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Writer's picturePooja Sharma

The Magic of Storytelling: 3 Innovative Ways to Use Stories to Teach Math

Once upon a time, in the enchanted world of education, there existed an extraordinary instrument for bringing mathematics to life: storytelling. Teachers can harness the power of literacy activities to cultivate a deeper understanding of maths skills by incorporating mathematical concepts into captivating stories. Join us on this enchanted journey as we investigate three innovative ways to teach maths using stories.


Story Problems: Making Arithmetic Come Alive

Transforming traditional word problems into immersive story problems is the first strategy for incorporating narrative into mathematics instruction. By constructing captivating narratives, students can better relate to the mathematical concepts that are being taught. Here's an instance:


Old Method: Sally has eight pears. She gives her companion Jane three apples. How many fruits does Sally currently possess?


Story Problem: Once upon a time, a young girl named Sally resided in a land filled with apple trees. Sally gathered eight of the juiciest apples she could locate on a sunny afternoon. On the way home, she encountered her companion Jane, who was hungry. Sally generously gave Jane three of her pears out of a desire to aid her friend. How many fruits remained in Sally's basket?


Mathematical Storytelling: Including Mathematical Concepts in Narrative

Another captivating method for teaching mathematics through stories is to create original tales that incorporate mathematical concepts seamlessly. These stories can be read orally or acted out, creating a multisensory learning environment for students. Here's an instance:


The Search for the Missing Angle

In the mystical kingdom of Geometry, the valiant knight Lord Angle sought to rescue the missing angle from the evil Polygon Gang. Sir Angle needed to solve riddles and puzzles requiring him to calculate missing angles in various configurations in order to complete his quest. Sir Angle discovered new mathematical insights with each challenge, which ultimately led him to the missing angle and the restoration of the kingdom's equilibrium.


Math Literature: Examining Mathematical Concepts in Children's Texts

Teachers can finally utilise the power of children's literature to elucidate math concepts in a relatable and engaging manner. By selecting books with mathematical themes, teachers can construct lesson plans that integrate literacy and mathematics, thereby enhancing students' learning experiences. Here are two literary examples of mathematics:


Demi's "One Grain of Rice": This gorgeously illustrated book teaches students about the significance of generosity and the power of doubling numbers.


The author of "The Selfish Triangle" is Marilyn Burns. In this charming story, a triangle investigates the world of polygons and teaches children about their shapes, angles, and properties.


By incorporating narratives into maths lessons, instructors can bring abstract concepts to life, thereby enhancing students' understanding of mathematical principles. Embrace the power of narrative and embark on a journey to transform your maths teachings into engaging and memorable learning experiences.


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