This book argues that even in today's high-stakes testing environment, 'teaching to the test' need not be teachers’ only focus as they introduce young children to mathematics. Judith McVarish demonstrates how building a community of learners and using problem solving to engage students can help teachers encourage students’ disposition to creative thinking and reasoning—skills that can otherwise become lost due to the pressure of the many other expectations placed upon both teachers and students. This book offers strategies for infusing mathematics learning and reasoning into elementary school classrooms while meeting curriculum and testing mandates. The teacher researcher component of each chapter provides a vehicle for teachers to bring their own expertise and questions back into the teaching and learning equation.

‘This original book shows the crucial importance of personal philosophies of mathematics. Using current research it guides us to reflect on our attitudes and beliefs. Essential reading for anybody interested in mathematics and its teaching.’ Paul Ernest, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics Education, University of Exeter Teaching mathematics can be challenging, and returning to a mathematics classroom yourself may not inspire you with confidence. This book can help you to become an assured teacher who can give young learners the high quality mathematics education that they deserve, by exploring the philosophy that lies behind good mathematics teaching and its application in the classroom. Throughout the book you are encouraged to put your own thoughts on mathematics learning and teaching under the microscope and examine your perceptions and understanding in order to develop as a critically reflective teacher, aware of potential challenges and what underpins effective mathematics teaching in primary schools. Coverage includes: · developing your own philosophy towards mathematics teaching · understanding links between confidence and learning · the importance of subject knowledge · common beliefs and attitudes among mathematics learners · how to develop your relationship with the subject. This is essential reading for all students studying primary mathematics on initial teacher education courses, including undergraduate (BEd, BA with QTS), postgraduate (PGCE, School Direct, SCITT, Teach First) and NQTs. Elizabeth Jackson has over thirty years’ experience of mathematics education through primary and secondary school teaching, lecturing in initial teacher education and supervising mathematics Master’s dissertations, as well as conducting research into mathematics and writing.

Mathematics is a core subject and using and applying mathematics in problem solving activities is crucial in enabling children to use their knowledge and skills in a range of situations. Mathematics Across the Curriculum shows how to teach mathematical concepts through different subjects and discussing the reasoning and research behind using problem solving and investigation teaching techniques. Best practice for planning and assessment, classroom organisation and practice, and use of resources are all discussed, with clear links to recent research and government standards and initiatives. Case studies from practicing teachers enable readers to easily relate the theoretical information to their classroom and teaching. Mathematics Across the Curriculum is essential reading for all trainee and newly qualified teachers seeking to teach engaging, inspiring and challenging mathematics lessons. It will also be a useful resource for established teachers embarking on their Masters in Teaching and Learning (MTL).

Use the powerful strategies of play and storytelling to help young children develop their "math brains." This easy-to-use resource includes fun activities, routines, and games inspired by children's books that challenge children to recognize and think more logically about the math all around them.

Inequalities in the Early Years examines poverty’s effects on children and provides workable solutions for decreasing childhood inequalities through the formal education process. This powerful edited collection explores early childhood inequalities across ten disciplines: earth sciences and geography, life sciences, physical sciences, technology, mathematics, history, society and social institutions, business and economy, the arts, and sports and recreation, following Kipfer’s delineation of broad subject areas of knowledge. The volume reaches beyond the domain of education to include multiple perspectives from scholars in the aforementioned disciplines.

Teaching Recent Global History explores innovative ways to teach world history, beginning with the early 20th century. The authors’ unique approach unites historians, social studies teachers, and educational curriculum specialists to offer historically rich, pedagogically innovative, and academically rigorous lessons that help students connect with and deeply understand key events and trends in recent global history. Highlighting the best scholarship for each major continent, the text explores the ways that this scholarship can be adapted by teachers in the classroom in order to engage and inspire students. Each of the eight main chapters highlights a particularly important event or theme, which is then complemented by a detailed discussion of a particular methodological approach. Key features include: • An overarching narrative that helps readers address historical arguments; • Relevant primary documents or artifacts, plus a discussion of a particular historical method well-suited to teaching about them; • Lesson plans suitable for both middle and secondary level classrooms; • Document-based questions and short bibliographies for further research on the topic. This invaluable book is ideal for any aspiring or current teacher who wants to think critically about how to teach world history and make historical discussions come alive for students.