The Rajah's Rice: A Mathematical Folktale from India
What’s inside...
Can Chandra get all the rice her village needs - or is her price foolish, as the Rajah and her neighbours think? Exotic India is the setting for this tale of compassionate trickery and mathematics. When Zandra, the official bather of the Rajah's elephants, saves them from serious illness, she exacts from the Rajah a reward more costly than he realizes.
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rani
Rajah
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the Rajah to make his decision at the end of the story?
How did Chandra use her knowledge of math to solve her problem?
Why do you think the villagers reacted the way they did to Chandra's solution?
What would you have done if you were in Chandra's position?
Can you think of a time when you solved a problem by using something you learned?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the characters' motivations and actions. Ask how they might feel in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of learning and using knowledge, just like Chandra uses her math skills. Relate it to skills your child is learning.
After reading, use everyday objects to create simple math problems related to the story to make the connection between the book's theme and real life.
Praise your child's responses and thoughts to build confidence and encourage more in-depth thinking and engagement with the story's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and Innovation
Explanation: The protagonist of the story, a young village girl, uses her wit to solve a math-related challenge posed by the Rajah, showcasing her cleverness and innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach problems creatively and think outside the box, which is vital in academic tasks as well as in handling everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of Mathematics
Explanation: The core element of the story revolves around an interesting mathematical problem. It naturally introduces children to the concept of exponential growth in an engaging and story-centric way.
Real-World Application: This narrative can enhance children's interest in math, encouraging them to explore more mathematical concepts and understand their practical utility.
Example Lesson: Virtue of Honesty
Explanation: The young girl's honest approach in dealing with the Rajah's challenge highlights the moral righteousness of her character.
Real-World Application: It instills the value of honesty in children, teaching them to be truthful in their actions and interactions.
Example Lesson: Social Justice
Explanation: The book touches on the themes of social inequality and fairness, as the clever solution provided by the young girl brings prosperity not just to her but to her entire village.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of fairness and the impact of equitable solutions in society, promoting empathy and communal responsibility.