Mathematics and literature are both vital parts of our school curriculum. Communicating mathematics through writing is considered so important by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics that NCTM has established learning to communicate mathematically among its five important goals for mathematics instruction. As educators, we realize that introducing literature selections into mathematics lessons will increase children’s abilities to communicate and reason mathematically.

Teachers use math related literature as motivation to launch a new concept, reinforce a skill or review a topic. Literature selections are also used for understanding, clarifying or explaining math concepts. Math language can be taught through related literature.

Parents will find libraries and book stores wonderful sources for math related titles. Here are some titles you and your child may enjoy reading together. Reading any good literature with your child will bring both of you fun as well as bring more meaning to your child’s school experience.

A Remainder of One Elinor J. Oinczes

G is for Google- A Math Alphabet Book David Swartz

The Greedy Triangle Marilyn Burns

The Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Fractions Book Jerry Pallotta and Rob Bolster

The King’s Chessboard David Birch

Jim and the Beanstalk Raymond Briggs

MATH-terpieces- The Art of Problem Solving Greg Tang

One Beyong a Million David Schwartz

Once Upon a Dime Nancy Kelly Allen

Pigs on a Blanket Amy Axlerod

Pigs in the Pantry Amy Axlerod

SOLD! Nathan Zimelman

Spaghetti and Meatballs for All! Marilyn Burns