MathArts
Exploring Math Through Art for 3 to 6 year Olds
Author: Mary Ann Kohl and Cindy Gainer
Publisher: Gryphon House, Inc., Beltsville, Maryland 1996

Brief Description:
What child does not like to do art? Two educators share how children can learn math through art in their everyday world. This valuable resource includes art projects for ages three to six year olds.

Features I Like:
First of all, the Table of Contents is different from most books. Why? It’s very detailed and informative. Each section has over fifty art activities, and here’s what teachers and parents will appreciate. At a glance, the Table of Contents indicates the skill learned, art medium, age, length of time to prepare, whether assistance is required, and whether caution is needed. No need to turn another page; I am sold. However, I did turn several more pages. I discovered a few more things I liked….

MathArts is divided into three parts:

I. I’ve Just Begun…Exploring Counting
II. I’m on My Way…Exploring Spatial Relationships
III. Look at Me…Exploring Number Value

**Each art activity is explained on one page.

**Easy to find materials

**Ideas given to modify the activity

**Each chapter discusses the concept being learned, and each activity has icons on the top of the page to represent the different teacher aides mentioned earlier.

** Art Medium Index – tells which project uses paint, collage, clay, crafts, etc.
** Math Skill Index - organized by math skills such as money, counting, patterns, etc.
** Materials Index – If you have an abundance of beads, refer to this index for project ideas.


To Be Desired:
I liked everything. It is obvious the authors have put a lot of thought and work into this book.

Comments:
A few activities are more suited for homeschool than a regular classroom. For example, the Patterned Clay Snakes activity requires the use of an oven. However, I think the use of the oven could be omitted. MathArts has over 200 pages. So, tutors, math teachers, art teachers, parents, and daycare providers will be able to find just the right projects to engage their students with fun explorations of math through art. Click the picture below to look inside the book.