The mathematics of fairy tales: constructing the concept of correspondence by telling children’s stories

Abstract: This article addresses the possibility of developing the mental process of correspondence, which is fundamental for the construction of the concept of number, by telling classic tales. The article is divided into three parts: in the first one, the text deals with the interrelationships between Literature and Mathematics for Math teaching; the second part discusses the importance of the development of mental processes in the construction of the concept of number; in the third part, it is pointed out how the mental process of correspondence can be developed with classic tales, to which are added examples of activities to elucidate the discussion. The proposed activities are aimed at the final years of Early Child Education and they can be replicated or adapted by the teacher, since this text aims to assist those who wish to look at the children’s classics from a mathematics perspective.