When Sheep Cannot Sleep, The Counting Book By: Satashi Kitamura

Posted By: Melissa Vasquez

Title: When Sheep Cannot Sleep, The Counting Book

Author: Satashi Kitamura

Recommended Grade Level: pre kindergarten – third

Common Core Learning Standards:  

 

KCC 3: Know number names and the count sequence.

Write numbers from 0 to 20. Represent a number of objects with a written numeral 0-20 (with 0 representing a count of no objects).

KCC 4a, b:

Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities; connect counting to cardinality.

a. When counting objects, say the number names in the standard order, pairing each object with one and only one number name and each number name with one and only one object.

b. Understand that the last number name said tells the number of objects counted. The number of objects is the same regardless of their arrangement or the order in which they were counted.

Summary: This book is about a sheep, named Wooolly that has trouble sleeping and begins to count animals and items.  He starts from object number one and works his way up to number 22.  The sheep takes a walk, makes something to eat, takes a bath before putting on his pajamas and finally falls asleep.

Rating: I rate this book a strong 4.  I think this universal counting book could be great for ages 3-8.  Since it is subtle in the counting approach children get to enjoy the story while learning counting and cardinality. The pictures keeps children engaged while the story is easy to follow.

Classroom Ideas: Children can count the items on each page.  They can draw the items and write a number to match the items.  The children can learn the base 10 and use counters as the story is being told.