Math Chat: Bedtime Math
When we consider what helps children's literacy, we often think about the age-old bedtime story. Reading aloud sparks their imaginations and encourages independent reading. Studies show a link between higher literacy rates and having lots to read. Reading helps kids learn how to write, too, and reading a wide array of different books is shown to improve writing skills. As your kid gets older, the books get harder, and their writing gets better. They grow together, hand-in-hand.
So, what’s the math equivalent?
It might be surprising to hear, but it’s the same thing. We just don’t tend to point it out. While there are many children’s books focused specifically on math, there is, like in everything in life, a little math naturally sitting in the background. The difference is in reflection: discussing the mathematical aspects of a story together. This is where we as parents can make a real impact.
Let’s consider a classic: The Tortoise and the Hare. In this story, the tortoise and the hare decide to race. Depending on your version, the hare will start fast but eventually stop, and the tortoise will win by going slow and steady. The morality tale of the hare is a valuable teaching moment—, just like the math hidden beneath! To encourage math thinking, try asking questions like:
Who was running faster?
How did the tortoise win, even though they ran slower?
What could the hare have done to tie with the tortoise? To win?
What does it mean to be “faster”?
Does being faster always mean you’ll finish first? What does it mean to “win” the race?
The best part about asking these sorts of questions is witnessing your child’s mind at work. I usually only need to ask a question or two before my kids to start asking their own questions and comparing situations. Just like reading, talking about math can spark the imagination.
We could give the tortoise a jetpack! What if the hare was tiny and the tortoise was huge? Wait, why are we focusing on these animals? Why not a whale and a fish racing? Should we consider how the length of the race might change this answer? What if we ran the same race, but on the moon with Astro-Tortoise and Space-Hare? Would that change anything?
It might seem silly, but these are all math conversations that teach speed and distance. It’s about estimating situations we’ve never experienced, but can understand and make predictions. These are complex mathematical concepts that help exercise those “mathematical muscles” that are the hardest to develop in the classroom.
You might be thinking, ‘Sure, that was an easy math conversation, but it wouldn’t work with other books.’ In that case, let’s look at another favorite of mine: Harold and the Purple Crayon. You might not immediately see something to count or estimate, but this book is all about shapes! We often forget that geometry is an important part of mathematics.
How does Harold draw? What shapes are his creations made of? Look for triangles, circles and squares. Remember, we don’t always have to know the name. The moon shape can simply be a moon shape, but it could also be a circle with a piece missing. What would that missing piece look like?
We can count the triangles, or estimate how long Harold can draw with his crayon before it runs out. Even a simple shape conversation breaks down a larger concept into simple pieces, which is incredibly useful for when we begin more complex geometry.
So, try finding the math in tonight's bedtime story. I bet you’ll discover something new, and I’ll take a guess that you will find yourself getting creative while strengthening those math skills. Happy reading!
