The Math In Me
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
The Math In Me is an easy read that follows the journey of a little girl who goes from feeling defeated to finding success in the math classroom. With the help of her magic math tool kit, she discovers that all the motivation she needs is within herself. The book aims to dispel the fear many young people have toward math and replace it with the understanding that learning math is attainable with a little perseverance. Suitable for ages 3-10, this book offers valuable lessons for readers of all ages.
Discussion points
How do you use math in your daily activities like the characters in 'The Math In Me'?
Which character in the book did you relate to the most and why?
How do you think understanding math helps us solve problems?
Can you think of a fun math game that we could play together based on the book?
What is one new math concept you learned from this book that you found interesting?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the math concepts to everyday activities that your child enjoys, such as cooking or playing sports, to make the connection more tangible.
Encourage your child to explain their answers to deepen their understanding and ability to communicate their thoughts.
Celebrate all efforts, even incorrect answers, to keep discussions positive and encourage a growth mindset towards math.
Ask your child to draw or act out different scenarios from the book involving math to make the conversation interactive and fun.
After reading, consider revisiting favorite parts of the book to reinforce concepts and maintain interest in the subject matter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book introduces children to a variety of characters from diverse backgrounds, each using their unique perspectives to solve math problems.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate diverse viewpoints and collaborative problem-solving, which can be applied in school projects and team activities.
Example Lesson: Building Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Through engaging math-based challenges, the book encourages kids to think critically and creatively.
Real-World Application: This equips children with the ability to approach everyday challenges, like dividing snacks equally or calculating time, with confidence and ingenuity.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book often face difficult math problems, yet they persist until they find solutions, emphasizing determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in any difficult task, whether it’s learning a new skill or mastering a challenging subject at school.
Example Lesson: Growth Mindset
Explanation: The story highlights how mistakes are a part of learning, especially in subjects like math, which builds a growth mindset.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that it’s okay to make mistakes and that each error is a step towards mastering a new concept.
Example Lesson: Joy of Learning
Explanation: The book portrays math as an adventure, making the learning experience fun and engaging for children.
Real-World Application: Fosters a positive attitude towards education and learning, encouraging children to explore new knowledge with enthusiasm and interest.