The Doorbell Rang
by Pat Hutchins

The Doorbell Rang

The Doorbell Rang is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Pat Hutchins, first published in 1986. This beloved story centers around a simple yet engaging premise: a mother, referred to as "Ma," bakes a dozen cookies for her two children, Victoria and Sam. The narrative unfolds as the doorbell rings repeatedly, bringing more friends to share the cookies, leading to a fun exploration of sharing and basic math concepts like division and fractions.

Plot Summary

The story begins with Ma preparing cookies for her children, who are eager to eat them. Initially, each child can take six cookies. However, as friends arrive—first two, then more—the number of cookies each child can have decreases. The children must navigate how to share the cookies fairly among themselves, even resorting to cutting some cookies in half when necessary. This scenario not only teaches counting but also introduces early mathematical concepts such as division and the idea of sharing resources.

Educational Value

The Doorbell Rang is recognized for its educational potential. It serves as an excellent tool for introducing young children (ages 2-8) to basic math skills in a fun and relatable context. Teachers and parents appreciate its ability to foster discussions about sharing and fairness while engaging children in practical math applications. The book has been noted as a Notable Book for Children by the American Library Association, highlighting its impact in children's literature.

Themes

The primary themes of the book include:

  • Sharing and Friendship: The story emphasizes the joy of sharing with friends and the importance of community.
  • Mathematical Concepts: It provides a playful introduction to division and fractions, making it suitable for educational settings.
  • Generosity: The narrative illustrates that sharing can lead to happiness and togetherness.

Reception

Readers have praised The Doorbell Rang for its delightful illustrations and engaging storyline. It has become a staple in many classrooms and homes, often used during math lessons or read-aloud sessions. The cheerful illustrations also reflect diversity among the characters, which adds depth to the story's appeal.

Author: Pat Hutchins

Readers have praised The Doorbell Rang for its delightful illustrations and engaging storyline. It has become a staple in many classrooms and homes, often used during math lessons or read-aloud sessions. The cheerful illustrations also reflect diversity among the characters, which adds depth to the story's appeal.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Greenwillow Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Print length: 24 pages
  • Dimensions: 25.4 x 1.02 x 20.57 cm
  • Reading age: 4-8 years old
  • Publication date: 12 May 1986
  • ISBN: 978-0688052515

Read alongside these topics:

Which mathematical concepts are year one children taught including place value?

Author: Pat Hutchins

In Year 1, children are introduced to several foundational mathematical concepts, with a significant focus on number and place value. They learn to count, read, and write numbers up to 100, both forwards and backwards, which helps build their confidence in working with numbers. A key aspect of this stage is understanding place value, where children begin to recognize that in a two-digit number, the first digit represents tens and the second digit represents ones. This concept is often reinforced through counting activities and the use of visual aids like number lines and base ten blocks.

In addition to place value, children practice basic addition and subtraction facts up to 20, using symbols such as +, -, and = in practical problems. They also start to understand the relationship between addition and subtraction as inverse operations. Furthermore, Year 1 students are introduced to simple multiplication and division through one-step problems using concrete objects, laying the groundwork for more complex operations in later years.

Another important area of focus is fractions, where children learn to recognize and name simple fractions such as halves (1/2) and quarters (1/4) as equal parts of a whole. Measurement concepts are also explored; students engage in comparing lengths, heights, weights, and capacities while learning terms like longer/shorter and heavier/lighter. They begin telling time to the hour and half-hour as part of their time-related learning.

In geometry, children identify and describe both 2D and 3D shapes, enhancing their spatial awareness. Lastly, they learn to recognize and create patterns using objects or numbers. Together, these concepts not only lay the groundwork for future mathematical learning but also foster critical thinking skills through practical applications in everyday life.

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