A Fly on the Ceiling (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4)
Step into reading. A step 1 book Series
What’s inside...
Recognized as the father of analytic geometry, René Descartes was a French mathematician and philosopher. Kids will love this funny and very accessible tale - based on one of math's greatest myths - about the man who popularized the Cartesian system of coordinates.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Matt felt when he discovered he could use pictures to solve math problems?
Why do you think the author chose a fly to help Matt with math?
What are some ways that you use your imagination to solve problems?
Can you think of a time when you felt confused like Matt, and found an unusual way to understand something better?
If you could draw anything to help you with your homework, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to understand your child's perspective on Matt's struggles and breakthroughs.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their personal experiences with learning or problem-solving.
Ask your child to draw a picture of a problem they recently solved, discussing the creative process and how it helped them.
Invite your child to explain the concept of using visuals for learning, reinforcing their understanding and confidence in explaining ideas.
Celebrate creative thinking and reassure your child that finding unique solutions to problems is both fun and valuable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The main character, Matt, uses creative thinking and problem-solving to tackle the challenge of understanding math concepts, particularly Cartesian coordinates. Through his imaginative journey, he learns to visualize and solve mathematical problems in a unique way.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving techniques in their own studies and challenges, learning to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to difficult problems they encounter in school or daily activities.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Persistence
Explanation: Throughout the book, Matt struggles with the concept of math but he doesn't give up. His persistence is rewarded as he finally grasps the concept by visualizing it in a way that makes sense to him.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of persistence in learning and mastering new skills, encouraging them to keep trying even when they find something difficult. This can be applied to any academic subject or any other skills they are learning.
Example Lesson: Learning Through Visualization
Explanation: The story demonstrates how visualizing a problem can help make a complex concept understandable. Matt visualizes himself on the ceiling to grasp Cartesian coordinates, which helps him understand the concept better.
Real-World Application: Children can use visualization techniques to tackle complex information or problems in subjects like math, science, and reading, making it easier to comprehend and remember information.
Example Lesson: Confidence in Learning
Explanation: As Matt begins to understand math through his unique approach, he gains confidence in his abilities. This boost in self-esteem is an important aspect of the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children to have confidence in their abilities to learn and understand new concepts, which can lead to a more positive attitude towards education and personal growth.