Children learn by being actively involved in the learning process, rather than just filling out worksheets. By integrating math and literature, word problems can use familiar stories to allow students to address the mathematical functions rather than struggle with unfamiliar vocabulary. Mathematical activities that are stimulated by literature inspire students to explore and investigate concepts. The blending of math and quality literature fosters the realization that math is all around us. Using literature in math instruction has several advantages.
Literature speaks to the heart of the child.
It provides a way for students to make mathematics learning much more personal. Research has shown that children learn material best when it has meaning and usefulness for them. Literature is a way to give math meaning. Using math-related children s literature can help students realize that math will be useful to them in the real world. One of the major elements of math instruction is to emphasize problem-solving skills.