Give Me Half!: Understanding Halves (MathStart 2 Series)

by Stuart J. Murphy, G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)

Overview

“Kids, young and old, fall in love with math when they see how real-life and effortless it becomes thanks to these books.” —Kimberly D. Mueller, Ed.D., First Grade Teacher, Ashbrook School, Lumberton NJ

Give Me Half! is perfect for teaching halves to to first, second, and third graders. When a boy tries to eat a whole pizza without sharing half with his sister, it's not pretty. Of course, she isn't too keen on sharing her juice or cupcakes. With a little adult prodding, however, they soon learn the benefits of sharing and split everything in half, including clean-up chores. 

Kids will love the story and the funny illustrations by Brian Karas. Parents and other educators will love how the story and pictures make understanding comparisons a breeze—as well as the concrete examples of how math works! The book contains activities for adults to do with kids to extend math into their own lives! 

Math skills are life skills, and the MathStart series supports success!

• This award-winning series by Stuart J. Murphy teaches math through stories and visual models
• 63 books divided into three levels with 21 books in each
• Fun activities kids will love are included to help parents and teachers emphasize the lessons
• Engaging and relatable stories, with each story revolving around practical applications of the math concept presented
• Lively art from top-notch illustrators
• Charts and other visual representations help children understand how the math works and promote deeper comprehension

MathStart's unique combination of stories, illustrations, and visual models helps teachers and parents in the teaching of math and provides all children with the opportunity to succeed.

The math concepts taught in MathStart books conform to state and national standards. Level 1 is Pre-K–Kindergarten; Level 2 is Grades 1–3; Level 3 is Grades 2–4. The series follows math topics across grades so there is a foundational path to learning that runs through the levels.

Help kids with their math skills plus their reading skills with the engaging and fun MathStart series!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780064467018
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/01/1996
Series:	MathStart 2 Series , #1
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.09(d)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Stuart J. Murphy is a visual learning specialist. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he has a strong background in design and art direction. He also has extensive experience in the world of educational publishing. Drawing on all these talents, Stuart J. Murphy brings a unique perspective to the MathStart series. In MathStart books, pictures do more than tell stories; they teach math.

Stuart J. Murphy and his wife, Nancy, live in Boston.

G. Brian Karas has written and illustrated several award-winning children's books, including On Earth and Home on the Bayou: A Cowboy's Story, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Book. The picture books he has illustrated include Are You Going to Be Good?, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book written by Cari Best. Mr. Karas lives in Rhinebeck, New York.

Editorial Reviews

I have used the MathStart series with students and even with my own children for a number of years now. Stuart Murphy has written books that develop mathematical concepts for all who read and listen to them. To find these books accompanied by activities for both home and school is a gift for all learners.” — Jonathan Dueck Director, STEM Education Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Fresno, California

"No matter what is happening in the world today, the MathStart series takes an abstract concept and makes it real and concrete to the teacher, students, and parents that are reading and using them.  Kids, young and old, fall in love with math when they see how real life and effortless it becomes thanks to these books. Math is everywhere around us." — Kimberly D. Mueller, Ed.D. First Grade Teacher Ashbrook School Lumberton, New Jersey

"Each kid-engaging Math Start book is focused on a specific math concept, the vocabulary is age appropriate, and the story lines with delightful illustrations are easy for kids to follow. These books are a perfect springboard into a lesson or review of a lesson and should be read and read again!  Guaranteed Teacher and Child Approved." — Catherine Kuhns, M.Ed. National Board Certified Teacher, Early Childhood Presidential Award for Mathematics Teaching 1999 Teacher over 35 years (31 in Broward County Florida) 

"We are big Stuart J. Murphy fans. The MathStart books compliment our hands-on learning experience of making math meaningful. We keep a basket of MathStart books with our math manipulatives. Preschoolers act out the stories, master the vocabulary of math, and enjoy hearing the stories again and again." — Susan Fahey, Director Children's Care and Development Center, Inc. Lincolnwood, IL

  “I have owned/used Stuart J. Murphy books and been a “groupie” for a long time. His math books humanize math and make it relatable, which is essential in today’s world. Students must be able to connect with math now more than ever. The books promote the wonder in mathematics and connect math learning to real world experiences. That wonder will build future problem solvers. Stuart’s books are an energizing force in my school and with my teaching.” — Charyl Kerns Hills Elementary Math/ Technology Integration Specialist Keystone Technology Innovator 2015 Goodnoe Elementary School Council Rock School District Newtown, PA

From the Publisher

"Each kid-engaging Math Start book is focused on a specific math concept, the vocabulary is age appropriate, and the story lines with delightful illustrations are easy for kids to follow. These books are a perfect springboard into a lesson or review of a lesson and should be read and read again!  Guaranteed Teacher and Child Approved."

Catherine Kuhns

I have used the MathStart series with students and even with my own children for a number of years now. Stuart Murphy has written books that develop mathematical concepts for all who read and listen to them. To find these books accompanied by activities for both home and school is a gift for all learners.

Jonathan Dueck Director

"We are big Stuart J. Murphy fans. The MathStart books compliment our hands-on learning experience of making math meaningful. We keep a basket of MathStart books with our math manipulatives. Preschoolers act out the stories, master the vocabulary of math, and enjoy hearing the stories again and again."

Susan Fahey

I have owned/used Stuart J. Murphy books and been a “groupie” for a long time. His math books humanize math and make it relatable, which is essential in today’s world. Students must be able to connect with math now more than ever. The books promote the wonder in mathematics and connect math learning to real world experiences. That wonder will build future problem solvers. Stuart’s books are an energizing force in my school and with my teaching.

Charyl Kerns Hills Elementary Math/ Technology Integration Specialist Keystone Technology Innovator

"No matter what is happening in the world today, the MathStart series takes an abstract concept and makes it real and concrete to the teacher, students, and parents that are reading and using them.  Kids, young and old, fall in love with math when they see how real life and effortless it becomes thanks to these books. Math is everywhere around us."

Kimberly D. Mueller

Gr 1-3The concept that "_ and _ is 1" is presented using two bickering siblings who cannot share anything without parental intervention. Finally, the situation degenerates into a food fight, and the kids decide that if they each clean up half, they'll be done a lot sooner. Although the presentation of the math concept is clear and straightforward and the acrylic, gouache, and pencil illustrations are colorful and quirky, the singsong rhyme and lack of any real plot make this a less interesting choice than Pat Hutchins's The Doorbell Rang (Greenwillow, 1986). A list of suggestions for adults using the book with children follows the story.JoAnn Rees, Sunnyvale Public Library, CA

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