Math-Literature Connection: Pezzettino

Pezzettino by Leo Lionni is a great introduction to the concept of area as how many small squares cover a surface.  In this book, small squares are used to create the characters.

• After reading the book, have students use color tiles or paper squares to first estimate how many squares will cover an object then actually use the squares to measure the object. 
• Students can also create their own Pezzettino characters using colored construction paper squares.   The class discussion should focus on comparing the "sizes" of these Pezzettino characters based on their area or the number of squares used to construct each character.  

Download the Pezzettino Characters handout and squares template.   The squares template can be used to copy squares onto construction paper that has been trimmed to 8.5 x 11 inch size to use in a copier.   Ellison pattern block square cutouts will also produce small squares from construction paper.

Calculation Nation

NCTM's Illuminations site includes Calculation Nation.  Students may play the games to challenge themselves, playing against the computer, or they may challenge another online player. 

The games practice multiplication facts, factors, prime numbers, area, perimeter and other upper elementary through middle school concepts and skills.  All games add an element of strategy so that students are prompted to try several possible moves before selecting the best move that garners the most points.  Students won't realize they're really doing math as they PLAY these games and they'll keep playing to try to improve their scores and beat the computer or their online opponent.

Add this free resource to your online sites and encourage students to practice regularly.  They may enjoy playing each other, parents, older siblings or students from other schools.