Turn Math into an Adventure with Math Start Books! -

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By Shannon at the Southern Schoolhouse

The Start Right books by Stuart Murphy are aimed at young children, preschool to early elementary school age range. They focus on helping children develop early learning skills like math, reading, and problem-solving. Each book in the series is designed to introduce and reinforce a specific math concept such as counting and number recognition, simple addition and subtraction, patterns and much more.

I use the Start Right books with my younger students to reinforce various math concepts, making learning both educational and enjoyable. I am still building my collection and have mostly Level 1 books because that is where a lot of my resource students fall. Below you will find some of my favorites!

Level 1: Early Learning

Focus: Basic foundational skills such as counting, identifying shapes, letters, and colors. The stories are simple and direct, helping children begin to understand essential early concepts.
Example: A book in this level might focus on counting numbers, introducing a simple storyline where a child counts objects like animals, toys, or fruits.

2. Level 2: Beginning Readers

Focus: More complex concepts, including simple addition and subtraction, early problem-solving, and phonics/reading skills.
Example: A book at this level might have a story about a character who solves a problem by counting or learning simple math, like adding or subtracting objects.

3. Level 3: Independent Readers

Focus: More advanced skills, including simple word problems, reading comprehension, and more complex math concepts like patterns, measurements, and early geometry.
Example: A story about a character who needs to measure ingredients for a recipe or organize a group of objects by size or shape.