Big Ideas in Primary Mathematics - Tapa blanda

How to actually teach problem solving beyond simply giving children problems  actually presents a great challenge to teachers. There is a drive towards ‘mastering’ mathematics through using skills , knowledge, reasoning and creativity that makes this book an essential guide for teachers attempting to develop this area of their children’s learning.  The author encourages us to consider our pedagogy, assessment and differentiation through  some useful example activities, as well as the overall approach in schools to promoting mathematical thinking , fluency and confidence. This is an essential book for trainee and new teachers, and should be on staffroom bookshelves. 

(Nick Tinsdeall 2016-03-14)

Beginning teachers looking to build their subject knowledge and confidence in teaching mathematics will find this book invaluable. It uses the exploration of ‘big ideas’ to guide the reader through the trickier areas of the mathematics curriculum, building understanding to allow beginning teachers to explain key ideas, model mathematical reasoning and address errors and misconceptions with confidence.

(Catherine Foley 2016-04-06)

For non-specialists, the focus on explaining misconceptions and errors will strengthen their own mathematical subject knowledge, while also giving them the confidence to deepen the understanding of the children they teach.

The perfect book for anyone studying primary mathematics on initial teacher education courses, including undergraduate (BEd, BA with QTS) and postgraduate (PGCE, PGDE, School Direct, SCITT) routes, and also NQTs. Clearly written, it's a book that can be dipped into at any stage of teaching, giving practical advice and reassurance. (Sarah Brew)

Lightbulb moments for you and your pupils

This book explores the ‘big ideas’ in maths to help trainee teachers confidently teach the curriculum in a way that engages children and focuses on understanding, rather than memory, for those lightbulb moments.

Covering the major concepts in simple terms, whilst carefully linking to the National Curriculum, it shows how they can be used to enable learning and support mathematical mastery.

A focus on explaining misconceptions and errors will strengthen trainees and teachers own mathematical subject knowledge, while also giving them the confidence to deepen their understanding of the children they teach.

Key topics include:

• Problem-solving, reasoning and developing fluency in maths
• Place value and counting systems
• Measuring money, time and weight
• Geometry, and understanding space and shape
• Fractions and statistics for the primary classroom

This is essential reading for anyone studying primary mathematics on initial teacher education courses, including undergraduate (BEd, BA with QTS) and postgraduate (PGCE, PGDE, School Direct, SCITT) routes, and also NQTs.

Robert Newell is a tutor in primary education at the UCL Institute of Education, London.