poem "One Inch Tall" from the book Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Mathematical strand:

Measurement

Topic:

Students will use the terms: ratio, proportion, and measurement in their description of the life of a person one inch tall

Grade level:

6-8

Lesson Created by:

Marie Green, Susan B. Anthony Middle School, Manhattan, KS.

Lesson Description:

Materials

• The poem "ONE INCH TALL" from the Book - Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein, graphic organizer, paper
  

1. Launching the lesson (engage):

1. Read the poem "ONE INCH TALL" from Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
   
2. Talk about what the experiences of a one inch tall person might be (Think-Pair-Share - ask the student to think for one minute about what it might be like, then share their thoughts with the 4 people in their group, then take notes about what they will write about)
   

2. Developing the lesson:

1. Have students share with the entire class their thoughts about the differences they might encounter if they were a much smaller size.
   
2. Now introduce the terms: ratio, proportion, measurement
   
3. Once again discuss the obstacles they might have
   
4. Introduce the idea of advantages that they might have.
   

3. Closure/Discussion/Elaboration

1. Pose the question: What kind of day do you think you would have if you were suddenly a much different size?
   
2. Do we treat others differently if they are a different size? Do we have different expectations of them?
   
3. Students are to write a 3-paragraph essay telling about their imaginary experiences of being only 1" tall. Instructions are: Write a 3-paragraph essay that describes the experiences that you might encounter if you were truly one inch tall. Please be certain to use the terms: ratio, proportion and measurement in your writing.
   
4. It would also be wonderful if you could also use the term percent. To help you get started, use the graphic organizer.
   

Remember for a 3-paragraph paper:

• Paragraph 1 -Introduction is where you tell what you're going to talk about. Assume the reader has no idea what you're writing about.
  
• Paragraph 2 is the body of the essay. It includes a topic sentence and the supporting details.
  
• Paragraph 3 is the conclusion. It refers to the introduction.
  
• It would also be special if you were to illustrate your essay with an appropriate sketch.