Math Curse
on Goodreads (7,824)
What’s inside...
A student begins to see every aspect of her day as a math problem after her teacher suggests that almost everything can be thought of in mathematical terms. This leads to a math anxiety that feels like a curse. She struggles with daily tasks such as choosing an outfit, catching the bus, and sharing cookies, as she is overwhelmed by the math involved. The story explores how she overcomes this curse and regains control of her life without being consumed by the anxiety of math.
Age
5-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Unnamed Student
Discussion points
What would you do if you woke up and found yourself facing a math curse?
Can you think of a situation where math helped solve an everyday problem like it did in the book?
Which math problem in the book did you find the most fun or challenging?
How does the book change your feelings about math?
What creative ways can you come up with to solve your own math curses?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate math problems to real-life scenarios they encounter, enhancing their understanding and making learning more fun.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and creative thinking in solving problems, themes central to 'Math Curse.'
Ask your child to create their own 'math curse' scenario and solve it together, fostering practical application of math skills.
Highlight the humor and creativity in the book's approach to math to make the subject engaging and less intimidating.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Math Curse' tackles various math-related problems throughout a typical school day, demonstrating how math is intertwined with daily activities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by approaching their own challenges logically, whether they are working out how many apples they need for lunch or dividing toys among friends.
Example Lesson: Creative thinking
Explanation: The book encourages children to look at problems from multiple angles, not just the obvious solutions, enhancing their creative faculties.
Real-World Application: This could be applied in everyday life such as finding different ways to organize their room or inventing games that involve mathematical concepts.
Example Lesson: Confidence in math
Explanation: As the young protagonist overcomes the 'math curse,' children learn that they too can handle and even excel in mathematics.
Real-World Application: This boosts their confidence to tackle math in school, be eager to learn new math concepts, and not shy away from math-related tasks.
Example Lesson: Math is everywhere
Explanation: The story illustrates that math is not just a subject in school but a part of everything in life.
Real-World Application: Kids can recognize math in daily routines, helping them appreciate its value and presence all around them.
Example Lesson: Overcoming anxiety
Explanation: The book showcases how the character moves from feeling cursed by math to seeing it as manageable, addressing the anxiety often associated with math.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children face and manage their own academic anxieties, not just in math but in other challenging areas.