Talking math with your child is simple and even entertaining with this better approach to shapes!
Christopher Danielson has taught math to learners of all ages. He now uses his PhD in mathematics education to create books and toys to support children's math development. Christopher is the developer of Math-On-A-Stick, an annual family math event at the Minnesota State Fair.
♦ A math concept book that encourages creative thinking and
celebrates all answers, as none are wrong! A lengthy introduction
of five and a half spreads introduces readers to the kind of
mathematical thinking Danielson is encouraging. The first spread
matches the final ones and presents four shapes, asking readers:
"Which one doesn't belong? Why?" The next spreads explain how every
answer is correct—one needs only to support it. Is it the triangle
among the quadrilaterals? The one shape that is an outline instead
of a solid color? Nine spreads then follow that each present kids
with four new shapes and the same questions, bold colors attracting
and holding interest as kids pore over the similarities and
differences. The author's note emphasizes that "All properties
count here; all ideas matter….You're thinking in a mathy way when
you notice sameness and difference for one property at a time." And
refreshingly, Danielson doesn't care about technical
language—observations trump terms, so don't worry about describing
them as "smooshed…dented…or colored in"; just describe them. This
is one shape book that will both challenge readers' thinking and
encourage them to think outside the box.
—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review
If I had to choose only one book from this list to give to a kid in
my life, this might be the one. It allows children to do
mathematics in a really exciting way that mimics what
mathematicians do. They discuss math with colleagues; they create
arguments about their findings. This book, which seems simple on
the surface — find the shape that doesn’t belong — creates rich
scenarios with multiple possibilities for correct answers. The
explanation is more important than the answer, which is how deep
understanding of mathematical knowledge is demonstrated.
—Book Riot
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