Understanding Mathematics for Young Children
A Guide for Teachers of Children 3-7
- Derek Haylock - Education Consultant
- Anne D Cockburn - University of East Anglia, UK
Having a deep understanding of the mathematical ideas and concepts taught in the classroom is vital as a nursery or primary school teacher. In order for children to get to grips with these concepts, trainee teachers need to be aware of how they come to interpret and understand them.
Now in its 5th edition, this essential book helps trainee teachers develop their own knowledge of key mathematical ideas and concepts for the nursery and primary classroom. Now focusing specifically on ages 3-7, it also supports trainees with several age-appropriate classroom activities.
As well as updates to further reading suggestions and research focuses, this revised edition includes new content on:
- Mastery in learning mathematics
- Simple fractions
- Roman numerals
- Money as a form of measurement
The research focus in each chapter is particularly useful as this link between research and practice is often not made by trainee teachers. The pauses to reflect section in each chapter is a welcome addition to this type of book as these will undoubtedly help to put the reading into some context for those practitioners in school and those training to teach children. The areas chosen for each chapter are areas where there can be difficulties in understanding the mathematical ideas so these are well chosen.
This book provides a useful link between research and practice; one that is often not made by trainee teachers. The pauses to reflect section in each chapter help to put the reading into context for those practitioners in school and those training to teach children.
This book’s strengths lie in its pedagogical subject knowledge. The examples of children’s work and reflective opportunities keep it grounded in the classroom and ‘real’ teaching while challenging thinking and addressing potential confusion amongst teachers. Someone reading this would be left with a strong pedagogical understanding of how children learn and how their teaching can impact on this.
An outstanding book.
Should be a essential reader for all secondary mathematics teachers.
really useful book for both practicing practitioners and learners who are developing their skills within the professional. Clear and concise with well thought through explanations.
Dutch elementary student teachers do not have any idea how, for example, in international schools mathematics for young children is taught. This book gives guidelines for teaching mathematics for young children. The content is comparable with Dutch books, and more precize. You could fine many good ideas in this book and also the development of young children for mathematics is well explained.
