“Nine out of ten adults and children I talk to admit that math is not their favorite subject and that they have very little confidence in their ability to do it,” Annette Payne says. This is why, Payne explains, she decided to create a series of children’s books, titled Me+Math=Magic, that offer an engaging approach to teaching essential beginning math concepts.

Payne has teamed up with her daughter, Caytlin Payne Sampson, who is a McKay School alumna with a degree in elementary education, and her daughter-in-law, Megan Kleinhenz Payne, to publish the book series. Caytlin is the co-author of the teacher resource book that accompanies the series, and Megan, who received her bachelor’s degree from BYU in graphic design, is the illustrator of the books.

“Each of us brings a different set of talents to this project because of our experience, talents, and positions in life at this time,” Annette expressed. “The three of us together make such a perfect combination that I don’t believe it’s a coincidence we all landed in the same family.”

Through the books, young readers enter a magical world of talking animals and changing colors, while learning basic math concepts. In A Rainbow Zoo, one of the first books of the series, children enter a rainbow zoo where magical animals teach them about numbers, colors, and shapes.  Apples, Apples, 1,2,3: See If You Can Count With Me introduces a monkey who learns to share with his friends while counting to 10 and back again. Willie Whale, Where Are You? and Can Polly’s Pattern Win The Prize? along with Sally Sue Can Sort, Can You? discuss patterns, position words, and sorting.

“If we can introduce children to math early and help them see its value in the world around them, then we can help them feel confident and assured that they can do math,” Annette said.

If you would like more information on the books, click here.

23 August 2010