Linking Math and Literature Emily Lovelace Fall 2006

Research Question Can reading math literature develop and improve fluency with numbers, build strong computational skills, creative problem solving, mathematical thinking, and make math and literature connections?

Activities There are several websites that list books and activities to cover counting and number sense, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, money, measurement, time, geometry and spatial sense, patterns and sequencing, probability and statistics, calendar connections, ratios and proportions, and problem solving for all ages and levels.

Sample Activity While studying money, I read Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday. While listening to the book students were asked, “How much money did Alexander spend?” and “How much money does he have left?” Students were then instructed to list the items Alexander bought, compute the amount of money he spent, and list the bills and coins that were use. After reading the book, students were then instructed to create their own story listing purchases, money spent, and money left. This strategy integrated literature, math, and writing.

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Assessment Tools NWEA Math Scores STAR Math Math Book Assessments Student Survey Comparison with another 3rd grade class

NWEA Test Scores Administered in October 2006 My class test average:71%ile Post test results available in Spring 2007

STAR Math Results Pre test administered in October 2006 My class average: 3.9 grade equivalent Post test administered in March 2007 My class average: 4.4 grade equivalent

Math Book Assessments Math Book Assessment: Time My class average: 82% Another 3rd grade class average: 81% Math Book Assessment: Money Another 3rd grade class average: 82%

Math Book Assessments (continued) My class average: Another 3rd grade class average:

Student Survey Quetions Question 1: Do you like listening to stories about math? Question 2: Has reading math books helped you understand time or money better? Why or why not? Question 3: Do you think you learn more about math when you listen to or read math stories? Question 4: Would you like to continue reading math stories in the classroom? Why or why not?

Student Survey

Student Quotes “I would like to read more books about math. I also like how you ask questions going on with the story.” “Keep on reading books.” “I wish we could read a math book every day.”

Resources http://home.nyc.rr.com/teachertools/mathliterature.html www.mathcats.com/grownupcats/ideabankmathandliterature.html www.mrsmcgowan.com/math/math_and_literature.htm http://home.att.net/~cattonn/math.html