Why Math Curse by Jon Scieszka Is a Must-Have Book for Your Elementary Classroom
Looking for a fun and effective way to bring math to life for your students? Math Curse by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Lane Smith is a classroom favorite—and for good reason! This witty and engaging picture book is the perfect read-aloud to spark meaningful math discussions and get kids excited about numbers.
What Is Math Curse About?
In Math Curse, a student’s ordinary day turns into an extraordinary math adventure—all because of one little comment from his teacher:
“You know, you can think of almost everything as a math problem.”
That one sentence sets off what the student calls the math curse. Suddenly, math is everywhere! From brushing his teeth to choosing an outfit to figuring out birthday party cupcakes, his day is full of quirky, real-life math problems. It’s funny, fast-paced, and full of clever twists that elementary students love.
Why Elementary Teachers Love This Book
Math Curse is more than just a funny story—it’s a great teaching tool. With its colorful illustrations and creative scenarios, this book shows students that math is all around them. It helps kids understand that math isn’t just about worksheets and tests—it’s part of everyday life.
Key Benefits for Your Classroom:
- Sparks real-world math connections
- Perfect for introducing problem-solving and critical thinking
- Engages students with humor and relatable scenarios
- Supports lessons on time, measurement, counting, patterns, and more
- Great for read-alouds, math centers, or lesson starters
How to Use Math Curse in Your Classroom
Here are a few fun ways to turn this book into a meaningful math experience:
- Math Hunt: After reading, ask students to find their own “math curse” moments around the classroom or at home.
- Create Your Own Page: Have students write and illustrate their own math problem page based on their daily routine.
- Cross-Curricular Tie-In: Use the story to blend math with literacy, art, or even science!
- Group Discussions: Let students solve the problems in the book together—encouraging collaboration and math talk.
A Math Read-Aloud That Sticks
Whether you’re introducing a new unit, celebrating Math Week, or just need a clever read-aloud, Math Curse is a go-to resource for elementary teachers. It’s engaging, educational, and a fantastic way to help students see the math in the world around them.
📚 Tip: Pair the book with a fun follow-up activity to deepen student understanding—and keep the math magic going!
Ready to make math meaningful and fun? Add Math Curse to your classroom library today!
EnJoy the video!
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OUR MULTIPLICATION RESOURCES, GAMES AND ACTIVITIES!
Looking for time-saving tips and tricks for teaching math and ESL? Sign up for my email newsletter to get free teaching resources and helpful strategies right in your inbox! Click here to sign up.
