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AIM OF ACTIVITY: Develop maths, literacy and 21st century learning skills through reading and listening to picture books
AIM OF ACTIVITY: Develop maths, literacy and 21st century learning skills through reading and listening to picture books
How will this help my child develop their mathematical skills?
Picture books are a powerful way to give children meaningful mathematical experiences, and promote a positive view of maths by creating an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere. Research suggests that shared book experiences assist in mathematical concept development in the early years, and can lead to improved mathematical achievement.
The two picture books below are purposefully written to explore the mathematical concept of mass measurement. Click the links to watch and listen to them!
The two picture books below are purposefully written to explore the mathematical concept of mass measurement. Click the links to watch and listen to them!
How Heavy? Wacky Ways to Compare Weight by Mark Weakland
How Heavy? Wacky Ways to Compare Weight by Mark Weakland
This fun and imaginative picture book uses unusual ways to compare the mass of different objects using informal, non-standard units in may weird and wacky ways, which is perfect for emerging learners of this topic!
How many gummy bears does a triceratops weigh? Listen, watch and read this book together and find out!
On the Scale, a Weighty Tale by Brian P. Cleary
On the Scale, a Weighty Tale by Brian P. Cleary
This clever rhyming book introduces more formal units of mass measurement to extend and challenge your child as they progress in their learning journey from emerging to consolidating and extending.
Although the book starts by talking about US units of measurement (ounces, pounds), it very quickly moves to the more familiar metric units (grams, kilograms) that we use in Australia.
These different mass measurement systems expose children to different kinds of units used by other countries and cultures and encourage understanding and acceptance of differences.
How does this activity promote learning and 21st century skills?
How does this activity promote learning and 21st century skills?
Communication & Comprehension
Communication & Comprehension
Reading together is a way to interact with and share ideas that are presented within the text and illustrations of a book. Communicating their thoughts to others can help children clarify their thinking.
Shared reading of children's picture books can provide a springboard for mathematical discussion between children and adults both at school and home. Through these discussions, teachers and parents can scaffold and support children's thinking and learning.
Experiences with mathematically-themed books can also facilitate the development of mathematical vocabulary and language, and build confidence in their use.
Questions are a vital element in the learning process. Ask your child questions about the book as your read, but also let your child ask YOU as many questions as possible!
Collaboration & Inclusion
Collaboration & Inclusion
There are many benefits in reading books together with children. Picture books have the power to engage and focus children's attention, which can facilitate interaction and discussion between other children and adults. This peer group interaction, plays a vital role in children’s conceptual and language development.
The use of picture books in mathematical learning also promotes inclusion by appealing to and accommodating different learning styles.
Multicultural and Indigenous children's literature can also be incorporated into mathematics learning as a way of making cultural connections for children.
Creativity & Curiosity
Creativity & Curiosity
Integrating literature into mathematics learning provides children with a richer view of the nature of mathematics.
Visual representations and imagery in the illustrations play an important role in the development of mathematical concepts in young children.
Children's books can spark students' imaginations in ways that exercises in textbooks or workbooks often don't, as picture books can promote young learners' connections between mathematical ideas and real-world experiences.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Incorporating picture books into maths learning helps children learn mathematical problem-solving, reasoning, and thinking in a more meaningful context that relates to their everyday experiences.
Children's literature can also provide ways to connect informal knowledge and experiences, to more formal mathematical problem-solving.
Story characters can be an especially engaging means for posing problems, as children make sense of the problem through the character's situation within the book.
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