Still Little Barton

Still Little Barton comprises seven short stories on Bartons early experiences with learning about concepts in measurement. Bartons and his little friend learn to tell time on their own, as they unravel the workings of a clock. The last two stories explore concepts in money and linear measure.

The hour has come

In The hour has come, Bartons little friend introduces Barton to a beautiful watch which he got as a present from an Aunt. He confesses to Barton that he is embarrassed to wear it because he cannot tell the time. Barton admits that he is also not knowledgeable on the subject and they agree that they will meet regularly to share their ideas on telling time. They begin by observing both hands of the clock and associating time on the hour with different events.

In the second story, In an hour

The boys continue their investigations, focusing on the duration of events. Concepts of one hour, two hours, and half an hour are explored. The boys relate these durations to familiar events, such as their luncheon period.

In Little Times

Smaller durations such as one/two minutes are explored. The boys learn the relationship between minutes and hours by observing both analog and digital clocks. They enjoy watching the minutes go by and explore the concept of one minute through activities that take one or two minutes.

Round as a biscuit, busy as a bee

This short story relates concepts in time to rhyming words. Barton composes a poem on the clock, and his little friend is impressed but admits difficulty in rhyming words. Barton encourages him, and he makes his first attempt at creating a poem.

In Good, better, best

Barton’s Mom is proud of him as he demonstrates his skills in calculating bills and determining change. She is even more proud when he discovers the cashier in the bakery gave her more change than correct. They promptly return the extra change to the grateful cashier.

What measure meant

This story explores linear measurement. Barton learns why measurement is needed through conversations with his Dad about using a ruler. He later questions his Dad about measuring longer distances and gathers more information on units of measure for length.