Alexander Math Lesson

Kaitlynn Wessel
Grade: 1st
Book: Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday
Author: Judith Viorst
Illustrator: Ray Cruz
Summary: This story follows Alexander after he is given $1 from his
grandparents. He thinks of all the amazing things he could do with it like
saving up for a walkie-talkie. However, Alexander starts spending it on lots
of little items and his money begins to dwindle. This book will be fun for
students to keep track of Alexanders money as he spends it and puts a
dollar in change into perspective for them.
Standards:
M.UN.01.04 Identify the different denominations of coins and bills
M.UN.01.06 Tell the amount of money: in cents up to $1, in dollars up to
$100. Use the symbols $ and .
M.PS.01.07 Add and subtract money in dollars only or in cents only
Activity: Have students work individually or in pairs. First I will read the
book to them once so they can enjoy it. Next, we will slowly read the story a
second time while the students fill in the table to keep track of how much
money Alexander has remaining. We will first find how much he begins with
and then they will fill out the amount he spent and subtract it from the
original or previous remaining amount to determine how much he still has to
spend. Then in pairs, the students will use $10 to create their own scenarios
and have their partners keep track of how much money is being spent.
Materials:

Handout
Money (7 dimes, 4 nickels, 10 pennies, 4-$1 bills and 1-$5 bill.)
Book: Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday

Name:_________________________
Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday
How much money did Alexanders grandparents give him?
_______________

Money spent on:

How much money was

spent:

How much money

remains:

Starting amount:
Bubble Gum
Bets
Snake Rental
Fined
Lost
Chocolate Candy Bar
Magic Trick
Kicking
Candle, Bear, Cards

How much money did Alexander end up with? ________________

Now its your turn! Come up with a story and have

your partner track your spending.
Money spent on:

How much money was

spent:

Starting amount:

How much money

remains: