Little Barton comprises seven short stories on Barton’s early experiences in school. Barton and his little friend learn together as they engage in lively discussions on what they have been learning in school. The focus is on developing concepts and vocabulary in Number (in particular, Addition and Subtraction) and Geometry.
In the story, I Like School the reader is encouraged to like school as Barton’s teacher reassures her class that it is not unusual to miss home and their moms. She warms to them by reading a poem inviting them to look forward to the joys of learning.
Adding to a Friend is a story in which Barton teaches his newly found friend how to add without using his fingers. The little boy is delighted to learn and forms a bond with Barton, as they go around the schoolyard counting objects that they see.
In No Matter How, Barton’s friend has become so proficient at addition that he begins to discover new relationships and eagerly awaits his encounters with Barton so that he can share his findings. The boys discuss this new relationship (commutative property) and even Barton is amazed at this remarkable property.
In Take Away, subtraction is the major focus as Barton’s friend explains to Barton how he can now perform subtraction in his head. The boys practice their subtraction skills as they explore their environment looking for meaningful examples that model subtraction.
In The Both of Us the boys explore multi-step problems involving addition and subtraction. The problems are all connected to their experience as they investigate situations around the school and neighbourhood.
Jingle Maths introduces Barton’s class to rhyme and rhythm as Barton’s teacher challenges the class to create a poem. Barton accepts the challenge and is overjoyed when Miss asks him to read his poem for the class.
The Hunters is a story on the explorations of two little boys (Barton and his friend) as they hunt for squares. The story vividly captures the readers imagination as the boys challenge each other as they attempt to justify their findings.
