Maths All Around You: Statistics
Jon Scieszka's Trucktown Series
on Goodreads (148)
What’s inside...
In 'Maths All Around You: Statistics', author Jon Richards introduces young readers to the fascinating world of statistics through engaging illustrations and real-world examples. The second book, 'Math Curse', explores a young girl's struggle with the overwhelming presence of math in her daily life, presenting her journey to overcome what she perceives as a math curse with engaging narrative and humor.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways you see numbers or patterns in your daily activities?
Can you think of a situation where knowing how to compare things could help you make a decision?
How do you think learning about statistics can help us understand more about the world?
What was the most surprising thing you learned from the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by discussing everyday scenarios where stats are evident, such as comparing scores in a game, or noticing patterns in nature.
Encourage your child to think of questions about numbers or data they encounter in their daily life, which the book might help answer.
Use examples from the book to show how statistics are used in real-world situations, making the learning process relatable and practical.
After reading, ask your child to explain a concept from the book in their own words, boosting understanding and confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Probability
Explanation: The book uses relatable examples like guessing the chance of rain or picking a colored ball from a bag to explain the concept of probability.
Real-World Application: Children learn to assess everyday situations with reason, understanding that some events are more likely than others, which aids in decision-making.
Example Lesson: Interpreting Data
Explanation: The story presents scenarios where characters use graphs and charts to make sense of the data collected from their surroundings, like counting birds in the park.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by organizing their observations in a visual format, helping them understand and present information clearly in school projects or daily observations.
Example Lesson: Using Statistics for Problem Solving
Explanation: Characters in the book use statistical methods to solve puzzles and make predictions, demonstrating the practicality of statistics.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use statistical thinking to approach their problems, whether it’s estimating time needed for homework or deciding the best strategy for games.
Example Lesson: Learning to Measure
Explanation: Through activities like baking and measuring ingredients, the book introduces the concept of measurement and its accuracy.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of precision and how it applies to everyday tasks such as cooking, crafting, or managing time effectively.