Books for Math Instruction
When you think about reading books, you often don’t think about reading books during math class. You think more of manipulatives and calculators for math instruction.
But using books for math instruction can keep your students engaged in their learning and enhance their understanding of certain topics.
I use books for math instruction in a couple of different ways.
The first way is to use books as the hook to the lesson to get the students thinking about the new unit or topic.
Another way to use books in math is to let students read books on math topics during small group time.
One last way is to create lessons using similar topics of the book and the book guides the instruction.
Books enhance your math instruction and provide different ways to deeper student understanding!
Keep reading to see a few of my favorites to use during math class.
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How Much is a Million?
How Much is a Million? is a great book to read when discussing numbers and place value.
This book provides an explanation into how big numbers really are.
Use this book to introduce place value and let your students read it throughout the year to reinforce the concept of large numbers.
How Big is a Foot?
How Big is a Foot? does a wonderful job of explaining the need for a standard unit of measurement.
Use this book during your measurement unit. After reading the story, have students trace their own feet and then cut out to use as a way to measure objects around the classroom.
Have a discussion about why the same object has different measurements when measured with their own feet.
Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday
Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday will support your lessons about money.
As you read the story, students can keep track of how much money Alexander has.
Students will practice the concept of adding and subtracting money.
After reading the story, you can give students more practice with adding and subtracting money.
The Greedy Triangle
The Greedy Triangle is a cute story to use during your geometry lessons.
Read the story to students and discuss the different shapes.
Students can keep track of the number of sides and angles of different shapes as you read.
One Proud Penny
One Proud Penny by Randy Siegel describes the life of a penny.
Students will enjoy reading this story and learning about all the adventures the penny goes on during the day.
This story is perfect to use during your units on money. This book can be used to introduce coins or as a review after you’ve taught the coins. Up to you!
Using books for math can be beneficial to you and your students! Try it and you just might be surprised with how much more your students understand about certain topics!
