We’re about one month into the school year, and unfortunately some kids may soon be feeling discouraged about math. One way to counteract the “Math is hard” complaint is to show your kids the playful, creative side of math. Certainly, for the youngest kids, we have great choices of books about counting and shapes. However, we have many wonderful books that present more complicated mathematical skills in an enjoyable way (through art, riddles, games and even poetry).

Greg Tang has made a career out of math education and is the undisputed master of making math fun for kids. Here are just three of our Greg Tang books.

   

Sometimes authors choose to present math concepts in a story format. Here are two picture books that explore counting money and ways to take measurements.

   

This next book introduces tangrams, a type of shape puzzle which has been played for hundreds of years. You can read the book and then make your own tangrams out of paper or cardboard. Use the shapes to create your own pictures or go online to see some classic tangram puzzles.

Geometry terms and concepts are explored in these three medieval tales by Cindy Neuschwander.

    

Don’t stop there! We’re just getting warmed up! Check out these books with games, puzzles, riddles and more fun facts about math.

 

 

Another way to help your children develop math skills is to make a point of showing them how often you use math. Both of the following books are from series that discuss how math is actually applied. The first book series is aimed at young kids, but the second series is great for upper elementary and up.

 

Kids’ biographies are also a great jumping-off point for discussions of math, as well as history and science. Your child may be amazed to learn that world-famous mathematicians may have struggled with schoolwork as a child. All of these choices will be more fun if you read them with your child. Don’t be surprised if you learn something, too! And, isn’t learning together the most fun of all?