Book Descriptions

THE GREATEST GYMNAST OF ALL Level 1 Books Homepage

The Greatest Gymnast of All Thumb

Skills

  • Featured Skills
  • OPPOSITES

NCTM Standards

  • Communication
  • Geometry
  • What's a Standard?

Where to Buy

There is simply no stopping "Zipping, Zooming Zoe," who just happens to be the "Greatest Gymnast of All." She's up, then down, on the mat, then off, over the hoop, then under. Recognizing opposites helps children develop the spatial sense necessary for the development of geometry concepts. Illustrated by Cynthia Jabar.

DC Standard 4.4, Geometry and Spatial Sense: Children will begin to demonstrate an understanding of shape, size, position, direction, and movement, and they will describe and classify real objects by shape. 4.4.5: Describe, name, and interpret position in space; understand and use

ActivitiesView Activities Homepage

As you read the story together, ask the children about Zoe's positions. For example, "Where is Zoe?" "Is Zoe on the matt, or off the matt?" "Is Zoe over the hoop, under the hoop, or inside the hoop?"

Introduce the concept of opposites. Explain that “near” (up close) and “far” (way, way in the distance) is an example of a pair of opposites. Then ask, “If I say big, what is the opposite?”If I say wide, what is the opposite?” If I say over, what is the opposite?” “Can you think of some more pairs of opposites?”

Play the Opposite Game when the children on the playground. Ask them, “Where’s the top of the slide? Where’s the bottom?” “Who is running fast? Who is walking slow?” “What is the tallest object on the playground?” (It might be a tree!) “What is shortest object on the playground? (It might be a blade of grass!)

The Greatest Gymnast of All PDF Activity Page

ReviewsView Reviews Homepage

FROM BOOKLIST

This title in the MathStart series presents spunky, redheaded Zoe performing in a gymnastics competition. As she executes each of the movements in her routine, the rhyming text describes a variety of opposites. These concepts of opposites are visually captured in the energetic illustrations. Rich and brightly colored, whimsical illustrations portray Zoe's high-spirited enthusiasm asshe jumps inside and outside, flips high and low, swings on and off, and cartwheels backward and forward. Adults and children will enjoy engaging in the various activities, which are listed at the end of this work. This concept book is a fun-filled way to introduce young children to the important world of opposites.

—April Judge, 12/1/98
Used with the permission of Copyright © 1998 American Library Association. All rights reserved.


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