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Teaching Young Children Mathematics
Sydney L. Schwartz
ISBN: 0-275-98216-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-275-98216-4
224 pages
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 9/30/2005
List Price: $51.95 (UK Sterling Price: £35.95)
Discount Price: $25.98 Sale Price for U.S. Customers Only. Save 50%. Ends 12/31/2009.
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Also Available: Ebook
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
Series Title: Teaching Young Children
Reviews:
  • Schwartz is well known for her numerous articles on teaching mathematics to young children. She draws on her experiences as an early childhood teacher to give valuable insights into preschoolers' perspectives, interests, and abilities. The chapters on games and the integration of mathematics with other disciplines and classroom routines are useful to anyone planning for or teaching in an early childhood program. Schwartz views mathematics as important but argues that it should be introduced, used, and practiced in contexts meaningful to the young child. Two chapters attend specifically to mathematical learning, one on number concepts and skills, the other on geometry and measurement. The recommended readings are helpful, but there are important ideas about young children's understanding of numbers, their struggles with tens and ones, and what is known about types of simple word problems that do not appear in the text. While primary teachers will find valuable ideas, both preschool and primary teachers will need other sources to find the range and clarity of mathematical ideas needed....Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and practitioners.
    —Choice     5/1/2006
Description: Children learn mathematics most effectively in contexts that are meaningful to them. Realizing the potential of these contexts for fostering young children's mathematical learning while nurturing and challenging them, requires knowledge of mathematics as well as of child development. Avoiding the debates surrounding hands-on learning vs. direct instruction, the author focuses on the value of different contexts for learning, and illustrates ways to genuinely engage children as active learners. The work is rich with examples of children's interactions with each other and with adults as they utilize and extend their understanding of mathematics. Examples and guidelines for developing lessons and activities will be useful to educators and parents.

Chapters explore how we underestimate young children's mathematical capabilities; how appropriate sequencing of learning and building on prior knowledge will enhance understanding; what teachers, including parent-teachers, need to know; and high-stakes testing. This is a work that brings together the connections between knowing the basics and constructing knowledge in accessible and practical ways.
Table of Contents:
  • Preface: The Challenge of Early Childhood Mathematics Education
    The Educational Challenge: Empowering Young Children to Use Mathematics
    Designing Games and Playful Activities: Meaningful Context for Practice and Application
    How Young Children Learn about Mathematics: Content-Process Connections
    How Children Learn Number Concepts and Skills
    How Children Learn Geometry and Measurement
    The Connection Between Assessment and Teaching
    How Adults Can Communicate With Young Children About Mathematics
    Calendars and Clocks: Tools for Time Management
    Science and Mathematics: Curriculum Partners
    Social Studies and Mathematics: Curriculum Partners
    Meaningful Use of Mathematics in Classroom Routines
    Putting It All Together: A Model
About the Author: Sydney L. Schwartz is Professor Emerita, Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Queens College, City University of New York. She publishes extensively in her field of mathematics education.
LCC Class: 372
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