The Doorbell Rang

Posted By: Rebecca Villacis

Title: The Doorbell Rang

Author and Illustrator: Pat Hutchins

Recommended Grade level: 3-4 

Common Core Standards addressed: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.2 Interpret whole-number quotients of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 56 ÷ 8 as the number of objects in each share when 56 objects are partitioned equally into 8 shares, or as a number of shares when 56 objects are partitioned into equal shares of 8 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a number of shares or a number of groups can be expressed as 56 ÷ 8.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.4 Determine the unknown whole number in a multiplication or division equation relating three whole numbers. For example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of the equations 8 × ? = 48, 5 = _ ÷ 3, 6 × 6 =?

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.B.6 Understand division as an unknown-factor problem. For example, find 32 ÷ 8 by finding the number that makes 32 when multiplied by 8. 

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.A.2 Multiply or divide to solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem, distinguishing multiplicative comparison from additive comparison.

Summary: This book is about a mom who bakes cookies that resemble her mother's (grandma's). At first, the two children in the beginning were able to share a full plate of cookies between the two of them, until the doorbell continued to ring and more house guests continued to arrive. They then had to continue to divide the cookies amongst the number of kids there were- until grandma arrived with more cookies to share!

Rating: **** I liked this book because not only does it provide a literary, easy-to-understand introduction to division, but it also teaches the social skills of sharing and family values.

Classroom Ideas: This book can make for many different cross-curricular activities. In the vein of Mathematics, I could use this book to introduce the concept of division to third graders. Although the book focuses mainly on the equation of (12 ÷ 2, 3, 4, and so on), I could use the story to create more complex problems that align with the standard: 

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.B.6 Find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to four-digit dividends and one-digit divisors, using strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.

I can also use this book to bring in hands-on activities to the students' mathematical problem solving. I could have students use manipulatives to visualize the division problems. I could also bring in homemade cookies, or have students bake the cookies themselves to really bring the story (and the math) to life. With respect to the family/ cultural aspects of this book, I could have students discuss culinary family traditions, i.e. special treats/ dishes that only their grandma or mother know how to make that mean a great deal to their families. This would allow me to take into consideration the students' cultural values to help make the material more accessible to them.