Mathematics Explained for Primary Teachers

Reviews / Votes

'Some students refer to the book as their "maths bible" and I have spoken to and have had e-mails from former students who continue to refer to it (we recommend that they buy it from Day One), saying "Thank goodness for Haylock!"'


-- Debra Crouch 'Now in its 5th edition, Mathematics Explained for Primary Teachers is available for the first time as an interactive eBook. The book is written in the accessible and engaging style we have come to expect from Derek Haylock, and is informed by his wealth of experience. With access to a range of new interactive features (such as step by step screencasts, access to selected SAGE journal articles and the companion website) and the flexibility of an accompanying student workbook, Mathematics Explained for Primary Teachers represents a complete solution for primary mathematics educators.'






-- Dr John West 'Throughout this book, there is a clear sense of the importance of preserving children's understanding of mathematics rather than resorting to 'tricks and recipes'. This is done while still ensuring that children are able to meet the demands of the new National Curriculum. The explanation of key terms will enable primary mathematics teachers to navigate their way through the new curriculum document. Clear, worked examples of calculation methods are combined with useful insights into the prior knowledge and understanding that children need. The self-assessment tasks and suggestions for further reading should ensure that teachers feel well prepared to teach the mathematics contained in the book. This book will be an invaluable source of practical help to all teachers of primary mathematics.' -- Dr Marcus Witt 'The physical structure of chapters are well presented, and there is a good balance of colour, text, symbols, and pictorial representations. Access to the content is well supported through the chapter overview that provides a ready reference point for locating the content. Within the chapters, each element is easily located through the use of clear headings. Explicit examples are used to clarify the meaning of the mathematical terminology and the structure of the Learning and Teaching Point provides a clear summary of the elements in the corresponding text. Good visual supports, such as number lines, base 10 blocks and arrow cards, supplement the written text and consolidate understanding. Throughout the text, common misconceptions are identified and comprehensively explained. The glossary of terminology at the end of each chapter is a useful and well used resource.' -- Theresa Shellshear 'The book combines clear guidance about meeting the expectations of the new curriculum, with a strong call to preserve children's mathematical understanding. The explanation of key terms will enable primary mathematics teachers to navigate their way through the new curriculum document. Worked examples of calculation methods are combined with useful insights into essential prior knowledge and understanding. The book will be invaluable source of practical help to all teachers of primary mathematics.'



-- Dr Marcus Witt 'This book can rightly be considered the ultimate reference for securing appropriate mathematics subject knowledge for primary teaching. In the chapter 'Written methods for Multiplication and Division' the concepts behind the methods are explained clearly and thoroughly. Of particular use are the 'teaching points' sections and links to video explanations and further practice. It is clear that this book is written by a teacher for teachers and its main objective is to ensure teachers understand the concepts behind what that they teach so that children will not just learn mathematics but understand mathematics.
This book will be a key text for primary BA Ed and PGCE students.' -- Rachel Wallis 'This edition presents the clarity and detail I have come to expect from Haylock and it continues to be our first choice in mathematics subject knowledge support for students and teachers.' -- Nancy Barclay 'This edition tackles written calculation algorithms with clarity and detail; the emphasis on children understanding these processes and how to support this is maintained throughout.' -- Nancy Barclay 'The new edition provides up to date information related to both current research and practice. I particularly found the chapter on mental strategies useful for explaining how the laws of multiplication and division work and for encouraging ad hoc approaches to multiplication. The teaching points throughout help to draw relevant links between theory and practice and the self-assessment questions focus on developing teachers' own content and pedagogical content knowledge.' -- Dr Tracey Muir 'As always this book will prove to be an invaluable asset to not only trainee teachers, but as many have agreed also after school experience placements. There is a growing awareness in primary schools of this book being an asset for all members of staff no matter whether they have two or twenty-two years of classroom experience.'



-- Andrew Gallacher 'Here is another accessible text from Derek Haylock that supports the development of subject knowledge for student teachers and experienced teachers alike.


Haylock emphasises the importance of teaching written methods with understanding and one key strategy he exemplifies to achieve this is the use of representation. There are good illustrations on the use of physical representations to support addition and subtraction with very clear guidance on how to use base ten materials and coins.


The inclusion of a section on using addition to check subtraction is well explained - this is a useful addition to the fifth edition.'








-- Alison Barnes