Give Me Half

Book Spotlight: Give Me Half

Welcome to the STEMHAX Book Spotlight. Today, we are exploring Give Me Half written by Stuart J. Murphy. The book introduces children to the math concept of half.

Kids will enjoy reading this book over and over again. A physical copy of Give Me Half is recommended.

HINT: Kids can utilize the YouTube read aloud, in this post, at a listening center or quiet activity for early finishers.

Overview

Are you teaching a math lesson on fractions? Introducing children to the concept of halves is fun. Give Me Half is part of the MathStart series, I use the book as an into before doing any hands on explorations. A brother and sister do not like to share. Dad encourages the kids to share equally. Eventually it turns into an all out food fight.

Give Me Half – Read Aloud

 Exploring Give Me Half 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.

• What are some toppings you like on pizza?
• Why is it important to share?
• How do you feel when someone doesn’t?
• What is a fraction?

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

• How would you share your pizza or cookies?
• Why is it important to share?
• What might have happened if they split all the food in half?
• What was your favorite part of the story?

Vocabulary

• Half – two equal parts of one whole.
• Whole – in an unbroken or cute state; the entire object.
• Equals – of the same measure; two of the same.

Extend the Lesson

Next, sharing some additional learning resources such as the videos below and an understand halves math center, is a simple way to extend the literacy based learning, through other academic disciplines.

Understanding Halves Math-Center & Puzzles

This simple packet includes some of the book exploration questions in this blog, a sorting game for a center featuring halves and wholes, and a few other games. There are some simple word wall cards, an easy crossword puzzle, and a word search. Available on TPT website.

Here are some videos to help reinforce halves.

Fractions Halves and Quarters

First, this video from LearningVids4Kids YouTube Channel. Young learners will be entertained by learning how to share a pizza equally.

Paper Plate Pizza Fractions

Next, is a great hands-on craft for learning through play. Depending on the grade level of your children and the lesson. Have them make paper plate pizza fractions.

Supplies

• Small paper plates
• Paint
• Markers
• Scissors

This activity crosscuts with art, and your kids will have fun.

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FREE Read Aloud Book Report

Need accountability in a listening or iPad center? Check out this easy FREE Book Report available in my TPT Store CLICK===>HERE for Download. 

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