The Teacher Life–Laughter and Learning
Our reading choices regularly neglect mathematics.
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There are tons of books that we happily read to babies. Nostalgia runs deep for cute plots, fuzzy characters, and a bit of laughter.
In our standardized book choices, children receive critical lap-time that develops vocabulary, phonemic and phonological awareness, and all other facets of beginning literacy.
At the same time, we have a plethora of games that continue to build these same skills. Nursery rhymes, hand games, I Spy, etc. all work together to build the requirements and awareness for children to begin reading and writing.
We are building fundamental, incredibly important, building blocks. That is good. That is commendable and absolutely needed.
However, I am here to point out that there is only a bit of math, at times, there is not a focused look on mathematical practice. There is less intention when it comes to the foundations of mathematics.
In my experience, in normal non-school settings as well as school-settings, the same attention to the building blocks of mathematics is absent–maybe minimally present, at best.
We do not speak math. We do not practice math. We do not notice math. Certainly not with the same veracity as we do letters and sounds.
So, this list of favorite books is focused on mathematical practice and discussion. If we can get kids excited and interested about mathematics, as babies, imagine how many more mathematicians–meaning engineers, architects, coders–we can support and create for the world!
Favorite math books for babies:
Favorite math books for young children:
Installment #14:
Five things I never knew . . . until I became a teacher:
Black History Month — these titles represent the depth desired for my instruction and learning.
These are good reads for me and good reads for my students. These books cross a range of topics, genres, and history. These books can be used in the classroom. These books can be utilized for personal reading; I do my best to make deliberate choices that ensure a wide range of titles, authors, stories, and voices are heard. Finally, I have shown these books because I recommend them; I have read them all and I can attest they have plenty to provide any student, any teacher, any reader.
Black History is not the history of slavery.
I know you know, but not every knows this fact–so send this friendly reminder.
Black History Month is the history of the world. Thanks to the black diaspora there are black people all over the world. Thanks to this movement, involuntary and voluntary movement, there is black culture, black achievement, and black excellence all over the world. Black History includes the stories and contributions of African-Americans, American-Africans, Afro-Caribbeans, and so much more. Celebrate that richness, devote time to that diversity, embrace all that history.
Notable people to start with:
Notable movements and organizations to discuss:
This month, this year, celebrate all that is Black History.
–Jane Smiley
