Math in Motion: Origami in the Classroom K-8 [Perfect Paperback]

Barbara Pearl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2008

The innovative hands-on resource guide for grades K-8 presents practical techniques and strategies to teach mathematics across the curriculum using origami. NEW full color illustrations and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions develop basic educational skills. Interdisciplinary lessons and teacher scripts support National Mathematics Standards, cultural and cooperative learning activities that make learning FUN for kids of all ages...where EVERY child counts! MATH IN MOTION is designed to: 1) Support National Mathematics Standards 2) Develop a Positive Attitude Towards Learning 3) Integrate Literacy and Cross-Curricular Skills 4) Accommodate a Variety of Learning Styles. MATH IN MOTION offers a variety of TEACHERS INSERVICE, FAMILY AND STUDENT WORKSHOPS custom tailored to meet YOUR exact needs. For more information, visit: the Math in Motion website.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

International award winning educator and author, Barbara Pearl graduated with honors from LaSalle University with a Masters in Education where she received the 2003 Graduate Faculty School of Education's Excellence in Academic Achievement and Leadership Award. Ms. Pearl is Regional and Chapter President of Pi Lambda Theta, the International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education for the Philadelphia area. Nominated Second Vice President and Regional Director for the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, Ms. Pearl has been featured on national TV and in Creative Classroom and has been distinguished as an excellent instructor with a true love of her subject and a gift for knowing her audience. The author of Math in Motion: Origami in the Classroom and Whale of a Tale, Barbara is recognized around the country for her inspiring and motivational programs that promote a positive message about mathematics. As an international speaker Ms. Pearl has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia including Japan, China, Russia and the Gobi Desert. She developed Math in Motion in 1979 while working as a classroom teacher. Her background in mathematics and education inspired her to explore strategies that get students excited about mathematics and learning. Ms. Pearl has received numerous awards and grants, three times selected for National Library Week and participant in the J.F. Kennedy, Artists as Educators Seminar. Barbara is the recipient of the 1997 Ezra Jack Keats Award from the Los Angeles County Public Libraries for her multicultural Program of the Year and Bucks County Libraries as the National Library Week Travel Program. She installed the first Origami & Mathematics exhibits at The Franklin Institute Science Museum, the Philadelphia International Airport, Origami: The Universal Fold, and The Free Library of Philadelphia, Peace of Paper. Her work was recently selected as the 2006-2007 ARTMOBILE program and travelled to over 20,000 school children and adults throughout Bucks County, PA. The Spanish translation of Math in Motion is now available and Ms. Pearl is working on Book II. A percentage of sales is donated to children's and humanitarian organizations that support global education.

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 118 pages
• Publisher: Crane Books; 7th edition (October 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964792435
• ISBN-13: 978-0964792432
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #656,920 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Could serious math learning really be this much fun?, March 29, 1999

By 

"[e-mail]" (Princeton Junction, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Math in Motion: Origami in the Classroom K-8 (Perfect Paperback)

When I was in elementary school I hated math. Perhaps I would have had a different experience if Barbara Pearl's Math in Motion program had been available. Fortunately for kids today, Math in Motion can help make this often-unapproachable subject fun.

Barbara Pearl uses the ancient art of Japanese origami (paper folding) to demonstrate such fundamental mathematical concepts as number sense, patterns, fractions, angles, congruence, symmetry, spatial relationships, and polygons--all potential stumbling blocks for children learning math. The beauty of this approach is that the learning is embedded in fun projects.

Ms. Pearl also relates the exercises to language arts, social studies and science. These may be the only math exercises that kids are reluctant to end.

This is not a do it yourself book for kids. It is aimed at parents who want to participate in their children's learning and at teachers who are looking for innovative and creative ideas for the classroom. The projects range from simple enough for kindergartners to challenging enough for junior high.

An intuitive understanding of basic mathematical concepts is critical for all kids entering today's technical society. Math in Motion can be an invaluable tool in helping kids make it.

Charles B. Kreitzberg, Ph.D.

CEO, Cognetics Corporation

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Luring Father and Son into the "Fold", October 15, 2000

By 

Shlomo Shyovitz (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Math in Motion: Origami in the Classroom K-8 (Perfect Paperback)

Until I saw Barbara Pearl's book, my only brush with origami had been making paper airplanes and launching them out the 2nd floor window of my math class. Math was my least favorite subject, as it is for my son Benjy, a brilliant 9th grader with a blind spot for numbers, but not for their importance. We have been working hard together, and in this effort, "Math in Motion" has been a great panacea. Even though it is meant for grades K-8, Benjy delved into it with an enthusiasm previously reserved for Shakespeare comedies and Stephen King novels. What works for him is the opportunity this book offers to combine 2- and 3-dimensional thinking, explore basic and advanced concepts, and integrate mathematical and non-math subjects. What works for me is a chance to relate closely with my son in new and unexpected ways, and the rare pleasure afforded a parent in seeing his child's joy and satisfaction as his horizons widen and his understanding deepens. Among the countless guides and self-help books available in bookstores and catalogs today,"Math in Motion" is a unique, one-of-a-kind contribution.

Shlomo Shyovitz, AIA, Architect and Urban Designer (M.Arch.UD, Harvard, 1977)[e-mail]

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Folding to Learn, Learning to Fold, November 7, 2001

By 

Shirley Williams, PACT Instructor, Parents an... (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Math in Motion: Origami in the Classroom K-8 (Perfect Paperback)

Several years ago I never would have bought a book or attended a workshop like Math in Motion because I did not think it was relevant. But from the moment we started, Ms. Pearl made us all feel so comfortable-an ideal environment for learning, especially a subject like mathematics, which may be stressful. I wanted to create the same atmosphere and remove the fear element from learning mathematics. The workshop experience made us feel like we were a team. I felt like I could do anything. And it gave me the motivation to try more. Ms. Pearl's book outlines lesson plans that support NCTM Standards and has teaching scripts and tips for developing a warm and inviting hands-on learning environment that is educational and fun. The multidisciplinary approach connects math to other subjects including reading, science, and social studies. The step-by-step directions are clear and easy to follow. Multicultural activities teach an appreciation of other cultures from exploring tangrams to writing Haiku. The three most exciting words from my students were, "I did it!" I think this is also great for building kids' self-esteem. The book encourages you to have students write down on their paper manipulatives math vocabulary that helps them to remember it--younger kids can trace the place with their fingers as they say it. Now, I know that math is not BAD. When adults feel good about what they are teaching, children will feel better too. I know this book will help you create a room where children (and adults too) will love to come to learn and grow.