In Sum, Math Picture Books Work
A 2023 research review shows that when picture books are integrated into math lessons, student performance—and engagement—can see a sizable boost.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, when pictures, words, and numbers combine in the form of a well-written children’s book, the result can have tremendous value in the math classroom.
In 2023, researchers compiled insights from 16 recent classroom studies and found that integrating picture books into math lessons can benefit learners in a variety of ways. In pre-K all the way through middle school, picture books were seen to boost student engagement; likewise, these books can improve performance on tasks ranging from counting to 20 to calculating diameters.
To read the original research, check out the links below:
- Qiaoping Zhang, Jin Sun, and Wing-ying Yeung’s review of over two decades of studies into the effectiveness of using picture books in mathematics teaching (2023)
- Robert Capraro and Mary Capraro’s study of using children’s literature to supplement middle school geometry lessons (2006)
To learn more about 2023’s most compelling research findings for educators, visit The 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2023.