Early childhood math literacy program earns grant

Hilliard Elementary Intervention Specialist Christina Meecha’s proposal to create a combined math and language arts program has earned a $2,000 grant from Target for math literacy materials.

Meecha plans to create a library of books that deal specifically with math concepts and will be used to “grab students’ attention” for math lessons for preschool through fourth grade.

Meecha said many students struggle with math but love reading, so finding books that enforce a greater love of math can help students in a fun way.

“It is important for students to understand the importance of math in everyday life,” Meecha said, adding that there are many math books, both fiction and non-fiction, that connect math to the real world for students. “Math includes so much more reading, writing and explanations. Using literature helps to reinforce these skills within the math class.”

Meecha said she expects 500 students will be served by the program.