This Plus That: Life's Little Equations (writing, math, & free handout!)

In Amy Krouse Rosenthal's 2011 book, This Plus That: Life's Little Equations, "simple arithmetical equations show how big and small moments add up in life."

For example (from the book):

1 + 1 = us

yes + no = maybe

red + blue = purple

laughter + keeping secrets + sharing = best friend

chores / everyone = family

cozy = smell of pancakes - alarm clock = weekend

While this little book is a great stand-alone, it's also a wonderful model for children to consider their own life equations. My class wrote their own poetic, autobiographical equations modeled after these little beauties. What a great way to combine writing and math. See one student's work, below:

I made a little handout to help kids start brainstorming their own life equations. Enjoy! And please let me know if you use it! :)