Teaching Maths Through Picture Books
New maths resource announcement!
- Maths in Schools guide: Picture Books in Mathematics - Foundation to Year 2
- Maths in Schools guide: Picture Books in Mathematics - Year 3 to Year 6
Picture books in Mathematics examine big ideas through imaginative storytelling. They can transform the way maths is taught through the power of pictures. Throughout the Maths in Schools courses, there are a range of ideas on how to use picture books when teaching mathematical concepts. Our CSER/Maths in Schools Project Officer, Sue Carter, has highlighted where to find the books used in our courses along with many teaching ideas and activities relating to them.
Teachers can create rich maths learning experiences based on picture books to help reinforce the ‘big ideas’ through imaginative storytelling. They can be the launchpad to engaging maths lessons. Picture books offer so many opportunities to explore and develop a student’s mathematical thinking.
- They build excitement
- They can create opportunities for rich learning experiences
- They can provide mathematical thinking in real life scenarios
Books with maths concepts woven into the pictures and storylines can promote children’s mathematical thinking and introduce foundational maths concepts such as numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurement. Asking questions and making observations about the mathematical concepts found in a picture book can support children’s curiosity and enjoyment of maths.
The two new Maths in Schools guide to picture books complements the Maths in Schools webinar 'Teaching Maths through Picture Books - Primary years' which can be viewed on demand. In the webinar, Sue looks at how children's literature provides a unique and meaningful way to engage students, connect with real life experiences, develop and stretch children's imagination, foster critical and creative thinking, and promote opportunities for problem solving, discussion and communication.
Enrol in our free, online and self-paced Maths in Schools courses for F-2, Year 3-6 and Year 7-10 for more ideas and inspiration for teaching maths in your classroom.
This initiative is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and is part of the Maths in Schools: Teaching and Learning Resources to Support Mathematics project.