Children Doing Mathematics [Paperback]

Children Doing Mathematics provides a reliable and up to date review of the substantial recent work in children' mathematical understanding. The authors also present important new research on children's understanding of number, measurement, arithmetic operation and fractions both in and out of school.

The central theme of Children Doing Mathematics is that there are crucial conditions for children's mathematical learning. Firstly, children have to come to grips with conventional mathematical systems. Secondly, but equally important, they have to be able to present mathematical knowledge in a way that solves problems. The book also discusses how mathematical activities and knowledge involve much more than what is currently viewed as mathematics in the school curriculum. Most recent work illustrates how children can be successful in mathematical activities outside school whereas they fail in similar activities in the classroom. Through these two underlying themes the authors bring together discussions on conventional mathematical learning and on real life mathematical success. In so doing, they also highlight new and better ways of analysing children's abilities and of advancing their learning in school.1. Explaining Numeracy.

2. Beginning with Counting.

3. Understanding Numeration Systems.

4. Measurement Systems.

5. Mathematics Under Different Names.

6. Giving Meaning to Addition and Subtraction.

7. The Progress to Multiplication and Division.

8. Understanding Rational Numbers.

9. Conclusions.

Children doing mathematics must surely be essential reading and reference for anyone with an interest in mathematics education for young children. The book is very readable, dealing with complex issues in a clearly-structured and engaging manner. It is well-presented and has a delightful cover that will lœ