Introducing the Book

Here are a few strategies for introducing the book to the class.

• Name the Number
  Begin by writing “1,000,000” on the chalkboard and asking students to name the number. Ask: How many zeros does it have? What happens when a zero is taken away? Added? Then draw the following on the board and ask students what the boxes add up to.
   
• Make It Concrete
  Empty a large box of 500 rubber bands on your desk. Be sure students know that there are 500. Then point out that you would need 2,000 such boxes to make one million.
   
• What Is a Million?
  Tell students that they will be reading a book about a million. Ask volunteers to name things that are often counted in millions. Make a list on the chalkboard as students offer their ideas. Possibilities might include: stars, populations, money, distances in space, years dating to the past. After students read the book, follow up by having them complete the reproducible on page 30 of this guide.
   
• Title Talk
  Tell the class that the title of the book is How Much Is a Million? Ask if students think the book will be hard to understand. Have volunteers explain their thinking. Then display the book cover and ask the same question. Discuss how the cover art makes the book look like fun.
   
• A Million Choices
  Be sure to ask students what they would like a million of. Encourage them to go beyond money in their imagining. Make a list of students' choices. You might have them complete a statement such as: I'd like a million ________ , but not a million ________ .