These ants aren’t marching two by two, but they are doing math. “Ants work together as a group.When we want to know how many there are altogether in a group, we can add to find out. Let’s add some ants!”  (p. 5) Kindergarteners and first graders enough read stories about ants and study ants as part of science. Now we will be able to add math to the list of things ants can do in their class.

These  photographed ants are one inch or larger, plus it is not the same ant reproduced over and over again, but multiple photos of  individual ants. The detail in these photos is impressive.

Addition sentences are in a large bold font beneath the ants to be added. Sentences include: 1+2, 3+3, 6+3, 2+5  &  5+2, and 9+7. Number lines with advancing arrows are shown , as well as, an addition chart with an invitation for the young reader to try to solve  7+4=? using the addition chart.

While learning about adding the young reader is also gaining knowledge facts about ants. Then there is an entirely separate page entitled ‘Ant Facts‘. There is a separate ‘Math Glossary‘ from the ‘ Ant Glossary‘. Followed by a separate page of “Teaching Notes-… This title supports an understanding of quantity by putting together groups of objects (ants) and introducing the mathematical vocabulary and symbols of addition.” (p. 24)  Finally ‘Related Common Core Standards‘ for kindergarten and first grade are listed at the bottom of the page.