Exploring Mathematics with “The Little Prince”

This interdisciplinary lesson integrates mathematical exploration with the literary themes of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Designed for a fourth-grade classroom and lasting three hours, the lesson uses the prince’s imaginative journey through different planets as a framework to explore mathematical concepts such as distance estimation, geometric shapes, number sequences, time measurement, and volume calculation.

In the story, the little prince travels from planet to planet, each inhabited by a unique character—a king, a lamplighter, a businessman, and others—before arriving on Earth. These whimsical stops serve as entry points for various maths tasks. Pupils calculate the total distance between planets, identify and measure geometric shapes found in illustrations, develop number patterns based on characters’ behaviours, and use formulas to compute volume and surface area, such as that of a volcano the prince cleans.

The lesson begins with a read-aloud of selected story excerpts, followed by collaborative problem-solving activities. Pupils work in groups to create maps of the prince’s journey and build 3D models of planets to explore space and scale. A final reflection encourages learners to consider how maths helps us understand the world around us.

This practice supports the Enigmathico project’s aim to connect numeracy with creativity and real-world understanding. Pupils respond enthusiastically to the narrative context, showing increased engagement and curiosity. Teachers observe notable improvements in spatial awareness, mathematical reasoning, and collaboration. The lesson is inclusive and adaptable, with scaffolded tasks that accommodate diverse learning needs and encourage deeper mathematical thinking through storytelling.