Math and Literature

If you are looking for a new way to add relevancy to your classroom math activities, the answer may be in a children’s book! This year, I created math problems from children’s books that I used for story time. I found it to be a great way to integrate math and literature. Reading books that weave mathematical ideas into engaging stories helps dispel the myth that math is dry, unimaginative, and inaccessible. My advice to educators just beginning to incorporate literature into math activities is to choose a book and dive in! I was nervous to try this concept at first, but the more I practiced the better I got and my students LOVED it! Here are a few books and problems that we explored and solved.
Book Title
I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato
Problem
If Lola eats 3 carrots on Monday and 1 apple on Tuesday, how many fruits and vegetables did she eat in all?

Book Title
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Problems
Mouse had 6 cookies. Emma gave him 4 more. How many cookies does Mouse have?
Mouse had 9 cookies. He gave 7 to Emma. How many cookies does Mouse have left?

Book Title
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish
Problem
Divide the class into groups of three. Give each group a plate of goldfish crackers. Task the children with evenly distributing the goldfish crackers to each person in their group.

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