Title of Book:
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Sir Cumference and the First Round Table
Cindy Neuschwander
Charlesbridge Publishing Co./ 1997
1-57091-152-5
Grade Levels for Recommended Use: Third-Fifth
(3.8) Geometry and spatial reasoning. The student uses formal geometric vocabulary.
The student is expected to identify, classify, and describe two- and threedimensional geometric figures by their attributes.
(3.11) Measurement (B) use standard units to find the perimeter of a shape;
(C) use concrete and pictorial models of square units to determine the area of twodimensional surfaces.
Brief Summary: King Arthur has a problem. When his knights get together, they sit at
such a long table that everyone has to shout to be heard. Sir Cumference, his wife Lady
Di of Ameter, and their son Radius “measure up” to the challenge of building a better
table.
Materials needed:
Pattern blocks including green triangle, red trapezoid, yellow hexagon, blue rhombus, tan
rhombus, orange square, and drawing paper
Suggested Activity:
Engage: Read the book orally. Discuss the difference between a polygon and a circle.
1. Use the side of the green triangle to measure the perimeter of each pattern
block. Trace each block and label P =
2. Use the green triangle to measure the area of each pattern block (non-standard
measurement). Label A = Some blocks may have to have an estimated area.
Reference: Around and About Pattern Blocks: Finding Area and Perimeter Using Pattern
Blocks
http://www.nsa.gov/academia/_files/collected_learning/elementary/geometry/pattern_blo
cks.pdf
Adapted by Dr. Faye Bruun, 2012