BEDTIME MATH

BEDTIME MATH

So are you left-brain or right-brain dominant? 

Don't know? 

You have probably heard this theory on TV and in books for years, but guess what... it's a myth!  According to the theory, each side of your brain controls different types of thinking. It says that artistic people are more "right-brained" and logical thinkers have a stronger left side of their brain. But the truth is, the brain isn't as dichotomous as once thought.  Mixing logic and creative tasks is where the real magic happens. When the brain works on, for example, story problems in mathematics, foreign languages, or music, it uses both sides of the brain which in turn helps with other brain functions.

So what do you get when you mix mathematics and language learning? A lot of good exercises for the brain, that's what! Check out this great book we got at the local library that we have been using with our 5 yo before bedtime.

Matematicas antes de Dormir: Una Buena Excusa para Acostarte Tarde

Mathematics before Bed: A good excuse to go to bed late.

In English it is sold as " Bedtime Math"

Laura Overdeck along with her husband began to solve math problems with their kiddos before bed. Soon Bedtime Math was born and Laura decided to share their family tradition and make a book. https://www.amazon.com/Matem%C3%A1ticas-Antes-Dormir-Bedtime-Spanish-ebook/dp/B00ILYYOZO

So why do I love this book? Every 2 pages there is a little history given (for example Blue whales are X big. Elephants are also really big. They are Y big.) Then a little of mathematics is presented (You would need Z amount of Elephants to reach the weight of one blue whale), and then a little bit of practice! (If you already have 5 elephants, and you need 18 to reach the weight of a whale.. how many more elephants do you need?)  My son loves working out these problems in his head (and on his fingers). Each story presents an Easy, Medium and Hard math challenge based on the information given. So this book will definitely grow with your child or work as a bedtime story for different ages and abilities.  The topics are interesting and silly, The illustrations are quirky and provoke curiosity as well.

I love that we can use Spanish while learning math with this book. The more often you can study other subjects in the foreign language, the more frequently your children will start using the language in regular problem solving and thinking. 

Happy Reading!!