Maddie's birthday party and the house is a mess! Toys are everywhere, even in the bathroom. Dad helps carry heavy things up to her room, while Maddie gathers the rest. But it's up to Maddie to put everything away. As Jumbo the cat and Teenie the dog watch, she turns into "Mighty Maddie," a caped super-hero able to sort toys in a flash by how much they weigh. The fire truck is heavy, but the ballerina tutu is light, and the feather tiara is even lighter. Sometimes things that are big, such as pillows, are lighter than things that are small, such as books. Will Maddie manage to get everything stashed away neatly in time for the party?
Understanding that the weight of an object is not always dependent on size—mass—is an important measurement.
Illustrated by Bernice Lum.
Before reading the story, discuss weights. Point out that a large object can weigh less than a small object. Have each of your students (or child) hold a pillow in one hand and a can of soup in the other and compare the different weights.
Show your class (or child) two objects—for example, a stuffed animal and a block—and ask them to guess which of the two is heavier. Ask them to explain the answer, then have each child pick up the objects to check to find out whether the guess was right.
Help your child make a cape with his or her name on the back, then act out "Mighty Maddie," cape and all, cleaning the child's bedroom. While picking up toys and clothes, talk about which ones are heavy and which are light.