The Power of Picture Books in Teaching Math and Science

by Lynn Columba

Chapter 1 'A good story is creative, suspenseful, imaginative, meaningful, humorous, adventurous, vivid and colorful, mysterious, engaging, emotional, inspirational, and easy to understand . . . . A good story also puts the readers inside the story, and makes it easier for them to think about difficult and complex issues.' This book's 50 lessons, each based on a different picture book or story, will build a foundation for teaching math and science concepts to students and will encourage students to engage with these content area subjects. The authors selected these specific books because of the power they possess to add relevance, excitement, and clarity to these subjects. Each lesson includes the suggested grade level, math or science standards addressed, objectives, materials needed, and suggestions for assessment. The directions and procedures for teaching these lessons are clear and well developed, making them easy to implement. The section Making Connections at the end of each lesson lists useful, related books and websites. In this book, the authors explore why we should use stories to teach--they show us how to use the power of stories to help students develop into readers, writers, and lifelong learners. They address national standards and explain how these standards can be met using children's literature in the classroom. The authors also describe how to select quality books, taking into consideration purpose, audience, and content. Use these lessons to create engaging learning opportunities with children's literature at their core. In doing so, you will motivate your students to learn.

230 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2005

Reviews

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read this, I just glanced through it. I'm not going to use it, since I don't home school. We read lots of picture books containing science (and math probably), but I don't do lessons about them.

From what I could see, this book could be useful in teaching, but it's not really my style. A picture book title is given and then a lesson is outlined. I do love picture books and know that my kids learn a lot from them.

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to read this one for a grad class. If I taught elementary school math or science, I'm sure this would be great. As an eighth grade English teacher, it didn't do much for me.