Sheila Brune

Geometry and Measurement

Topics

: Two and Three dimensional shapes, measurement
proportions

Grade level

: Third

Objective

: After reading the book


Flat Stanley


the
students will be able to determine the difference between two
dimensional and three dimensional shapes.

Materials

: Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown New York: Harper
& Row, 1964

toothpicks, gummy candy, marshmallows, pieces of clay, starburst
candy, construction paper, scissors, various two and three dimensional
shapes

Book Review

: An enormous bulletin board falls on Stanley
Lamchop and squashes him flat as a pancake. Stanley is now 4′
tall, about 1′wide, and ½ " thick. The story tells
how Stanley;s life changes because of his new proportions, and
his adventures while his brother, Arthur, figures out how to return
Stanley to his former proportions.

Activity

:

Introduction: In small groups have the students construct a
paper model of Stanley using the measurements given in the story.

1. Have the students determine other things that are ½ inch
   thick and list them on the board.
2. Discuss the idea of being only ½ inch thick and have
   students decide if Stanley could really stand by himself using
   the dimensions given in the book.
3. Then proceed to discuss how Stanley changed throughout the
   book. Introduce the concepts of two and three dimensional shapes
   using numerous objects as manipulatives. Have students brainstorm
   lists of these two types.
4. Once students grasp the two concepts, have the students make
   edible models of three dimensional models using the candy listed.
   The students can share their models and then eat them when they
   are finished.

Extension Activities

: The students can create their own
"Stanley story" and make a model of their character
using their dimensions.

Source

: Braddon, Kathryn, Hall, N., and Taylor, D.


Math
Through Literature


, (1993 ), Englewood, CO., Teacher
Ideas Press