Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons

Book Title: Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons

Author: Eric Litwin

Mathematical Concepts and Language:

• Subtraction
• Quantity: More/Less
• Problem Solving
• Number Recognition: representation 
• Estimation
• Math Language: How many are left?

Questioning:

Before:

• Does anyone have buttons on their clothing?
• How many buttons are you wearing?
• What do buttons do?
• Game: put 5 objects in circle, take some away (ask: how may are left? how many did we take?)

During:

• How many buttons do you see?
• What do you think will happen next?

After:

• What can he do now?
• Use class examples: if ___ loses a button, how many will be left? What if they lost 2 buttons?

Extensions/Provocations (Small Group, Learning Centres, Whole Group, Transitions):

• Dramatic Play: incorporate clothing and materials with buttons
• Provocation: on a table or in sensory bin - add buttons and trays for sorting
• Small Group: create different problems and invite students to act them out using manipulatives/buttons
• Playdough: add buttons as a loose part 
• Small Group/Provocation: sorting buttons (size, colour, shape)
• Art Studio: burlap and buttons (opportunity to sew)
• Small Group (fine motor focus): take turns drawing a card and doing up that many buttons