Gymnastics by the Numbers

November 1, 2013

K-Gr 1-Each volume begins with an introduction that provides readers with some fairly complex facts about the subjects. For example, in Bowling, students learn that "The distance between the foul line and the first pin is 60 feet (18.2 m)." The books then switch to simpler sections with larger font size. "Kyle is a fast swimmer. He likes swimming freestyle best." "By the Numbers!" text boxes pose an addition or subtraction word problem. "Kyle has to swim 6 laps. He has finished 4. How many more laps will he swim?" Answers are in the back, along with some interesting facts about the sport and a short glossary. These volumes are simply tools to give students practice with addition and subtraction. There is no explanation of any of the answers or any definition of the operations. Teachers can use them as materials for independent readers or to spark group discussions about solving word problems. Full-page color photos illustrate the pages.

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2013
Grades K-2 In the introduction to this title in the Sports by the Numbers series, we learn that numbers are used all the time in gymnastics. A balance beam is 4 inches wide, for instance, and women's floor routines last between 70 and 90 seconds. Following a map of the gymnastics floor, which provides dimensions for each performance area, we travel to each apparatus where kids are in action. Peter is on the parallel bars, and a question box asks, Peter does 3 swings facing one way. Then he turns around. He does 4 more swings. How many total swings does Peter do? (Answers in back.) Facts conclude this pre-pre-precursor to performing back layouts with a front twist, which offers young kids who love to tumble a chance to sharpen their math skills.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)