1. Linking Math and Literature
Emily Lovelace
Fall 2006

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

8. 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

9. 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%

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

11. 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?

12. Student Survey

13. 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.”

14. Resources http://home.nyc.rr.com/teachertools/mathliterature.html