Counting on Frank



COUNTING ON FRANK

Posted by Kenneth Utate

















Title: Counting on Frank
Author and Illustrator: Rod Clement
Recommended Grade Level: Grades 2 – 5

Common Core Standards Addressed:
 CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.3
Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.

CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.1
Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system of units including km, m, cm; kg, g; lb, oz.; l, ml; hr, min, sec. Within a single system of measurement, express measurements in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit.

Summary: Counting on Frank follows the titular character, Frank, as he uses mathematical concepts and hypothetical scenarios for varying aspects of his daily life. Counting and proportion are major themes for the book and is presented in a humorous manner.  After the story concludes, Clement provides word problems that require three operations: addition, subtraction and multiplication. Compounded with zany illustrations and an amusing story, this book is a must have. Counting on Frank is a useful resource for math teachers everywhere!

Rating: ***** Rod Clement is a gifted author and illustrator. As evident in this book, he is able to present mathematical concepts in an amusing way. Counting on Frank is a children’s book first and a math resource second, which makes it all the more effective.  Younger students can be enticed through the bizarre imagery and story, but also learn some math as they follow Frank’s day.

Classroom Ideas:  This book provides an abundance of learning opportunities. In the hands of an effective teacher, Counting on Frank is an extremely valuable resource. From a mathematical perspective, this book discusses measurements, addition, proportion, subtraction and multiplication. The examples the book uses are everyday household items such as canned food, clothing and appliances. One idea is to have students come up with their own proportion scenario and present the math behind their examples. Another idea is a class activity where students can bring in their own item from their home and formulate their own counting problem. Lastly, an idea reminiscent of child theorist Jean Piaget, students can test out an example from the book. For instance, Frank had to correctly guess the number of jelly beans in a jar to win a trip to Hawaii. Here, students can answer jelly bean-jar problem on their own.

Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 12, 2018 at 8:16 PM

    Kennny,

    I Think you made a great book selection! It looks like this book can be used for a wide range of grades as well as a variety of math lessons which is an excellent plus. If children become comfortable with this book, teachers can continue to refer back to it in their lessons throughout the year, or even in the following grade.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMarch 13, 2018 at 4:10 PM

    Hey Kenny,

    The book sounds great! I love the fact that it is also humorous because the idea of math usually isn't. I must applaud your classroom ideas, the fact that students are able to formulate their own problems with items they brought from home is interesting. I would be curious to see what they bring. It also allows for them to become masters of their own work, which is something they don't get everyday.

    ReplyDelete

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