This book is the result of a unique experience: a research mathematician teaching in an elementary school. It tells about a fascinating discovery made by the author — that elementary mathematics has a lot of depth and beauty, and that the secret to its teaching is in understanding its deep points.The first part of the book discusses the nature of mathematics and its beauty. The second part tells about the teaching principles the author distilled from his experience. The third part is an excursion through the arithmetic studied in elementary school, accompanied by personal stories, historical anecdotes and teaching suggestions. The appendix relates the fascinating story of modern day politics of mathematical education.The book was a bestseller in Israel, and has been translated into many languages. The extraordinary combination of mathematical and didactic insights makes it an essential guide for parents and teachers alike.

The book goes through middle school mathematics and techniques and methods of its teaching. It is meant to aid parents who wish to be involved in the mathematical education of their children, as well as teachers who wish to learn principles of mathematics and of its teaching.

The purpose of this book is to provide assistance to the parent who wishes to be an active participant in his or her child's arithmetic studies.

For nearly a decade, parents have looked to Clara Hemphill to help them find a great public school for their child. For this third edition, Clara and her staff visited nearly 500 of New York City’s elementary schools and chose 200 of the best schools to recommend—with more than 70 new school profiles not included in the previous edition! This essential guide uncovers the “inside scoop” on schools (the condition of the building, homework, teacher quality, etc.), includes a checklist of questions to ask on a school tour, and incorporates new listings of charter schools and “magnet” programs. It also provides the hard facts on: Class size and total school enrollment Test scores for reading and math Ethnic make up: Black, White, Hispanic, Asian Admissions requirements: none? tests? interview? Teaching methods and styles: progressive, traditional When to apply How to decide which schools to try for Praise for Clara Hemphill’s Parents’ Guides! New York Daily News... “Brisk, thoughtful profiles of topnotch, intriguing schools.” Big Apple Parent... “Hemphill has done for schools what Zagat’s did for restaurants.” New York Magazine... “Thoughtful, well-researched required reading.” The New York Times... “A bible for urban parents.”