Ever wondered how to make geometry not just a subject but an exciting adventure in your classroom? Geometry read-alouds are a fantastic way to engage your students and help them see math in a whole new light. Letβs dive into why and how these geometry books can transform your math lessons! πβ¨
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Why Should You Use Books in Math Lessons?
Integrating literature into math lessons can seem unconventional, but itβs a powerful strategy. Books, especially geometry read alouds, bring abstract concepts to life. They help students visualize shapes, understand geometric principles, and relate these concepts to the world around them. Plus, they’re a fun way to reinforce learning! π
Check out these other blog posts for more math books:
12 Engaging Geometry Books for Kids
Teaching geometry is one of my favorite topics in math. There are a variety of fun and engaging activities that you can incorporate into your math lessons. One of the best ways to make math fun is to include read alouds at the beginning or end of your lesson.
Hereβs a list of 12 wonderful geometry read alouds to add a dash of storytelling to your math lessons! Plus, I have included one activity for each book that you can complete alongside the book.
Square (The Shapes Trilogy) by Mac Barnett
Join βSquareβ on his heartwarming quest to create something perfect. This delightful story not only introduces basic geometry but also teaches valuable lessons about self-acceptance and determination. A perfect read for those days when your class needs a little inspiration! π
- Activity: Spark creativity with a ‘perfect square’ art project, blending geometry with art. To complete this activity, students will cut a large square into smaller shapes and then creatively reassemble these pieces into a new square design.
Circle (The Shapes Trilogy) by Mac Barnett
βCircle’sβ game of hide-and-seek is not just fun; it’s a journey into the world of shapes! This story is a fantastic way to get your students excited about circles, all while enjoying a tale of friendship and adventure. π
- Activity: Have a blast with a ‘circle hunt’ in the classroom, turning shape recognition into an exciting game. Give students clipboards to help them easily keep track of the circles they spot around the room.
Triangle (The Shapes Trilogy) by Mac Barnett
βTriangle’sβ playful antics offer a light-hearted introduction to geometric shapes. It’s a delightful story that combines humor with learning, ideal for a lively math lesson.
- Activity: Foster storytelling skills by having students create their own geometric shape-based tales. Students can work in pairs to write a story where the main character is a shape.
City Shapes by Diana Murray
Explore the bustling city and discover how shapes are everywhere! This vibrant and engaging book is perfect for showing students the real-world application of geometry. It’s a colorful journey that makes learning about shapes an urban adventure. ποΈ
- Activity: Unleash student creativity with a city collage project using different geometric shapes. Students can find pictures in magazines and newspapers, or they can create a digital collage with pictures from the web.
Perimeter, Area, and Volume: A Monster Book of Dimensions by David A. Adler
Who knew monsters could be so educational? This book breaks down complex concepts into fun, digestible parts, making it a hit for engaging math lessons. π
- Activity 1: Encourage hands-on learning with a ‘monster garden’ design project. Give students grid paper to complete this project as they explore perimeter and area.
The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns
Dive into this imaginative story about a triangle’s shape-shifting adventure. It’s a wonderful resource for discussing polygons and angles in a way thatβs relatable and fun.
- Activity: Build understanding with a craft stick polygon creation session. Students will use popsicle sticks and glue to recreate common polygons.
If You Were a Polygon by Marcie Aboff
Imagine life as various polygons! This book is a playful invitation to explore geometric shapes and their properties, fostering a creative approach to learning. π
- Activity: Draw and decorate ‘Polygon Portraits,’ mixing art with geometry. In this activity, students draw a self-portrait or an imaginary character using only polygon shapes.
If You Were a Quadrilateral by Molly Blaisdell
A delightful journey into the world of quadrilaterals! This book makes understanding different types of quadrilaterals a breeze, all while keeping the fun factor high.
- Activity: Design and fly quadrilateral kites, a perfect blend of science and math.
Shape Up! Fun with Triangles and Other Polygons by David A. Adler
This book turns geometry into a fun, interactive experience, ideal for engaging young minds. With its clear explanations and engaging activities, it’s a must-have for any geometry lesson. π
- Activity: Set up a polygon scavenger hunt either around your classroom, across the school, or outside in the playground. Students can work with a partner and a clipboard to keep track of the polygons they find.
Captain Invincible and the Space Shapes by Stuart J. Murphy
Space and shapes together β what could be more thrilling? This book is an excellent way to introduce 3D shapes, all within the context of an exciting space adventure. π
- Activity: Let your students build 3D spacecraft models! This STEAM project is a great hands-on project for older students who are learning about 3D shapes.
Shapes in Math, Science, and Nature: Squares, Triangles, and Circles by Catherine Sheldrick Ross
Dive deep into the world of shapes with this comprehensive and engaging book. It’s filled with fascinating facts and activities, perfect for a hands-on geometry experience.
- Activity: Collaborate on a geometric shape garden project, bringing math to life. Students can draw or make a 3D garden where all of the flowers are different shapes.
Sir Cumference and the First Round Table by Cindy Neuschwander
Bring history into your math class with this medieval-themed adventure that cleverly teaches geometry. It’s a unique way to integrate history and math, making both subjects more engaging. π°
- Activity: In this ‘Design Round Tables’ activity, students apply geometric principles to create their own designs of round tables, integrating measurements of circumference, diameter, and area.
Geometry Resources You Can’t Miss!
After diving into these exciting reads, extend the learning with hands-on activities. My Geometry Task Cards for 5th graders and Geometry Worksheets for 2nd graders are perfect tools to complement these stories. They provide engaging, practical ways for your students to apply what they’ve learned about shapes and geometry.
Do you still need more help teaching geometry?
Geometry doesnβt have to be just about numbers and formulas; it can be a world of stories and imagination! πβ¨
Whether youβre a seasoned math teacher or just starting, these geometry read-alouds are a perfect addition to your teaching toolkit. They make learning fun, engaging, and memorable.
So, which book are you excited to read first? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out my geometry resources for more fun learning experiences!
Happy Teaching!
