“Chasing Vermeer”, a mystery by Blue Balliet, has been chosen as the next Read Aloud book for the fifth and sixth graders. The story involves two children who attend the University School in Chicago, a stolen painting (“A Lady Writing”) by Vermeer, and pentominoes. Students will not only be listening to the story but also using pentominoes to decode letters written by the characters. In addition, they will also be looking at linear and rotation symmetry with respect to the 12 different pentominoes.
As you know, 5th and 6th graders have been studying symmetry in math class, and Liz will be taking time in art class to discuss Vermeer’s life and his works. This book has presented us a wonderful opportunity to do some cross-curricular teaching!
