Read This Article

Compare this article on connecting math and literature with what you observed in Dr. Frost's classroom.

Reading in the Math Class: Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (PDFs)
Thatcher, D.H. "Reading in the Math Class: Selecting and Using Picture Books for Math Investigations." Young Children 56, no. 4 (2001): 20-26.

Reprinted with permission from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

After reading the article, think about ways you can connect literature and mathematics in your own classroom. Are there books that your students are familiar with that lend themselves to developing mathematical concepts?

Watch This Video

View the first-grade video in the Teaching Reading library, "Assessment-Driven Instruction." Compare what you see with the use of the computer in Dr. Frost's classroom. Reflect on how Dr. Frost taught a student to use the computer to do an Internet search to determine the feasibility of his mathematics project. What prerequisite literacy skills do you think a primary-age student should demonstrate in order to do research like the student in the video?

For more information, see Assessment-Driven Instruction

Take It Back to the Classroom

Identify one element or strategy from Dr. Frost's classroom that you would like to try in your classroom. List any supports or resources you would need to implement it. Use the Classroom Strategy Planner (PDF). If you are participating in a study group, share what happened when you tried out the new strategy. Or keep a reflective journal of your experience focusing on the benefits for you and for your students.

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