Art Trouble: Art + Math = Cool Things!

ART TROUBLE. Give me the storyMs. Dandy is excited about her stuident’s first Art Festival at Numberland Elementary! The class of numbers have distinct artistic abilities and personalities and want to impress their teacher with their unique creations. But can they work together? Some numbers feel their art is better, while others feel their work is insigificant. What perspectice does Zero bring to his friends that changes their mind to create the most beautiful surpirse for their teacher? Find out in this lively and creative art and math story.What’s the big idea? It’s Teamwork!Collaboration is a win-win situation as it fosters better solutions. Research demonstrates that teamwork encourages individuals to take calculated risks, it builds them up for personal growth, sustains motivation, and diminishes stress by distributing the workload.However, effective teamwork demands time and dedication.According to American psycologist Bruce Tuckman’s model, teams undergo four developmental stages:Forming: Everyone aims to contribute in their own unique way.Storming: Conflicts may arise, potentially hindering project completion.Norming: Teams learn to resolve conflicts and collaborate efficiently.Performing: Harmonious teamwork leads to outstanding outcomes.These developmental stages are intricately woven into the story to impart valuable lessons to children about their roles within a team dynamic.How can this help a young learner?Art Trouble appeals to a wide range of ages. Zero’s unconventional thinking and vivid imagination brings together a diverse group of friends.For ages 3-5, the numbers become fun, personified figures. Kids become familiar with the the creative link between numbers and shapes. They will perhaps pick a favorite number to draw?Ages 6-8 engage in independent reading, grasp geometric connections, hone scissoring skills, and expand maker concepts through design thinking, teamwork, and leadership.Parents and educators discover the integration of art, math, problem-solving, and teamwork. They can explain math concepts through art and vice-versa which helps children with different learning interests. Adults delve into fascinating geometry facts and can promote imaginative approaches to mathematics and problem-solving.Why read this series?’Play with Math’, was created to instill a lifelong love for math in children, making it as engaging as playing a game. Play is known for enhancing cognitive development through problem-solving, teamwork, growth mindset, and creativity. This book and every book in this series, encourages hands-on ‘maker activities’ for both home and classroom use. By structuring playful activities for math, we can encourage children to listen, negotiate, think independently, persist, self-regulate, and exercise their innate curiousity.