Patterning and Algebra Picture Books

This week in class we discussed the patterning and algebra strand in the Ontario Mathematics Curriculum. One thing that really stood out to me was the idea of teaching patterning and algebra through literature. So, I have provided three resources that help us teach this strand through literature.

Why is literature useful in teaching mathematics?

One of the reasons students feel disconnected from mathematics and have a hard time understanding the content is because students only read math in a textbook. The language here is often burdened with many important terms and how-to, and lacks to pique the interest of the students. Literature embeds mathematics into a story that is much more appealing to students and much easier to digest and make sense of.

Another great use of teaching mathematics through literature is it explains the purpose of mathematics; a component that is too often missing from our classrooms and discussions. In order to really connect with students, they must recognize the purpose of what they are doing. Literature puts mathematics in a framework where students can clearly see the purpose of a certain calculation or certain strategy used.

The Grapes of Math by Greg Tang

This picture book is a great resource that teaches students patterning. It uses language that students can easily understand and it shows pictures to aid in explaining math. Patterning is also easily learned when spoken or heard, so I would recommend reading this book out loud with your students so that they can see the patterns on the pages and they can hear the patterns being spoken. 

You can listen to this book on YouTube.

Math for all Seasons by Greg Tang

Greg Tang has done it again with this book! The second book of his math riddles series, Tang involves the readers by asking them to use problem-solving math skills to find the answer. The solution to each riddle can be found by taking several different approaches and strategies, encouraging readers to develop a more flexible mindset when it comes to math. There is never just one way to arrive at a solution. The illustrations are amusing and attractive, and show that math is more than just a subject about numbers.

Mystery Math: A First Book of Algebra by Greg Tang

Just in time for Halloween (although Halloween was a few days ago), Greg Tang uses this theme to explain algebra in a simple way that students can understand. The spooky and creative illustrations also help solidify this concept. For a lot of students, especially in the beginning, algebra is a huge mystery! And unfortunately, a lot of these fixed-mindset students of ours do not believe they can do something so advanced. Yet, "algebra involves generalized thinking about relationships and how quantities change" (Small, pp. 369). Through this story, Tang is able to unpack the mystery of algebra, demonstrate a general thinking that students can adopt about objects in their own life. 

Mystery Math Read Aloud by Katie Jones: Part 1

Mystery Math Read Aloud by Katie Jones: Part 2

You can read the first part of this book on YouTube. And you can read the second part of the book also on YouTube.

References:

Small, M. (2017). Making Math Meaningful to Canadian Students K-8, (3rd) ed.). Nelson Education.