Learning Fun

READ, COUNT and EXPLORE 

Maths in Picture Books 

Picture books aren’t just for reading – they are a rich, engaging way for children to explore mathematical thinking. When students encounter maths ideas inside students, they connect new concepts to characters, emotions and real-world situations. This helps build confidence, curiosity and a positive mindset towards Maths.  

What kind of Maths appear in picture books: 

Counting and number sense – Many stories include counting objects, comparing quantities  

Patterns and shapes – Repeated illustrations, geometric shapes and visual patterns help children recognise structure 

Measurement ideas – Height, length, time and size often appear naturally in stories 

Problem solving – Characters frequently face challenges that involve planning, organising or reasoning 

How families can support Maths through reading: 

Talk about the pictures – Ask children what thye notice, what is changing or what looks ‘bigger’, ‘smaller’, or ‘equal’ 

Count together – Count items on the page or predict what might come next 

Look for patterns – Try to spot repeating colours, shapes or actions 

Connect to real life – After reading, find similar Maths ideas at home or outdoors. 

Maths learning doesn’t need to feel formal. When children experience Maths through stories, they build understanding in a joyful, low-pressure way. Every shared reading moment is an opportunity to strengthen both literacy and numeracy.