1+1=5 and Other Unlikely Additions by David LaRochelle - Blogged by Angela Minichiello

Title: 1+1=5 and Other Unlikely Additions
Author: David LaRochelle
Illustrator: Brenda Sexton
Recommended Grade Level: K-2

Common Core Mathematics Standards Addressed: Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Measurement and Data, Counting and Cardinality

Summary: This book makes you think outside of what you would normally think. With a title, 1+1=5? I had to see what this was about. So how can 1+1=5, if you add 1 set of triplets + 1 set of twins = 5 babies! That had hooked me right in! It is a fun read to try to come up with how can you get that answer? This will expand a child’s imagination and not to take everything at face value.

Rating:**** I recommend this fun book to help children to think critically and with problem solving. The illustrations in the book are fun and bright. It will catch the eyes of the students especially counting to see if it is true!

Classroom Ideas: Before I start reading the book I would have the students guess what the title might be. Then during the read aloud I would have children predict what the equation could be. After the book is read, students can come up with their own crazy equations. They can be peered up and they would have to create one. Then we can share our equations with the class! It will be a fun way for the students to learn to think outside the box!