Library Digital Services and Development

Building a Better Home for the Three Little Pigs

Created By: Marilyn Cimino, Dr.Howard Elementary School (Champaign, IL)
Grade Level: 4th
Content Area: Math/Art
Length of Time: Two 45 to 60 minute periods

Lesson Plan Objectives

Students will draw a set of blueprints.
Students will record measurements on their blueprints.
Students will use addition, subtraction, and multiplication skills to work within their house-building budget.

Materials:

Large poster paper
Rulers
Pencils, markers, crayons
Copies of floor plans from home magazines (e.g., Better Homes and Gardens)
Home building store circulars or price list of home building materials

Procedure:

*Prior to doing this lesson, students should be introduced to the story of The Three Little Pigs.

Have students work in small groups to design their homes. Have each group brainstorm the type of home they would build, deciding on details such as how many rooms, windows, and doors it will have.
Have students draw a floor plan. Provide them with copies of sample floor plans. These can be found in many home magazines, such as Better Homes and Gardens.
Give each group a fictitious amount of money to work with. This is their budget. (The amount will depend on cost estimates of building materials in your area.) Then have students figure out the costs of items such as windows, doors, bathrooms, etc., using home building circulars or price lists. After calculating costs, students may find that they have to revise their original plans.
Have students draw a final picture of their floor plan (or blueprints), labeling each area and item included in the house. Ask students to take measurements of their walls, windows, doors, etc. and include those on the blueprints as well. Have them attach an itemized cost list to their plans
Have students draw a picture of the finished house. Then, set aside plenty of time for each group to present their homes to the rest of the class.

Assessment:

Teacher will check the turned in material to see that a blueprint, including measurement, and evidence of using a budget is turned in. Teacher will be circulating as projects are being created to see that everyone is participating.