caps for sale

CAPS FOR SALE A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business

POSTED BY Trisha Palmer

Title: Caps For Sale A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business

Author and Illustrator:  Esphyr Slobodkina

Recommended grade level: pre-k-6

 Common core standards addressed:

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1
Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.¹

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.2
Solve word problems that call for addition of three whole numbers whose sum is less than or equal to 20, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6
Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14); decomposing a number leading to a ten (e.g., 13 - 4 = 13 - 3 - 1 = 10 - 1 = 9); using the relationship between addition and subtraction (e.g., knowing that 8 + 4 = 12, one knows 12 - 8 = 4); and creating equivalent but easier or known sums (e.g., adding 6 + 7 by creating the known equivalent 6 + 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13).

Summary: Caps for sale is about a peddler who was selling caps for fifty cents. One day the peddler walks carefully up and down the streets, balancing a huge pile of caps on top of his head. He decided that he was going to stop for a while and take a nap under a tree, with the caps still balanced on his head. While he is asleep, some mischievous monkeys steals every one of his caps, except for his own checked cap. When he wakes up, he tries to get back his caps and was successful after many attempts.    

Rating: I rate this book 4 stars because children are able to learn about the different genre within the story such as, classics, fables, folktales, myths comedy and humor.  From reading this book children will be able to learn addition, subtraction, multiplication pattern and sequence.  Additionally, children will be able to learn the concept of money skills and incorporate it into the real world.

Classroom ideas:  this book teaches the fundamental aspect of pattern, sequence, addition and subtraction. By counting and sorting the hats, students will be able to develop cognitive thinking. Also students  will be able to solve word problems such as, if the peddler has ten hats, and three monkeys takes two, how many hats are left. Students will be able to use the SmartBoard or manipulatives to solve the problem.  If there are ten hats and each monkeys have one, how many monkeys are there. Another mathematical problem children can learn is counting money and learning the value.  If the peddler sells two hats and each hats worth 50 cents how much money would the peddler get. To solve this problem students will be able to use coins and manipulatives. The mathematical lesson in this book can be use for pre-k to grade 6. Teachers can also use modifications for individuals with disabilities, by encouraging them to use visuals and hands on activities to help with fine motor skills.