Look for the Math Around You
Arrays
Estimation
Fractions
Geometry
Math Chats
Patterns
by Alice Aspinall
Code Breaker, 2020. Each volume 56 pages.
Review written December 13, 2022, from library books.
Starred Review
I’m reviewing a series of six books with this post. I’m super proud that I found these for the library and just got a chance to read them myself. They’re even better than I’d hoped!
What these books present is a wonderful opportunity for mathematical conversations for adults to have with kids as young as Kindergarten through 4th or 5th grades. They’ve got questions that made me think, and they model mathematical thinking.
Every book begins with a page that says this:
This book features photos taken from everyday, real-life moments. Use the photos as prompts to start a math conversation with children. Each photo is accompanied by optional question prompts. In some cases, there are many correct answers. The thinking process and mathematical discussion are more important than the correct answers. Have fun!
I read that in the first book, and right away my heart responded with a “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
I’ll include some example questions from the different books:
From Arrays, next to a photo of a garage door:
How many rectangles are in this photo? Look closely.
Explain how you counted them.
From Estimation, next to a photo of popcorn in a bowl:
There are two kinds of popcorn in the bowl. How would you describe how much of each kind is in the bowl? Think about using:
–Numbers
–Fractions
–Percentages
–Words
From Fractions, next to a photo of an uncut pan of brownies:
The brownie needs to be shared with 8 people.
Show the different ways you can cut the brownie so that all 8 people get the same amount of brownie to eat.
From Geometry, next to a photo of an orange slice, first in a circle and then pulled into a line:
The orange slice shows the parts of a circle. The circumference is the peel, wrapping all the way around the outside of the circle. The area is the flesh of the orange. Point to each part of the circle.
When we pull apart the orange slice, we can see the parts of the circle in a different way. How many segments can you count?
What do you think is the length of the circumference of this orange slice? How do you know?
From Math Chats, next to a photo of a fire pit with marshmallows toasting:
How far away should the marshmallow be from the fire for the best roast?
In what direction do you rotate your skewer to toast the marshmallow?
How much of the marshmallow do you like covered in char?
What ratio of cracker to chocolate to marshmallow makes the best s’more?
How many pieces of chocolate do you like in a s’more?
What pattern do you use to assemble a s’more?
From Patterns, next to a photo of a pie with a lattice top:
How is the pie crust arranged? Use words to explain how all the pieces are weaved together.
What other patterns can you find on the pie? Look for shapes.
That should give you the idea. The books are loaded with interesting photographs accompanied by open-ended questions that encourage mathematical thinking. And because the questions are open-ended, your child may surprise you!
You can find all these books in the Fairfax County Public Library catalog if you search for “Look for the Math Around You.”
everyonecanlearnmath.com
codebreakeredu.com
Arrays
Estimation
Fractions
Geometry
Math Chats
Patterns
Find this review on Sonderbooks at: www.sonderbooks.com/Childrens_Nonfiction/look_for_the_math_around_you.html
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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.
What did you think of this book?