Teachers in Tiaras

Shel Silverstein’s The Missing Piece is a phenomenal children’s book. I had actually never heard of it until this summer when my best friend told me about it (it’s her favorite book ever). I love the themes and symbolism that touches my heart and is a little too deep for my elementary schoolers. I’ve been dying to find a way to incorporate this book into the classroom and after a little research I finally found how to use it for math and ELA in the EC classroom.

After reading the book, discuss with the class what the main character’s motive was. Then, provide all of the students with five or more circles with a piece missing of all different sizes. After giving the students time to examine their almost circles, give the missing pieces. Have the students find the matches. In ELA, this is assessing their ability to listen and comprehend the story and directions for the activity. In math, the students are identifying, matching, and solving whole shapes.

You could switch it up by giving some students only one or two circles with missing pieces and other students with the missing pieces. Include patterns on the circle and piece in order for the students to find their match.

I found this here! There are lots more great ideas at this site, too!