I’m not going to lie. Ask me if I like math and my answer will be a resounding no.

I was the kid doodling during algebra. I somehow made it through school without ever once taking calculus. Today, my smartphone helps me figure out a percentage and my GPS watch helps me calculate splits on a long run.

At the same time, I’ve read the stories about the importance of encouraging a love of math among our kids (just take a look at the skyrocketing of careers in the STEM fields alone).

So if you’re anything like me you might be wondering: how the heck am I going to foster a passion among my kids if I avoid math at every turn? Enter children’s books and RIF.

This fall, we’re unveiling our new Multicultural Book Collection featuring 40 STEAM-themed books. STEAM is simply STEM — science, technology, engineering, math — plus an “A” for the arts, which coincidentally was the subject I managed with ease.

The collection is chock-full of books that can help even the biggest math-a-phobe out there  conquer their fears — and actually enjoy puzzling out a word problem.

Case in point: How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? This lovable story by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by G. Brian Karas will have most readers taking a trip to the pumpkin patch to experiment at home.

Plus for each book, RIF will be releasing associated activities for kids to help educators, parents and community volunteers extend the STEAM-related fun with their children. The guide for Pumpkin gives you a recipe for pumpkin pudding pie, ideas for creating seed art and more pumpkin math puzzles to solve.

Check out the collection for more information and to learn more about RIF’s focus on STEAM education.

As for me, I’m looking forward to doing some pumpkin activities at home. I think we’ll start with the pie.

posted by Jay

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Tags: Multicultural Books, STEAM, STEM