Read Alouds on YouTube: Approaching Math through Story

November 25, 2021

Using children’s literature to teach math increases achievement, vocabulary and overall interest throughout the elementary years. It deepens conceptual understanding, triggers extended talk about math, enhances numeracy and reasoning, reduces math anxiety and builds a positive attitude toward mathematics.

In an earlier blog, Dr. Julie Comay explores research behind approaching math through literature and provides simple guidelines to help with book selection.

Members of the Robertson Team read their favourite children’s stories that support math learning.


Read Aloud Lessons

Planting Magic Seeds

After reading Anno's Magic Seeds, students use algebraic reasoning to record and predict linear and exponential growth patterns.
"Anno's Magic Seeds" book cover with a lesson plan. A title reads, "Planting Magic Seeds".

Crocodile Bridges

Students practice composing quantities of 10 using multilink cubes to cross their very own Silibobble Sea.
A book cover and text, with a title that reads, "Crocodile Bridges".

Pumpkin Inquiry

Explore addition, multiplication, data management, and the relationship between size and capacity.
A book with the words, "Lesson Plan: Addition, Multiplication, Estimation, Data Collection", and a title that reads, "Pumpkin Inquiry".

Exploring Infinity

Initiate an open-ended discussion where students offer ideas and examples of infinity.
"Infinity and Me" book cover, with a lesson plan and a title that reads, "Exploring Infinity".

Planning a Party with Estimation: Part 1

When the entire school shows up to Moira's birthday party, Moira must make quick decisions to feed all her guests! Explore data analysis, estimation, and optimization.
Moira's Birthday book cover, with a title that reads "Planning a Party with Estimation", and lesson plan.

Planning a Party with Estimation: Part 2

When the entire school shows up to Moira's birthday party, Moira must make quick decisions to feed all her guests! Explore data analysis, estimation, and optimization.
Moira's Birthday book cover, with a title that reads "Planning a Party with Estimation", and lesson plan.

Time and Rice: Part 1

After reading One Grain of Rice, students build equations and conceptualize the value of large numbers before identifying growing patterns.
"One Grain of Rice" book cover and a 2-part lesson plan. A title also reads, "Time and Rice Inquiry".

Time and Rice: Part 2

After reading One Grain of Rice, students build equations and conceptualize the value of large numbers before identifying growing patterns.
"One Grain of Rice" book cover and a 2-part lesson plan. A title also reads, "Time and Rice Inquiry".

Number Riddles: Part 1

A princess in ancient Persia poses a mathematical riddle to eliminate potential suitors. Explore fractions, place value, counting, multiplication and number systems.
A book of "One Riddle, One Answer" with a lesson plan. A title reads, "Number Riddles".

Number Riddles: Part 2

A princess in ancient Persia poses a mathematical riddle to eliminate potential suitors. Explore fractions, place value, counting, multiplication and number systems.
A book of "One Riddle, One Answer" with a lesson plan. A title reads, "Number Riddles".

Doubling Numbers: Part One

After reading "Two of Everything," students explore number pattern rules by using a T-Chart to illustrate the relationships between whole numbers.
A book titled "Two of Everything" with a Lesson Plan, and a title that reads, "Doubling Numbers".

Doubling Numbers: Part Two

After reading "Two of Everything," students explore number pattern rules by using a T-Chart to illustrate the relationships between whole numbers.
A book titled "Two of Everything" with a Lesson Plan, and a title that reads, "Doubling Numbers".
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