More M&M's Chocolate Candies Math

                     

Title: More M & M’s Brand Chocolate Candies Math

Author: Barbara Barbieri McGrath

Illustrated by: Roger Glass

Recommended Grade Level: Kindergarten- 5^th Grade

Common Core Mathematics Standard:  Grade 1

Measurement & Data1.MD.4 Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; ask and answer questions about the total number of data points, how many in each category, and how many more or less are in one category than in another.

Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice:

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP5- Use appropriate tools strategically

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4- Model with mathematics

Summary: This story is about yummy M&M candies. This book is great for children that are starting to count, distinguish different colors and shapes. This book educates reader’s numbers from one through twelve, six colors by using the M&M chocolates, and three main shapes (triangle, circle, and square). Because the illustrations in the book only focus on six colors, there isn’t a lot of mixture or diversity of colors. The book teaches reader simple math problems and they can also apply that to real M&M candies.

Rating:  (5 Stars) I highly recommend this book because it has several important mathematical connections for students. The story provides a real-life mathematical problem for students to relate to. In addition, the rhyming and illustrations teach children mathematical skills and concepts such as estimation, graph interpretation, division, multiplication, factoring and problem solving.

Classroom Ideas: Using the M&M's book as a learning tool helps confusing concepts become concrete. Furthermore, using the candy for a math activity is motivating for the child. Use these delicious treats to help your child with concepts such as estimation, graphing, factoring, division and multiplication, and problem solving. The book contains simple instructions, colorful illustrations, and some help from the friendly M&M men. All who participate are sure to enjoy the quick and yummy clean up.  You can vary this activity by using Skittles, Gummy Bears or according to the holiday or unit you are exploring at the time (for example: Jelly Beans at Easter, Conversation Hearts on Valentine’s Day). Also, you can have the students make patterns or make shapes using their edible manipulatives.