Sir Cumference and the First Round Table

Title: Sir Cumference and the First Round Table

Author: Cindy Neuschwander

Illustrator: Wayne Geehan

Recommended Grade Level: 4-6

Common Core Mathematics Standards Addressed: Geometry, Measurement and Data.

Summary: This story is about King Arthur and the trouble he has with his table. It is the wrong shape and he does not know how to fix it. He is assisted by his knight, Sir Cumference, in finding a new shape for his table. First, their rectangular table is too long and none of the knights can be heard when they speak. Then a triangular table is too pointy and uncomfortable. In comes in Sir Cumference, who is aided by his wife, Lady Di of Ameter, their son, Radius and the royal carpenter, Geo of Metry. Together, they try different shapes for King Arthur's table and eventually come to a solution.

Rating: ***** I highly recommend this book for introducing the idea of circumference, diameter and radius. These mathematical ideas are introduced into an engaging story that helps students visually see what these ideas represent.

Classroom Ideas: This book can be used mainly for teaching Geometry but could also be used for measurement of different shapes. Students can try to find other shapes and sizes that would accommodate 12 people at a table together. Students could also draw the shapes mentioned in the book, use a string to measure its radius and circumference then find the measurement with a ruler.