I have shared my 10 favorite counting books with you a while back. Today, Kecia is expanding on that concept and sharing 10 children’s books that encourage math skills.
These days, children’s books are not just for reading enjoyment. Many can be incorporated into lesson plans or used to introduce important concepts kids need to learn. For example, I can think of several books which encourage math skills. Below are a selection of 10 such books, divided by the type of math abilities they support.
Counting:
Full of colorful pictures perfect for young learners, this book is perfect for teaching counting by exposing the reader to a number of everyday items. For instance, the number two is introduced by counting body parts, sink handles, and pieces of bread used for a sandwich.
This cute picture book introduces children to all the stuffed animals the boy comes into contact with as he lays down tonight. The pictures are bright and colorful, and allow readers to count their way to ten as the story evolves.
Addition:
The reader takes a journey through a city zoo, with bright illustrations that will capture their attention. The text contains simple addition word problems that the reader can solve. Animal facts and a matching game are also included, making this book a great resource for science lessons as well.
Four bear cubs are directed to collect ingredients for a delicious pie. Ingredients collected are counted into groups of 10, then added together to ensure that there is enough food to make the pie. Addition is clearly represented throughout the story, so readers will have no trouble determining if the bears have enough ingredients.
Subtraction:
The story begins with ten piranhas swimming in the river. They slowly eat one another, calling for subtraction skills to figure out how many are left. Once there is one lone fish swimming, a crocodile comes along and then there are none!
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
Based on the popular children’s song, this is the story of five monkeys who are getting ready for bed. Once they are ready to hit the sack, they decide to begin jumping wildly instead! One by one, the monkeys are subtracted from the total jumping, as they fall off and bump their heads.
Geometry:
Spaghetti and Meatballs for All!
The Comforts are planning a family reunion, setting the tables and adding enough chairs for all the guests. That is, until the attendees arrive and start to rearrange things! Area and perimeter are introduced and reinforced as Ms. Comfort sets about making sure that everyone has a place to sit for the meal.
Tim receives a mysterious letter for his birthday — one that he must decipher in order to get his surprise! The coded message is filled with shapes, which he must find in order to reach the location of his present.
Measurement:
Three friends decide to have a sand-castle building contest. The lifeguard offers prizes for things like the tallest tower and longest wall. The children enjoy their day at the beach, measuring their creations with common objects until the lifeguard introduces them to a tape measure.
A tiny inchworm saves himself from being ravished by a robin by offering to measure the bird’s tail. The bird becomes intrigued and takes the inchworm to measure parts from other birds. Winner of a Caldecott Honor in 1961, this classic children’s book is great for introducing measurement.
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Kecia is the founder and editor of Southern Girl Ramblings. Her site is dedicated to helping moms survive parenthood…one post at a time. She features information on parenting, health, travel, fun, and more to ease the craziness that goes on in kiddo-filled households!
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Barb @ A Life in Balance says
I can’t wait to find these books at my local library for my 5 year old son. I switched him from an all-day preschool to a half-day nursery school though I’ll still be working with him at home.