“What are the Use Your Math Power  (UYMP) books,?” asked a teacher recently.  “Are they a resource?”  “What purpose would they serve in my classroom or school?”

Perhaps the request that led me to write these books helps with these questions.  A first grade teacher I was coaching asked, “Is there a picture book that shows students engaged in math discourse?  I am working to get my students to all engage thoughtfully in discussions, but some struggle.  I use picture books to give students models for other behaviors.  So why not for math discourse.”

I couldn’t find the books this teacher wanted, but I thank her for the idea for my UYMP books.  In each of these books Ms. Green engages her primary classroom in making sense of and solving an unfamiliar problem.  These children are learning to use the Standards for Mathematical Practice.  As in your classroom, children have struggles in the books, but your students can see how other children share ideas, take risks, ask questions, and learn to engage effectively.  I’ll give you a glimpse into each book.

I’ll start with the first pages of Hatching Butterflies.

As the story continues, Hannah asks Carlos what he didn’t understand. He eventually asks why she subtracted when the butterflies don’t fly away, and they need more butterflies.  With time and a number line, they are able to see a way to add up to find how many more they need.  When they share their strategy with the class, another pair says they got the same answer by subtracting.  In a turn and talk and a group discussion, we see the students use a number line to figure out why they can add up or subtract to find the solution.  And Carlos and Hannah have learned to work together.

Before I go on to the first pages of Monkeys for the Zoo, here’s a bit about the books as a resource.  With read alouds and discussions the books help students consider how they can participate in math class more effectively.  In addition, I know that teachers and other educators have used the books in professional development, goal setting, and a variety of activities to help them enhance student participation.  My other posts give more details about use of the books.

Now for Monkeys for the Zoo.

Well, another child does suggest a way, 3 Howlers and 10 Spiders. Gradually more ideas are suggested, and someone asks if there can be more than one right answer.  During the discussion, Mia overcomes her reticence to speak and shares her idea.  The story ends with Mia finding lots of ways as she helps Ben understand why they are finding so many answers.

And finally,  the beginning pages of Penguins on Parade.

Using the ten frames, Zoe helps Trevor see that they can figure out a strategy to get the numbers for the count, but they’re using ones.  Ms Green has them share their work with the class to help everyone.  Together the children find the pattern in the count, 8, 18, 28, 38, discuss the pattern and why it works when you count by tens from a non-zero number.  And Trevor develops some confidence about figuring out how to solve problems that he hasn’t been taught how to do.

I hope you will take a peek at my other posts that give more ideas about the books.  Enjoy!