Storybooks in Mathematics: Can their use contribute to children’s enjoyment of the subject?

This project explored whether incorporating storybooks in mathematics teaching increases enjoyment of the subject, as there is a general lack of enjoyment with mathematics learning in the UK which may be having a negative impact on society. After an intervention with a class of Year Six children incorporating stories into their mathematics learning, interviews with groups of children and their class teacher suggested there are numerous ways to increase the enjoyment with mathematics learning. These included: using practical work; providing an appropriate level of challenge and support through modelling; and giving children ownership of their learning. Additionally, it was found that Upper Key Stage Two children generally find an increase in enjoyment when storybooks are integrated into their mathematics learning, due to a familiar context they create. The research concluded with the importance of using a meaningful familiar context when teaching mathematics, in order to maximise children’s enjoyment with the subject