Perfect Square

Book Title: Perfect Square

Author: Michael Hall

Mathematical Concepts and Language:

• Measurement: passage of time
• Shapes (shapes within shapes)
• Patterning
• Mathematical Language: square, equal, corners, attributes, flips, turns
• Days of the Week
• Different Perspectives

Questioning:

Before:

• What do you think the story is about?
• How do you feel when you look at this book?
• What do you wonder about the cover?
• How many shapes can we make out of a rectangle? (provide students with actual rectangle and scissors)
• What is a shape?

During:

• After seeing the square as a fountain, can they predict what will happen next to the square?
• How did it change colour? 
• Who is changing the square?
• On "Friday" - is this a square or a rectangle?
• What other shapes can we find in the book?
• How can we be positive in any situation? How can we embrace a challenge?

After:

• Why do you think this book was called "Perfect Square"?
• Why did the square make himself a window?
• What other shapes could you use? What could you make?

Extensions/Provocations (Small Group, Learning Centres, Whole Group, Transitions):

• Art Studio: display the text and - add coloured paper, books, zig zag scissors, hole punches, scissors, glue, drawing materials
• Learning Centre Provocations/Materials: tangrams, Osmo, pattern/attribute blocks (on table or light table)
• Classroom Book: using illustrations or photographs of different creations
• Shape Hunt: in school, classroom, community
• Provocation: display book and variety of loose parts that are different shapes (e.g., shower rings, nuts, bolts, toothpicks, sticks)
• Small Group: give students a square or rectangle and challenge them to make as many shapes as they can