math mentor texts

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!  I just came home from brunch with my mother-in-law and am now relaxing before I go back out for a late lunch with my stepmother.  In the meantime, I'm linking up with Collaboration Cuties to share some of the mentor texts I use in my math classes.

The first mentor text I'd like to share is Math Curse by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.  

I always read this book in September as part of our "Let's get excited for math" lesson.  Afterward, I challenge the kids to try to solve all of the problems and always get a couple who take me up on it.  It's fun to watch them stick with it when the math gets really high level, but they are so proud of themselves when they finish.

The next is Multiplying Menace, The Revenge of Rumpelstiltskin by Pam Calvert.

 

I love to read this book to introduce our multiplication unit.  It has a great story line and the kids like to call out the answers as we read.

And finally, The Multiplying Menace Divides also by Pam Calvert.

Since our division unit comes directly after our multiplication unit, the kids are always excited to read this sequel.  The story lines are similar enough that they can enjoy the familiarity between the two, yet different enough to keep them entertained.

Can't wait to check out what everyone else uses and get some great ideas for next year!  

Have a great Sunday everyone!

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social studies mentor text

Today I am linking up with Collaboration Cuties to share a Social Studies mentor text.  

Mayflower 1620 is a book that highlights what life was really like for the Pilgrims.  It is written in collaboration with researchers from Plimoth Plantation and National Geographic.  

The kids love to read this book because it shows both the Pilgrims' and Native Americans' sides to the story. We stop at certain points and debate from each group's point of view.  They learn how the different cultures interpreted the other's actions according to their own beliefs and the tension it created.  The book also has recipes of dishes that were served at the first Thanksgiving.  Some are similar to what we eat today while some are very different!

In addition to reading this book, we watch "The Mayflower Voyagers (This is America Charlie Brown)," which is entertaining but also pretty historically accurate!

Can't wait to see what everyone else uses for mentor texts and get some great ideas!