Title: Missing Mittens

Author: Stuart J. Murphy

Illustrator: G. Brian Kara

Recommended Grade Level: 1st

Common Core Mathematics Standard:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.A.1: Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.1

Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.A.1

CCSSM SMP4 Model with mathematics.

Summary: This story takes place on Farmer Bill’s farm during the winter season, where he realizes that every animal is missing one mitten. As you read the story you learn about the concept of even and odd numbers. At the end of the story Farmer Bill and his animals find out who the culprit is.

Rating: ***** I recommend the book “Missing Mittens” because it incorporates the concept of subtraction and odds and evens. The book has visuals in which it benefits students who are visual learners. It also rhymes in which can grasp children attention.

Classroom Ideas: This book could be used with several mathematical concepts including subtraction, odds and even. Students can use manipulatives to figure out which items are even or odd. Using a hands on activity can make the lesson engaging and they can retain information longer.  A picture reading can be done before reading the book. Students can make predictions on what is going to happen next in the story.