The use of hands-on manipulative approaches to mathematics is extremely valuable for children, both in elementary school and in upper grades. The use of literature is yet another approach teachers can use in providing their students with varied experiences with mathematics. It should not be overused any more than it should be underused. Not every book is meant for mathematics. Using literature in math instruction has several advantages.
Literature provides a way for children 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. One of the major elements of mathematics instruction emphasized in recent years has been to teach children problem solving skills. Literature is a marvelous tool for supporting problem solving learning. The books act as word problems, but they are word problems with some interest to children.