Storybooks can be a good supplement to teaching math concepts, but should not be relied upon as the sole method of instruction.
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Storybooks can be a valuable addition to a math curriculum, as they provide a way to make math more approachable and engaging for children. However, they should not be the sole method of teaching math, as direct instruction and practice are also important for building skills. As the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics states, “Children need direct experience with mathematical concepts and skills before they can understand them in symbolic form” (NCTM, 2000).
One study found that using storybooks in math instruction helped to improve students’ conceptual understanding and attitudes towards math (Henderson et al., 2015). Storybooks can also be used to introduce math concepts in a culturally relevant way, highlighting the contributions of diverse individuals and communities to mathematics. For example, the book “Counting on Katherine” by Helaine Becker tells the story of Katherine Johnson, a Black woman who worked as a mathematician for NASA and played a crucial role in the space race.
However, it is important to choose storybooks that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with the goals of the math curriculum. The NCTM recommends that storybooks be used to supplement, rather than replace, direct instruction and practice.
In summary, storybooks can be a useful tool for teaching math concepts, but should be used in conjunction with hands-on experiences and direct instruction. As mathematician and children’s book author Sara Levine puts it, “Storybooks can’t teach math on their own, but they can certainly be part of a rich, imaginative, joy-filled experience for children” (Fleming, 2018).
Table:
| Pros of using storybooks in math instruction | Cons of using storybooks in math instruction |
|---|---|
| Provides a way to make math more engaging and approachable | Should not be the sole method of instruction |
| Can improve students’ conceptual understanding and attitudes towards math | Must be chosen carefully to ensure alignment with curriculum goals |
| Allows for culturally relevant examples of math in action | Requires additional planning and preparation on the part of the teacher |
| Can be a fun and imaginative way to learn math | Not all storybooks are developmentally appropriate for all students |
Video related “Are storybooks a good way to teach math?”
This video discusses how to self-study math, starting with understanding the examples and working through the exercises. Once the student has finished the examples and exercises, they should start practicing the problems that are missing from the book. Finally, the student should reflect on what they have learned and what they still need to work on.
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Storybooks provide a rich opportunity to build not only literacy skills, but also math understanding. Books with math concepts woven into the pictures and storylines can promote children’s mathematical thinking and introduce foundational math concepts such as numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurement.
Storybooks provide a rich opportunity to build not only literacy skills, but also math understanding. Books with math concepts woven into the pictures and storylines can promote children’s mathematical thinking and introduce foundational math concepts such as numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurement.
Existing research indicates that teaching basic math skills in the context of shared storybook reading can lead to a significant increase in total mathematic ability. Learning new skills while reading a story is not only engaging, but it allows students to make connections to content.
There are tons of ways to teach and review those all important math words, but an easy and fun way (requiring very little prep) is to read a math story. This allows kids to have exposure to lots of new math terms at once (look for books that are rich in vocabulary) as well as see math terms being used in context.
There are lots of benefits to incorporating math story books into your curriculum. But knowing how to use them or what books to choose can be a challenge! I’m hoping that by doing lots of reading and research for you this summer, I can provide a great starting point.
Here are five fantastic literature pieces you can use to teach math! Sir Cumference series – This entire series of books is great for teaching geometry and the silly, but adventurous stories will help students seal math concepts dealing with circumference and angles into their minds. It goes all the way into finding the volume of cones.
Acquire the following books.
(Some are used and can be found for a convenient price)
My highest recommendation goes to “Understanding Mathematics” by Kressin, as a single text that is comprehensive. I have bought several of these on the used book market for my own use.
(a) “Understanding Mathematics: From Counting to Calculus”
1997
by Keith I. Kressin
ISBN-13: 978-0965730013
==========================
(b)“Basic Mathematics” by Charles P. McKeague
ISBN-13: 978-0534144609
(c) Any of the books on Math, Geometry, Algebra and Calculus
in the series by “Learning Express” such as:
“Algebra Success in 20 Minutes a Day” 5th Edition
ISBN-13: 978-1576859704
Richard W. Fisher also offers an entire series of books that are useful.
He offers workbooks at a reasonable price which cover
Fractions, Percents, and Decimals
(d) “Mastering Essential Math Skills GEOMETRY” by Richard W. Fisher
ISBN-13: 978-0966621174
More interesting questions on the issue
Why do we teach math through stories?
The response is: Stories can show children how numbers, measuring and shapes help us with everyday tasks. These practical examples of using maths give children a good foundation for the understanding of abstract concepts which later stages of their mathematical development will require of them.
Does reading books help with math?
Response to this: So, indeed, reading contributes to math development (even in the primary grades) — and, at least in part, this contribution is channeled through story problems.
How do you teach math through stories?
Answer to this: How Can You Integrate Maths Through Storytelling into the Classroom?
- Stories are used at the beginning of a lesson or unit to introduce a new mathematical concept.
- They are used at the end of a lesson/unit to reinforce previous learning.
- Stories are used as an engaging ‘hook’ to enthuse pupils in their learning.
What is the best way to teach math to kids?
The answer is: 10 Strategies for effectively teaching math to elementary schoolers
- Use hands-on learning methods.
- Incorporate visuals.
- Integrate math games into math lessons.
- Connect math concepts to everyday life.
- Allow students to explain their reasoning.
- Give frequent feedback and direction.
- Reward progress.
- Personalize lessons.
How to use math story books to have meaningful math talks?
Answer: The great thing about using math story books to have meaningful and engaging math talks is that kids are invested in the story and drawn in by the characters and the plot, making it a much more natural way to begin a discussion. In other words, if you pick an engaging and rich book, kids will want to talk about.
What are some good math story books for kids?
And using math story books is a great way to to this! A great book to start with is Math Curse. This is a humorous tale of a kid who is suddenly “seeing math” everywhere. It’s a great way to encourage kids to be intentional about looking for connections. ( Get free activities to use with Math Curse here !)
How do picture books help children learn math?
The reply will be: Books with math concepts woven into the pictures and storylines can promote children’s mathematical thinking and introduce foundational math concepts such as numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurement. Asking questions and making observations about the math found in picture books can support children’s curiosity and enjoyment of math.
How can math books help young mathematicians?
Young mathematicians often have a hard time understanding abstract math concepts. Enhancing your lessons with books about math for kids will help make connections while having fun in the process. Motivate your students while introducing new concepts, reinforcing ideas, and talking about all things math with some of our favorite books.
Do story books help children learn Maths?
Answer will be: He believes that storybooks have the power to foster children’s conceptual understanding of maths and to develop engagement. We interviewed Vince about his initiative, MathsThroughStories.org, which encourages learning maths through story picture books. And, of course, we asked him for some recommendations!
Can picture books be used for math instruction?
Response to this: Muir et al. (2017) describe the groundwork for using math literature during math instructions and offers math activities and children’s books in their book to use for teaching many elementary math concepts using picture books in today’s classrooms.
What books can you use to teach math?
Here are five fantastic literature pieces you can use to teach math! Sir Cumference series – This entire series of books is great for teaching geometry and the silly, but adventurous stories will help students seal math concepts dealing with circumference and angles into their minds. It goes all the way into finding the volume of cones.
How can math books help young mathematicians?
Young mathematicians often have a hard time understanding abstract math concepts. Enhancing your lessons with books about math for kids will help make connections while having fun in the process. Motivate your students while introducing new concepts, reinforcing ideas, and talking about all things math with some of our favorite books.