Integrating Children's Literature into the Mathematics Classroom

Abstract

Learning mathematics can sometimes be mundane and limited when it is taught solely through a textbook. In order to engage and reach more students, mathematics in the K-5 classroom can be supplemented with an approach through the use of children’s literature. This has been proven to be quite beneficial for both learners and the learning context. Benefits can be seen in student motivation and engagement in mathematics, student sense-making, and student dispositions towards mathematics. To be effective, appropriate literature must be chosen after considering both the literary and mathematical aspects of the book. Implementing children’s literature into the classroom can vary in its approach. It can be used in whole group or small group instruction and the mathematics can be both explored and enhanced by the students. The books can create hands-on, realistic situations for students to engage in. There are multiple resources available for teachers to begin this implementation and some of these resources will be explored through this review. While these resources do exist, it is also needed that schools and administrators begin to take note of this approach and offer professional development for interested personnel.