Dear Parent/Grandparent/Caregiver,

Congratulations on putting your child on the path to a lifelong love of numbers!

As you probably know, there is an epidemic in this country of kids growing up learning to fear math, which of course can adversely affect their futures in countless ways. It’s a slow but steady process that begins at a very young age as they absorb the negative stereotypes surrounding math (that it’s foreign, scary, not needed in life) from the media – and even from family and friends. And with every day that passes in our increasingly tech-driven society, math becomes more and more critical for our children’s success.

The good news is, we have the power to do something about it! And what is the solution? Making sure our kids see math as “friendly” and relevant in their lives, and it’s never too soon to start.

In Goodnight, Numbers, each adorable spread shows its number as it exists in the real world – four legs on a cat, five points on a star, six sides on a block, etc. The objects weren’t randomly chosen: By reading this book every night, we are deliberately shaping how our children see math – as an approachable, integral part of their world.

So when you’re at the grocery store, point out the unit prices. When you cook, show them the fractions on the measuring cups. And when it comes time for bed, read books like this one, where I’ve snuck math education into stories that feel like playtime. You’ll be giving your child the priceless gift of confidence in math that will shape how they see themselves their entire lives – as strong, empowered citizens who understand the value of numbers… and who certainly aren’t going to let a little math scare them off.

How To Get The Most Out Of Goodnight, Numbers:

• Point out the difference between the numbers and the names of the numbers – for example, the number “3” versus the word “three.”
• Look for what appear to be picture frames on the walls of each spread, and count the objects inside each one. These are actually “ten-frames” – a teaching tool your child will see in early elementary school which I have disguised as picture frames, in order to begin the process of familiarization.
• Look for other objects to count on each page! There are many to choose from on each spread.
• Take note of the endpapers at the very beginning and end of this book, which show many ways to express the same value – a fundamental concept throughout all of math.
• You can even show your child how the book applies to their world – point out the six sides on one of the blocks in their room, or count the paws on your pet!

Come up with your own ideas, and send them to me at: share@danicamckellar.com

Happy Counting!