When we think of how to teach math to students, literature usually isn’t a part of the answer. However, studies have shown that using literature is an effective means for teaching math to students1. By using literature, students can apply math concepts to real-world scenarios, helping to make learning fun and engaging. Fathom reads is an excellent resource for educators seeking eBooks to use in their math lessons. Here are just a few of the math related books offered on our platform:
Odd/Even Numbers
One Odd Day by Doris, Fisher, Sani Sneed
Publisher: Arbordale Publishg
This humorous, rhythmic, read-aloud story is about a young boy who awakens to find that everything around him is odd. He has one shoe, his shirt has three sleeves, and his dog has five legs! Children and adults will delight in finding all the odd things hidden in the art.
My Even Day by Doris Fisher, Dani Sneed
Publisher: Arbordale Publishing
In this delightful, rhythmic sequel to One Odd Day, the young boy awakens to find that it is another strange day—now everything is even, and his mother has two heads! This time, a school field trip to the zoo is dealt with in an odd, but even-handed manner. And, like its predecessor, children will spend hours looking for all the hidden objects in the incredible art.
Number Patterns
On a Safari 5,10,15 by Martha E. H. Rustad
Publisher: Amicus Publishing
Count up to 50 by fives, learning about African animals that live on the savanna.
Down the Field 10,20,30 by Martha E. H. Rustard
Publisher: Amicus Publishing
It’s game time! Count up to 100 by tens, learning about the sport of football along the way.
Multiplication and Division
The Bread Book by Tony Hyland
Publisher: Teacher Created Materials
People have been making bread for centuries. But how they make it changes from time to time and place to place. Learn about how bread is made while using multiplication and division to understand the recipes!
The Great Divide by Suzanne Slade
Publisher: Arbordale Publishing
Many animals, like people, enjoy spending time with their friends and family. Many groups of animals have their own unique names. Did you know a group of gorillas is a called a band? And a bunch of billy goats is a tribe? This rhythmic, fun-to-read-aloud book introduces children to division as they conquer bands, tribes, mobs and more.
Counting by 1s
Hit It, Hit It, Hit It, A Fiesta of Numbers by René Saldaña Jr..
Publisher: Arte Público
“Today is my birthday, and I am so excited. / One piñata filled with candy. / Two hours until the party. / Three tables set for all of the guests.” Mateo counts to twelve as he anticipates the fun he’ll have at his party! Kids will relish practicing their counting skills while dreaming about hitting a piñata at their very own fun-filled fiesta.
100 Snowflakes by Martha E. H. Rustad
Publisher: Amicus Publishing
Snowflakes are everywhere—on mittens, on presents, on windows—and young readers can practice counting up to 100 by ones with this book.
Footnotes
1Furner, J. M. (2018). Using Children’s Literature to Teach Mathematics: An Effective Vehicle in
a STEM World. European Journal of STEM Education, 3(3), 14. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/3874