Books
The Great Math Experience
Engaging Problems for Middle School Mathematics
As I started to read this clever book of lesson-plan ideas for middle-school math teachers, I realized that, as a former middle-school parent, I wasn’t reading it from a teacher’s point of view; instead, I was reading it as a parent. I also realized that, as a parent, I could have really used this book in so many ways some years ago.
First, Mr. Field has a super way of introducing his 15 problems with personal experiences. For example:
In the mathematics classroom of yesterday, the formula would be enough. What we should be looking for now is the student’s grasp of what each piece of the formula means.
OR
If there’s one thing math students in middle school hate almost universally, it’s fractions. In fact, most adults hate them, too. You’re going to have to teach them, even if you don’t like them. You may as well make them fun.
As you begin to understand how Mr. Field teaches math, your parental wheels start turning; and, all of a sudden, your confidence grows. This helps you become just as supportive as Mr. Field. You learn that it’s okay to go down one road as you help your child with a math problem and then say, “Oops – wrong way – let’s try another way.”? What a great and positive life lesson, too.
Mr. Field’s own experiences give you ideas, refresh math concepts that need awakening, and assist you in finding the right help for your math student who’s just doing tonight’s algebra homework. Mr. Field also discusses some wrong ways to do math problems, which can be so helpful to a parent so he or she can evaluate what their own student’s predicament might be.
Teachers will obviously love this book; but parents and students should also read it – Mr. Field offers 15 great ways to break down a problem, solve it and evaluate the solution. If you buy a copy of The Great Math Experience, you’ll definitely thank Mr. Field for the good experience. Thank you, Mr. Field!
Author Andrew Field
Publisher Trafford Publishing (July 6, 2006)
