The Math Around Us

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to create a research-informed, responsive resource to help parents of Kindergarten to Grade 6 children incorporate mathematics learning into everyday family life. In Ontario, several publicly available resources discuss the important role parents play in their children’s mathematics education, and the value of mathematical discussions and activities in everyday family experiences. While the recommendation for family mathematics learning is common and widespread, a document analysis completed for this project indicated a lack of concrete examples of what these activities and learning opportunities might look like. The Math Around Us is a book containing over 100 prompts and activities which incorporate mathematics learning into the places and spaces families frequent. Organized alphabetically by 18 unique locations, activities are explained in straightforward language, require few or no materials, and minimal or no preparation. This resource may be a valuable tool for parents interested in fun and informal ways to bring mathematical learning opportunities for their children into the home and world around them.