of sharing. The mathematical concept they learn is division by half. In the end, through sharing the siblings become closer and help each other cleanup.
Rating: ***** This is great book because the illustrations are simple but clear. It teachers children the value of sharing, team work, and simple mathematics such as fractions.
Classroom Ideas: This book can be used as an introduction to teach mathematical concepts such as fractions, addition, and division. Students can tell their own personal story about a time they had to share food, a drink, toys etc. Have them use words such as divide, equal parts, addition, half, whole and share. This would help them understand this new concept by relating it to their past experience. Have the students use manipulative to demonstrate the scenario they want to explain. Wth this book not only can children relate to the characters in the book (having that annoying sibling) but, it also exercises their social skills because it teaches them to share at a young age.
This seems like a great book to read when starting a lesson about fractions. Children can easily relate to sharing food with their siblings and sometimes their peers. By using the prior experience of food sharing children will understand the concepts of ‘half’ or dividing. It is also a plus that this book teaches sharing which some young children have trouble with. One can even bring in foods or as you stated use manipulative to understand this concept more visually. This is a great book, Alfonsina!
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