MATH-terpieces : The Art of Problem - Solving

Blog Posted by Leonie Haughton

Title: MATH-terpieces : The Art of Problem - Solving

Author: Greg Tang

 Illustrator: Greg Paprocki

Recommended Grade Level: 1- 2

Common Core Mathematics Standards:

1.OAB. 3: Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract. 2 Examples: If 8 + 3 = 11 is known, then 3 + 8 = 11 is also known. (Commutative property of addition) To add 2 + 6 + 4, the second two numbers can be added to make a ten, so 2 + 6 + 4 = 2 + 10 = 12. (Associative property of addition)

2.OAB. 2: Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies.2 By end of Grade 2, know from memory all sums of two one-digit numbers.

1.NBT. 4: Add within 100, including adding a two-digit number and a one-digit number, and adding a two-digit number and a multiple of 10, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used. Understand that in adding two-digit numbers, one adds tens and tens, ones and ones; and sometimes it is necessary to compose a ten.

Common Core Standard for Mathematical Practice:

CCSS MATH PRACTICE MP2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively &4 Model with mathematics.

Summary:

This book is about problem solving which is of one of the most important areas of mathematics. It in-cooperates art and poems that rhymes. Students learn to add two or more groups at a time, which teaches them to think about numbers in pieces. The math problems are visually interesting, engaging and clear. There are many learning experiences such: famous paintings, looking for patterns, and a conducive, creative learning environment that will guarantee students’ success in math. They will be challenged, inspired and entertained. Students will love the brain teasing aspects of the problems.

Rating **** (4.12) This book has an amiable introduction to math, various artists, art forms and pieces, as well as interesting poems that rhymes. Each page consists of a famous piece of art and then the author developed a math question using a component from the painting that the reader must solve by using simple brain workout for kids. This is a great multi-disciplinary resource for the lower and middle grades.

Classroom Ideas:

This book is an innovative multi-disciplinary resource which uses famous pieces of art to inspire creative rhymes and problem solving activities. It can teach topics in mathematics such as addition, subtraction, time, square, pattern, grouping, math sentences and colors. Poems that rhymes can develop an interest in reading and phonics/rhyming words and Art can teach colors, painting/drawing and artists. On each page spread there is a masterpiece on the left followed by a rhyme that gives a little information about the art and challenges the students to find a certain number of different ways to group the drawings on the opposite page. For example, on the page with one of Dali's famous paintings of clocks, students are challenged to find seven ways to group on the opposite page to make a big group of eight clocks. The opposite page has groups of 4, 3, 3, 2, 2 and 1 clock, available to be combined to create eight in seven different ways. Students will learn about different artists and some of their art pieces This resource facilitates learning, creativity, motivation and enjoyment.