Description This story began as a manual for teachers and parents to explain how the material presented in King Maximo and the Number Knights may be developed into imaginative, hands-on learning activities that would help foster a joyful, active, creative and imaginative relation to mathematics. What is most unusual about this “manual” is that the instructions are given, implicitly, through the children’s conversation and purposeful play, with a little guidance from the Number Knights themselves. In addition, an appendix gives suggestions for real-world objects to reinforce the 12 numbers and their qualities. Sarah and the Number Knights is a review and deepening of the material presented in King Maximo, and as such, the author recommends introducing it at the end of the first grade year or beginning of the second grade year, when the children are more likely to have developed the necessary skills to carry out the activities presented. If, however, the teacher can’t afford the time to work the books separately, the author recommends waiting until later in the first grade year and using Sarah and the Number Knights as a companion to King Maximo. Author’s Note King Maximo is recommended for beginning of 1st grade when the qualities of numbers are generally introduced. Sarah and the Number Knights is best used in 2nd grade although it could be used at the end of 1st in some cases if the students have the requisite skills.
