Jack the Builder (Counting On)

Book Spotlight: Jack the Builder

Welcome to the STEMHAX Book Spotlight. Today, we explore Jack the Builder written by Stuart J. Murphy. This is a wonderful introductory book for children to explore the math concept of counting on. The book helps children to understand counting from another point other than at the number one.

Kids enjoy reading the same book over and over again. A physical copy of the book is highly recommended for the first reading of Jack the Builder.

HINT: After you have introduced and explored this book, kids can utilize the YouTube read aloud in a listening center or quiet activity when they have finished their work.

Overview

Counting on can be confusing for young learners. Showing children that there is a shortcut and they don’t have to always start from the number one can be a challenge. This book is such a fun way to share with your kids how to count on. Jack is the only character in the book. He builds different STEM style objects with his blocks as he counts.

Counting On – Read Aloud

Exploring Jack the Builder with Young Learners

First, start with a book cover inspection. Show children the cover of the book and ask, “what do you think this book is about?” Follow this with some open ended questions to get their minds warmed up.

• Have you ever played with blocks?
• What are some things you can build with blocks?
• What are some of the shapes of blocks?
• What is a rocket?

After reading the book for the first time, ask more open-ended questions. Remember there are no wrong answers. Some questions might include:

• What are some of the things Jack made with his blocks?
• Why do you think Jack counted from the blocks he already had?
• How did Jack feel when his creation fell over?
• What do you think Jack will build next time he counts on?
• What were some of the patterns you noticed in the story?

Vocabulary

We have a book companion packet that works perfectly with this book. CLICK ===>HERE to explore a preview in my TPT Store. It will coordinate with any counting on theme or book.

• stack – a pile of objects, neatly arranged.
• tallest – taller than all the other like objects.
• ferryboat – a boat to take passengers or objects a short distance.

Fun Fact

In 1950, the tallest building in the world was The Empire State Building in New York City. It stands at 1,250 feet tall. As of 2024, the tallest building is Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It stands at 2,717 feet tall. Over the past 74 years the difference in building height has grown a difference of 1,467 feet. More than double the height!

About the Author

Stuart J Murphy is a man who had a vision and dream about helping young learners to see math through contextual learning. He wanted to create books for children though visual learning and real world experience, so “They could see the math!” – excerpt mathstart.net. Stuart J. Murphy went to school for illustration and design at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

Since his first published book, he has thrilled children with more than 50 books. These learning tools are categorized into three levels, Jack the Builder is a foundational book and classified as a level one book. Thank you, Mr. Murphy! Your books have helped many children with learning math concepts through visualization. I have personally used many of your books over the years to teach children.

Extend the Lesson

Getting kids to move throughout the day is important. This video by Jack Hartman can be a dual purpose. Use this video as a way to stand and stretch. Kids can shout out the numbers. It might make adults crazy, but it is effective in helping young learners to reinforce the concept of counting on.

Counting on Song

Mr. R’s songs for teaching is a kids favorite. Your young learner will enjoy this cute and sweet song about counting on.

Hands On Exploration

This video will help to explain how to add by adding on using a number line.

Counting On Center

Use this packet as a hands-on reinforcement to the lesson.

More FREE Counting On Resources

Here are some amazing free resources from some of my peers at TPT. Simply click on the image to visit the Teachers Pay Teachers website for the download.

This free math printable from “Paiges of Learning” has three different sheets. Perfect for differentiation with your students.

If you are teaching or reinforcing the concept, counting on, during the Thanksgiving holiday, this is a perfect math center.

HINT: Laminate and use it over and over.

Free Read Aloud Book Report

Use this to free book report to have consistency with your listening center. It is generic and can be utilized with any book.

Thank You

We appreciate you taking the time to learn about this fabulous read aloud book Jack the Builder. Please consider following our YouTube Channel for more read aloud books relating to academic interest subjects.

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