Key Concepts In Teaching Primary Mathematics

Covering the key principles and concepts in the teaching and learning of mathematics in primary schools, this text provides trainee and practising teachers with a quick and easy reference to what they need to know for their course, and in the classroom. The entries are arranged alphabetically, and each contains a brief definition, followed by an explanation and discussion, practical examples and annotated suggestions for further reading. Examples of the wide-ranging material include: Anxiety about mathematics; Assessment for Learning; Cognitive conflict; Concept learning; Creativity in mathematics; Differentiation; Equivalence; Explanation; Investigation; Low attainment; Making connections; Meaningful context; Mental calculation; Numeracy; Play as a context for learning mathematics; Problem-solving; Questioning; Talk.

Covering the key principles and concepts in the teaching and learning of mathematics in elementary schools, this text provides trainee and practicing teachers with a quick and easy reference to what they need to know for their course, and in the classroom.

How would you teach the concept of odd and even numbers to a child? What is the probability of throwing a three on a six-sided die? How could you help a child who is confusing ratio and proportion? By seamlessly combining subject knowledge and pedagogy, the second edition of Understanding and Teaching Primary Mathematics will not only build your own confidence in mathematics, but also equip you with the curriculum understanding and pedagogical know-how to excel at teaching maths to children of any age. Written in a clear and accessible way, the book guides you through the fundamental ideas which are at the heart of teaching and learning maths, with special focus on observation and assessment of primary and early years children. Hallmark features Links to the classroom and research are provided throughout to help you relate educational theory to your own teaching practice. Portfolio and audit tasks allow you to assess your own subject knowledge and build up a portfolio of evidence to gain Qualified Teacher Status. The accompanying extra resources offers topic-specific self-audits for you to monitor your progress, exemplar lesson plans, a range of Portfolio Tasks mapped directly to current teacher standards and web-links to up-to-date online resources. New to this edition Resource Inspiration boxes give inviting examples of different activities to do with your class to provide inspiration for your own teaching. High quality videos with corresponding discussion, have been expertly selected from Teachers TV help to widen your skills and develop your practice, offering tips, lesson ideas and classroom resources.

How do I enrich children′s learning of primary mathematics to bring the subject to life? This book inspires and supports you, the new and beginning teacher, to use talk-rich and open tasks that bring mathematics to life in your classroom. Tried and loved practical tasks that engage and motivate Supports you to create confident and resilient mathematicians in your classroom Explores ways to engage children in mathematics across the primary curriculum Focuses on understanding key mathematical concepts and the connections between them

"One feature of this book that sets it apart from others is the care that is taken to clarify the authors’ interpretation of the phrase 'teaching for understanding'. Each component of this interpretation – connections, representations, reasoning, communication and misconceptions – is then successfully incorporated as a theme in the subsequent chapters that develop important mathematical topics." Ian Thompson, Visiting Professor at Edge Hill University and Northumbria University, UK This important book aims to support and develop teachers' understanding of the key primary mathematics topics. It takes an innovative approach by defining exactly what is meant by 'understanding' and uses this model to examine and explain various mathematical topics. The authors emphasize the importance of the different representations that can be used for mathematical concepts and inform the reasoning process. By focusing on understanding, the book also draws attention to common misconceptions that teachers may encounter in the classroom. Key features: Specific focus on 'understanding' to offer new insights in to how to teach the topics Case studies to demonstrate how to communicate mathematical topics in the classroom End of chapter questions to stimulate discussion The authors integrate research and theory throughout, to highlight core issues. This theoretical background is also linked directly to classroom practice and informs suggestions for how topics can be communicated in the classroom. This offers valuable guidance to trainee teachers on how to teach the topics and presents experienced teachers with the opportunity to develop their subject and pedagogical knowledge.

International research is used to inform teachers and others about how students learn key ideas in higher school mathematics, what the common problems are, and the strengths and pitfalls of different teaching approaches. An associated website, hosted by the Nuffield Foundation, gives summaries of main ideas and access to sample classroom tasks.

Students pursue problems they’re curious about, not problems they’re told to solve. Creating a math classroom filled with confident problem solvers starts by introducing challenges discovered in the real world, not by presenting a sequence of prescribed problems, says Gerald Aungst. In this groundbreaking book, he offers a thoughtful approach for instilling a culture of learning in your classroom through five powerful, yet straightforward principles: Conjecture, Collaboration, Communication, Chaos, and Celebration. Aungst shows you how to Embrace collaboration and purposeful chaos to help students engage in productive struggle, using non-routine and unsolved problems Put each chapter’s principles into practice through a variety of strategies, activities, and by incorporating technology tools Introduce substantive, lasting cultural changes in your classroom through a manageable, gradual shift in processes and behaviors Five Principles of the Modern Mathematics Classroom offers new ideas for inspiring math students by building a more engaging and collaborative learning environment. "Bravo! This book brings a conceptual framework for K-12 mathematics to life. As a parent and as the executive director of Edutopia, I commend Aungst for sharing his 5 principles. This is a perfect blend of inspiring and practical. Highly recommended!" Cindy Johanson, Executive Director, Edutopia George Lucas Educational Foundation "Aungst ignites the magic of mathematics by reminding us what makes mathematicians so passionate about their subject matter. Grounded in research, his work takes us on a journey into classrooms so that we may take away tips to put into practice today." Erin Klein, Teacher, Speaker, and Author of Redesigning Learning Spaces

Educators of young children who don’t yet know the work of Marian Small are in for a gift—a treasure trove to enhance their teaching and thinking about math. This book focuses on the most important concepts and skills needed to provide early learners (preK–2) with a strong foundation in mathematics, in ways that are fun for both children and educators! For each mathematical concept, professional developer Marian Small provides sample activities and lessons, as well as guidance for using children’s books, games, manipulatives, and electronic devices. This resource also demonstrates how to differentiate instruction using tasks and questions designed to include all students. Like other Marian Small bestsellers, the text features her special brand of lucid explanation of difficult concepts, fresh and engaging teaching examples, troubleshooting tips, and formative assessments. Fun and Fundamental Math for Young Children is separated into special grade level sections for pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. It can be used with any early childhood curriculum or as a stand-alone program in preschools. Marian Small is available for in-person and online professional development. “Within the first few pages it quickly became apparent that, whether you are a new or veteran teacher, your knowledge and appreciation of and for primary mathematics will grow page by page.” —From the Foreword by Graham Fletcher, math specialist, Atlanta, Georgia “Marian Small describes the development of major aspects of children’s mathematical thinking and connects them to many interesting and useful classroom activities.” —Herbert Ginsburg, professor emeritus, Teachers College, Columbia University “I love this book! The ideas are invaluable and the attention to detail is amazing.” —Nicki Newton, math consultant