By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
A new and exciting approach to early childhood education is emerging from a Raleigh educator and author, combining the essential skills of reading and mathematics into a single, engaging, colorful children’s book series. Local author and former math teacher, Dr. Marrielle Myers, has launched an innovative children’s book series designed to spark “math talk” in homes, reinforcing the idea that math is not just a school subject but a natural part of daily life. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Myers about her debut book, Operation Feed The Ducks (released December 2024), her inspiration, and her vision for the future of math education in the home.
Dr. Myers’s inspiration for combining math and reading stems from a desire to empower both children and parents. "I really wrote the book for a few reasons," she explained. "I wanted kids to see how math connects to their hobbies and things they're interested in." She cites her childhood experience of feeding ducks with her father as a prime example of where real-world math happens. She also recognized a gap in family engagement. While many parents instinctively know to read to their children, they often lack confidence in how to introduce mathematical concepts. By integrating math into a familiar reading activity, she aims to solve this: "If you already spend time reading, let's put some math in a book, so we can start having math talk at home!" This shared experience ensures that children "are coming to school already having some ideas about mathematics."
Ultimately, the core message of the series is motivational: "I wanted children to understand that they already are math people because they do math everyday." Math, she elaborated, is found in "playing games, keeping score in sports, sharing snacks, patterns, and braiding our hair—math is not worksheets in school."
Creating and publishing the book presented unique challenges for Dr. Myers, who chose to pursue the independent route. Beyond the writing itself, she faced the complex tasks of publishing. With the editing, she explained the need to refine the initial math-focused manuscript to ensure it was also a "warm story for the children," requiring multiple rounds of editing. Finding the right artist who could capture her distinct cultural vision was a challenge. Dr. Myers navigated the logistics and financial risks of having the books printed overseas for cost-efficiency. And finally building trust and relationships to "connect with schools, with community organizations," which she shared is the “ultimate goal."
Stay tuned! Dr. Myers, has planned a series of at least ten books, each focusing on a different early math skill and drawing inspiration from her family's legacy. The next book, The Birthday Countdown, is set to be released in December 2025. This installment will focus on the skill of counting backwards. Beyond that, one of the most anticipated books in the series will involve cooking with her mother. Dr. Myers highlighted the wealth of math found in the kitchen, from measuring ingredients to the skills of halving or doubling recipes for different-sized gatherings. This particular book is not just about math; it is a way to "honor my family and that legacy."
Dr. Myers’s efforts align with a powerful local example of community support for education. Her presentation was hosted by Edna Valentine a member of St. Ambrose Church, which has a 13 year strong partnership with Fuller Elementary School. This partnership, which began when the church met at the school during construction, has evolved into providing crucial support for students and teachers. St. Ambrose volunteers help students during the school day with reading and science projects. St. Ambrose members under the leadership of Pastor Jemonde Taylor facilitate essential charity drives, including providing back-to-school supplies, Thanksgiving baskets, and Christmas Angel Tree gifts. This kind of one-on-one attention and holistic support is invaluable to the success of students and a testament to the community-focused ethos that Dr. Myers is promoting through her innovative book series. Dr. Myers and St. Ambrose Church are examples of the education innovation that Raleigh produces and we look forward to following the success of these ventures.
