When I Am Bigger: Counting Numbers Big and Small
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
When I Am Bigger is a beautifully illustrated skip counting book that takes young readers on a journey through numbers up to one hundred, reflecting a child's expanding universe. The follow-up to Maria Dek's When I Am Big, this book challenges readers to count objects in non-sequential order in twenty-one whimsical scenarios, such as creating dance moves, building snowmen, and planning camping trips. It not only teaches counting but also imparts lessons on self-awareness, independence, and giving back, making it an ideal read for adventurous young learners ready to explore the world of numbers.
Age
4-7
Length
46 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is your favorite number in the book and why?
How do the big numbers in the book make you feel compared to the small numbers?
Can you think of a time when you used big or small numbers in real life?
What do you imagine you could count if you had 100 of something?
How do you think the numbers in the book help us in everyday life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use enthusiastic and expressive tones when discussing the numbers to make the topic more exciting.
Relate the numbers to the child's daily life, like counting toys, steps, or snacks to make the concept more tangible.
Encourage the child to use their fingers or physical objects like pebbles or blocks for counting to enhance understanding.
After reading, engage in activities that involve numbers, such as baking (measuring ingredients) or playing games that involve counting.
Praise efforts in counting and number recognition to boost confidence and interest in learning more about numbers.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the concept of size and measurement
Explanation: The book uses a variety of objects and creatures both big and small to teach children how to differentiate between sizes which is a fundamental mathematical skill.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge in everyday situations, like comparing sizes of fruits, toys, or even portions of food, helping them make practical decisions based on size.
Example Lesson: Counting and number recognition
Explanation: Through engaging illustrations, 'When I Am Bigger' introduces numbers in a fun way by associating each number with a specific set of items, reinforcing count and number recognition.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in their daily activities such as counting steps as they climb, tallying up their toys, or even during snack time by counting pieces of snacks.
Example Lesson: Big and small concept applicability
Explanation: The story highlights the functional use of recognizing big and small items, shaping a child's understanding of the physical world.
Real-World Application: Understanding the concept of big and small can help children in choosing appropriate clothing sizes, understanding portion sizes, and organizing their play areas by grouping big and small toys.