Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics: Grades 5-8, Vol. 3

by John A. Van de Walle

The resource math teachers have been waiting for is finally here

Volume Three of the Van de Walle Professional Mathematics Series provides practical guidance along with proven strategies for practicing teachers of grades 5 through 8. In addition to many of the popular topics and features from John Van de Walle's market-leading textbook, "Elementary and Middle School Mathematics," this volume offers brand-new material specifically written for the middle grades. The expanded grade-specific coverage and unique page design allow readers to quickly and easily locate information to implement in the classroom. Nearly 200 grade-appropriate activities are included. The student-centered, problem-based approach will help students develop real understanding and confidence in mathematics, making this series indispensable for teachers

Big Ideas provide clear and succinct explanations of the most critical concepts in 5-8 mathematics. Problem-based activities in Chapters 2-12 provide numerous engaging tasks to help students develop understanding. Assessment Notes illustrate how assessment can be an integral part of instruction and suggest practical assessment strategies. Expanded Lessons elaborate on one activity in each chapter, providing examples for creating step-by-step lesson plans for classroom implementation. A Companion Website (http: //www.ablongman.com/vandewalletscm1e ) provides access to more than 50 reproducible blackline masters to utilize in the classroom. The NCTM Content Standards are provided in the appendix for teachers' reference. Collect all three volumes in the Van de Walle Professional Mathematics Series Each volume provides in-depth coverage at specific grade levels. Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics: Volume One, Grades K-3, ISBN: 0-205-40843-5 Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics: Volume Two, Grades 3-5, ISBN: 0-205-40844-3 Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics: Volume Three, Grades 5-8, ISBN: 0-205-41797-3

Genres: Education, Mathematics

400 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2004

Reviews

[Tina]

This book is great for strategy ideas.

[Lisa]

Don't get me wrong, the explorations are wonderful... if a teacher is in a school system that allows time for them (instead of trying to teach 1.5 years of math in 1).

However, like most Pearson texts I have used in college, or in the middle school classrooom it is rife with typos and grammatical errors. It's like they don't even bother to use the less than accurate Word spell-check. There are actually words missing in sentences sometimes. The word 'Earth' is a proper noun and should be capitalized (it couldn't be a typo.... it was EVERY time in a chapter that was discussing spheres).

Then there is the organization within chapters. The division into sections and subsections is not logical, nor is its sequence always logical. If trying to outline the chapter, good luck. This is a similar experience to in the middle school classroom - where a teacher might try to teach outlining as a study aid - don't do it with a Pearson book... or at least carefully pick and choose the sections.

[Simonehadowsky]

I could care less about this book. This edition has been all repetitions so far. Vanderville did not convince me yet that this book is a valuable asset in my library.

[Ms. Campbell]

Watch out MS math! I got some great ideas for our 5th grade program. We will be passing up super students with great mathematical understanding.