Using Literature in Math

MIAA 360
Professional Development outline
Laurie Slatkin
Goals:
Teachers will understand the benefits of using literature in math
Teachers will know how to select appropriate literature in context of their lesson/unit
Teachers will understand how CCSS fits into math and literature
Teachers will create a list of literature based on their units of study
Preparation and Materials
Common Core State Standards: either hard copy or teachers bring computers
Copies of Marilyn Burns article: As Easy As Pi: Picture books are perfect for teaching math
Sample lesson using Ladybug on the Move by Richard Fowler.
http://illuminations.nctm.org/Lesson.aspx?id=702
Video clip of Marilyn Burns
http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/bestpractices/movies/popup_MB_1.htm
Handout: Tips for choosing childrens literature
Copies of A Review and an Update on Using Childrens Literature To Teach Mathematics
article in two parts (pages 1-top of page 6 and page 6 through 13-the latter will be a resource
list)
Handouts of Tips for choosing childrens literature
Video: Ted Talks Harry Baker: A Love Poem For Lonely Prime Numbers
https://www.ted.com/talks/harry_baker_a_love_poem_for_lonely_prime_numbers
Handouts of resource lists:
Marilyn Burns Math Libraries Title List
Pages 6-13 of A Review And An Update On Using Childrens Literature To Teach
Mathematics
Algebraic Thinking, Data, Geometry, Measurement, and Number and Operations
8:30-8:45

Welcome, introductions, norms, and a quick overview of the day

8:45-9:00

Read article by Marilyn Burns on the benefits of using literature while teaching
mathematics.

9-10

9:45-10
10-10:45

Demo lesson
Using Ladybug on the Move by Richard Fowler, teachers will be led through a demo
lesson on recognizing length as a measurable attribute of objects. Teachers will
measure items of their choice using a variety of objects (post-its, pencils, etc)
Break
Review of literature
Working in table groups, teachers will read assigned title and determine the topic or

topics for which that title could be used to supplement mathematics lessons.
Teachers will create a poster and present to peers.
10:45-11

Video clip of Marilyn Burns explaining her views on how reading helps to teach
math.

11-11:30

Tips for choosing childrens literature to aid teaching math

Handout: Tips for choosing childrens literature

11:30-12:30

Lunch

12:30-12:45

Video: Ted Talks Harry Baker: A Love Poem For Lonely Prime Numbers

12:45-1:00

Read article A Review And An Update On

Using Childrens Literature To Teach Mathematics

1-2

2-2:15

2:15-2:30

Break into small groups and using the list of seven ways teachers can incorporate
childrens literature in math from the article, find books to support the context.
Teachers will align content with CCSS and identify Math Practice Standards when
appropriate
Can be broken into 7 groups, or 3-4 groups and the list split up, depending on
the size of the group.
Teachers explore a variety of literature available
Teachers write up their findings and present their finding with a poster
Copies of findings will be distributed through email to participants.
Handouts of resource lists; table talk of what teacher texts teachers may already
have in their class.
Handouts include:
Marilyn Burns Math Libraries Title List
Pages 6-13 of A Review And An Update On Using Childrens Literature To
Teach Mathematics
Algebraic Thinking, Data, Geometry, Measurement, and Number and
Operations
Wrap up and closure