Whenever I think of words and math hanging out together, I instantly think of story problems, which were the bane of my existence in grade school. However, after reading a short segment in Rip the Page by Karen Benke, my perspective has drastically changed. Story problems don’t have to be lame plot lines designed to confuse my ability to add or subtract. The poet in me has been awakened to the possibility of adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying words.
In a section entitled, “A Note From: Betsy Franco,” the concept of mathematickles is introduced as the fusion of poetry and math. She gives a few examples to get the muse juice flowing:
rooftops
porches
+ under cars
___________
where the neighborhood kitties are
– – –
puddles – rescued worms = cloudy mirrors
– – –
Franco’s initial idea was to use haiku as a base, but she encourages poets to take risks by playing with form and language. The more broken rules, the better! I found the idea of math poetry so whimsical and inspiring I couldn’t help but free write a few of my own mathematickles.
– – –
millions of words
+ thousands of pages
________________
reader on board
– – –
tiny bladder − all but four teeth + a wagging nubbin’ = one forgiven and spoiled dog
– – –
Old stove × high burn ratio ÷ low cuisine IQ = kitchen meltdown
– – –
Pile of paperwork² + reluctant adults + ornery (slow) computer × surprise variables =
Yay! Taxes are done.
– – –
seeds aplenty
sunflowers
sweet peas
× snap beans
__________
songs of spring
– – –
Betsy Franco has written an entire book dedicated to math poetry, called Mathematickles! Creating word equations has never been more fun! Endless inspiration is sure to ensue and no calculator is required.
Are you inspired to be a math poet? Post your mathematickle or link in the comments.
Happy free writing!
– – –
c.b. 2012
I am inspired….now I must think and write my own. 🙂
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Yay! You’ll have to post it, either here or with a link. 🙂
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You always have the greatest posts. Very cool! = )
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Thanks! 🙂 I was hoping to have a little fun today and so I tried something different.
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I like these word problems much better than the ones we were bedeviled by in elementary school!
Here’s mine: Drippy nose + chartruse colored car = flowering maple trees!
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I love it! What an unexpected twist at the end! 🙂
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I love this, CBW! If my brain wasn’t so tired. I’d try writing one myself! Thank you for the smile. It’s poetry for the new century!
-Lynn
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I’m glad it made you smile! 🙂
It’s good to see you, my friend.
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Sorry I haven’t been more present for you…but I’m so deep into the rewrite (and the recent threat of flood) that it’s tough to think of anything else. I promise to do better!
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What a cool idea!! Thanks for sharing. I can see where this might spawn a short story or longer prose. And what neat visuals!!
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Absolutely! I scribbled about twice as many as I posted. Some might lead to something more!! 🙂
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what a neat idea, why couldn’t they have taught us this in math class?
1/4 moon + cloudless sky = starry night.
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Love, love, love your word poem. How fitting for Van Gogh! 🙂
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I think that was a true Freudian slip as I had Van Gogh on the brain without even realizing it.
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NOw THAT’s the kind of Math I LIKE! lol I’ve always considered myself mathematically dyslexic, but using words instead of numbers might make more sense. Maybe I can get the mind to come up with a few of my own. I liked the drippy nose one – I can certainly relate! 🙂
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I’ve always been a math moron, so I too am delighted to find math problems I can do without getting a headache!
I can’t wait to see what you come up with – please post! 🙂
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That’s so cool! I really enjoyed reading them … Joss’ too 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed them! 🙂
I know! Joss’ was awesome!
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Love these. So much fun. Here’s my link:
Put a few on my blog.
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Where did your link go?? 😉
I’ll visit via my blogroll!
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A great writing prompt, and I like your inventive mathematickles. fun stuff.
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It’s been fun to see what other people do this. All have beens original and fun! 🙂
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This could work.
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I had you in mind when I posted this – I would love to see what you come up with. 🙂
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time – tide = no man
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no + man = island
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Awesome! I love how they fit together!
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