Polar Bear Math: Learning About Fractions from Klondike and Snow

I am a second grade teacher. This book had great picts and storyline, but the fractions became overwhelming-this is appropriate for the end of third to fourth grade.

I just love this book! As a reading teacher, I am constantly looking for books to read to and with my students in grades three,four,and five. My third grade students absolutely love bears and can't read enough about them. I am going to read and discuss this book with them regarding the subject of bears, connecting it to what they already know. Then I will work with their classroom teachers on fractions using the charts in the book. I purchased every book in the series and can't wait to use them. The trick is to find out what interests the children and then adapt all lessons to the theme. I use animals to teach about the continents, map skills, reading, writing, science, and math. I am going to use the Tiger book next and read Mother to Tigers aloud to them. I also have the students read the Magic Tree House Books that match the animals of the various continents. Douglas Florian's poetry books about animals also bring a fun element to the lessons. My struggling readers often turn out to be the best readers in their class!

One early morning, a polar bear gives birth to two little polar bear cubs at the Denver Zoo. The two babies, later named Klondike and Snow, are both cold and weak, and poor little Klondike has a cut on his head. The Mother soon abandons both babies, leaving the zoo staff to raise the cubs on their own. However, it is not as easy as it looks, for the staff are confused about many things, such as what foods will give them the nutrients they need, and how much they should eat. However, once learned, the staff quickly turn the cubs into healthy young bears who swim and play on their own. Now it's your turn, for you are going to learn fractions as you follow the zoo's staff on their quest to raise Klondike and Snow from cubs to full-grown bears. I have been an avid fan of Klondike and Snow since I first heard about them a few years ago. Their journey from cub-dom into adult-hood has always intrigued me, so when I came across POLAR BEAR MATH, I knew that I just had to have it. Children will be happy to learn fractions, as at the same time they will have the chance to see how a group of zoo-workers raise abandoned animals, while at the same time be treated to marvelous photographs of the bears at play. This is a wonderful new learning tool that will please everyone. Teachers, adults, and children alike. Erika Sorocco Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper