Written by Elizabeth Hoover.

Mathematics is much more than numbers, formulas, and theories. It is a vital, fascinating part of our daily lives. Whether we’re hitting a grand slam, making chocolate chip cookies, or reading a science-fiction novel, math helps us understand and enjoy the world in which we live.



The Tall-Tale Math Series is a comprehensive resource that empowers students by helping them understand and utilize the fundamentals of mathematics. Highly creative story problems spark curiosity and help students appreciate math as a powerful tool for solving real-life questions.



In Book 1 of the series, Number Sense, students will explore various forms of numbers, including integers, fractions, decimals, and percents. They will learn to compare different types of numbers and to use them in various kinds of computations.



Number Sense is divided into three useful sections: 



Review Sheets contain easy-to-understand definitions and examples that clearly explain particular concepts, such as “Adding Fractions.” In addition to providing valuable practice exercises, the sheets can also serve as handy reference guides. 



Skill-Builder Sheets present intriguing story problems that use humor, creativity, and mystery to engage students. Each sheet covers a specific concept, which is clearly labeled at the top of the page. 



Extra-Practice Sheets are designed to add an additional challenge for students who have mastered the previous sheets. In addition to the basic concepts, students must use additional skills, such as measurement conversion, chart analysis, and selection of the most appropriate number form. These sheets give teachers the extra flexibility to tailor lessons based on grade level and ability.



Learning Objectives 

Number Sense, was designed to help instructors implement the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards. Aimed at students in grades 4 through 8, the sheets will help students meet the following specific objectives:

      • understanding various ways to represent numbers, including fractions, decimals, and percents

      • comparing various types of numbers and understanding their relationships

      • representing, comparing, and ordering integers

      • computing with fractions, decimals, and percents

      • working with mixed numbers and improper fractions

      • utilizing factors and multiples to solve problems

      • rounding various types of numbers, including decimals and percents

      • finding appropriate forms for fractions, decimals, and percents in problem solving

     • connecting math to the world outside the classroom

      • using investigation and reasoning to solve problems


Grades 4–7. 



The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*: 
CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.,B; NF.A,B; OA.A,B 
CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.,B; NF.A,B; OA.A,B 
CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.A,B,C 
CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A,B,C 

Understand the place value system. 
Perform operations with multi-digit whole numbers and with decimals to hundredths. 
Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions. 
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division. 
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators. 
Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators. 
Interpret a fraction as division of the numerator by the denominator. Solve word problems involving division of whole numbers leading to answers in the form of fractions or mixed numbers. 
Solve real world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers. 
Apply and extend previous understandings of division to divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions. 
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to divide fractions by fractions. 
Compute fluently with multi-digit numbers and find common factors and multiples. 
Apply and extend previous understandings of numbers to the system of rational numbers. 
Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions. 
Write and interpret numerical expressions. 
Analyze patterns and relationships. 

*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers 
Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts 
Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C. 
Copyright Date: 2010