The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics challenges students to become mathematical thinkers, not just mathematical "doers." In her new resource, professional developer Marian Small shows teachers how to uncomplicate the teaching of fractions by focusing on the most important fraction ideas that students need to grasp. The book is organized by grade level beginning with Grade 1, where the first relevant standard is found in the geometry domain, and ending with Grade 7, where the focus is on operations with rational numbers and proportional thinking.

In the second book in the Uncomplicating Mathematics Series, professional developer Marian Small shows teachers how to uncomplicate the teaching of algebra by focusing on the most important ideas that students need to grasp. Organized by grade level around the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, Small shares approaches that will lead to a deeper and richer understanding of algebra for both teachers and students. The book opens with a clear discussion of algebraic thinking and current requirements for algebraic understanding within standards-based learning environments. The book then launches with Kindergarten, where the first relevant standard is found in the operations and algebraic thinking domain, and ends with Grade 8, where the focus is on working with linear equations and functions. In each section the relevant standard is presented, followed by a discussion of important underlying ideas associated with that standard, as well as thoughtful, concept-based questions that can be used for classroom instruction, practice, or assessment. Underlying ideas include: Background to the mathematics of each relevant standard. Suggestions for appropriate representations for specific mathematical ideas. Suggestions for explaining ideas to students. Cautions about misconceptions or situations to avoid. The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics challenges students to become mathematical thinkers, not just mathematical “doers.” This resource will be invaluable for pre- and inservice teachers as they prepare themselves to understand and teach algebra with a deep level of understanding. “Uncomplicating Algebra is an excellent resource for teachers responsible for the mathematical education of K–8 students. It is also a valuable tool for the training of preservice teachers of elementary and middle school mathematics.” —Carole Greenes, associate vice provost for STEM education, director of the Practice Research and Innovation in Mathematics Education (PRIME) Center, professor of mathematics education, Arizona State University “The current climate in North America places a major emphasis on standards, including the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in the U.S. In many cases, teachers are being asked to teach content with which they themselves struggle. In this book, Dr. Small masterfully breaks down the big ideas of algebraic thinking to assist teachers, math coaches, and preservice teachers—helping them to deepen their own understanding of the mathematics they teach. She describes common error patterns and examines algebraic reasoning from a developmental viewpoint, connecting the dots from kindergarten through grade 8. The book is clearly written, loaded with specific examples, and very timely. I recommend it strongly as a ‘must-read’ for all who are seeking to broaden their understanding of algebra and how to effectively teach this important content area to children.” —Daniel J. Brahier, director, Science and Math Education in ACTION, professor of mathematics education, School of Teaching and Learning, Bowling Green State University

If you're a librarian charged with collecting curriculum materials and children's literature to support the Common Core State Standards, then this book—the only one that offers explicit advice on collection development in curriculum collections—is for you. While there are many publications on the Common Core for school librarians and K–12 educators, no such literature exists for curriculum librarians at the post-secondary level. This book fills that gap, standing alone as a guide to collection development for curriculum librarians independent of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The book provides instruction and guidance to curriculum librarians who acquire and manage collections so you can develop a collection based on best practices. The book begins with a primer on the CCSS and how curriculum librarians can support them. Discussion of the Standards is then woven through chapters, arranged by content area, that share research-based practices in curriculum development and instruction to guide you in curriculum selection. Material types covered include games, textbooks, children's literature, primary sources, counseling, and nonfiction. Additional chapters cover the management of curriculum collections, testing collections, and instruction and reference, as well as how to support and collect for special needs learners. Current practices in collection development for curriculum materials librarians are also reviewed. The book closes with a discussion of the future of curriculum materials.

This book focuses on the most important concepts and skills needed to provide early learners (preK2) with a strong foundation in mathematics, in ways that are fun for both children and educators! Professional developer Marian Small provides sample activities and lessons, troubleshooting tips, and formative assessments, and much more.

Although proportional reasoning is not formally introduced as a topic in the Common Core and other mathematics curricula until 6th grade, introducing its fundamental ideas in the early grades helps students develop essential skills in ratios, percentages, and other proportional representations when they reach the upper grades. The author takes this complex subject and crafts examples and questions that help teachers see the larger purpose in teaching concepts, such as unitizing, and how that understanding is essential for more complex ideas, such as ratios. Teachers and vertical teams can see how the concepts can build year after year. This new resource by well-known professional developer Marian Small suggests questions that are both interesting for students and useful for providing diagnostic information to teachers. Chapters are organized by grade level (K-8) around the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics to help teachers use the resource more easily.

Your guide to grow and learn as a math teacher! Let’s face it, teaching elementary math can be hard. So much about how we teach math today may look and feel different from how we learned it. Today, we recognize placing the student at the center of their learning increases engagement, motivation, and academic achievement soars. Teaching math in a student-centered way changes the role of the teacher from one who traditionally “delivers knowledge” to one who fosters thinking. Most importantly, we must ensure our practice gives each and every student the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve at high levels, while providing opportunities to develop their agency and authority in the classroom which results in a positive math identity. Whether you are a brand new teacher or a veteran, if you find teaching math to be quite the challenge, this is the guide you want by your side. Designed for just-in-time learning and support, this practical resource gives you brief, actionable answers to your most pressing questions about teaching elementary math. Written by four experienced math educators representing diverse experiences, these authors offer the practical advice they wish they received years ago, from lessons they′ve learned over decades of practice, research, coaching, and through collaborating with teams, teachers and colleagues—especially new teachers—every day. Questions and answers are organized into five areas of effort that will help you most thrive in your elementary math classroom: 1. How do I build a positive math community? 2. How do I structure, organize, and manage my math class? 3. How do I engage my students in math? 4. How do I help my students talk about math? 5. How do I know what my students know and move them forward? Woven throughout, you′ll find helpful sidebar notes on fostering identity and agency; access and equity; teaching in different settings; and invaluable resources for deeper learning. The final question—Where do I go from here?— offers guidance for growing your practice over time. Strive to become the best math educator you can be; your students are counting on it! What will be your first step on the journey?

A Focus on Fractions is a groundbreaking effort to make the mathematics education research on how students develop their understanding of fraction concepts readily accessible and understandable to pre- and in-service K– 8 mathematics educators. Using extensive annotated samples of student work, as well as vignettes characteristic of classroom teachers’ experiences, this book equips educators with the knowledge and tools to reveal students’ thinking so that they can modify their teaching and improve student learning of fraction concepts. A Focus on Fractions 2nd edition includes sections on the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and the Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP) Fraction Framework integrated into each chapter as well as a new chapter on the OGAP Fraction Progression and how it can be used for formative assessment purposes. This updated edition assists teachers in translating research findings into their classroom practice by conveying detailed information about how students develop fraction understandings. Additional images and examples serve to flesh out and supplement the newly-introduced concepts in this updated and expanded edition. Special Features: Looking Back Questions at the end of each chapter provide teachers the opportunity to analyze student thinking and consider instructional strategies for their own students. Instructional Links help teachers relate concepts from the chapter to their own instructional materials and programs. Big Ideas frame the chapters and provide a platform for meaningful exploration of the teaching of fractions. Answer Key posted online offers extensive explanations of in-chapter questions. New sections devoted to the CCSSM and OGAP Fraction Progression are woven throughout the book as well as a new stand alone chapter on the OGAP Fraction Progression. The OGAP Fraction Framework is an all-new eResource, now available as a free download from the book’s website: www.routledge.com/9781138816442.

Your user’s guide to the mathematics standards In the 12 short months since the ELA versions of The Common Core Companions, Grades K-2 and 3-5, burst on the scene, they’ve already assisted tens of thousands of teachers with the day-to-day "what you do." Teachers’ one big criticism: what about mathematics? Luckily NCTM past-president Linda Gojak and mathematics coach Ruth Harbin Miles stepped up to the task. The result? That version of the mathematics standards you wish you had. Page by page, The Common Core Mathematics Companions clearly lay out: The mathematics embedded in each standard for a deeper understanding of the content Examples of what effective teaching and learning look like in the classroom Connected standards within each domain so teachers can better appreciate how they relate Priorities within clusters so teachers know where to focus their time The three components of rigor: conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and applications Vocabulary and suggested materials for each grade-level band with explicit connections to the standards Common student misconceptions around key mathematical ideas with ways to address them Don’t spend another minute poring over the mathematics standards. Gojak and Miles have already done the heavy-lifting for you. Focus instead on how to teach them, using The Common Core Mathematics Companion as your one-stop guide for teaching, planning, assessing, collaborating, and designing powerful mathematics curriculum.

Learn how to provide rich, online mathematics instruction that optimizes the limited time you have with students, while doing it in a way that does not overwhelm parents. This practical resource: highlights the value of open questions for differentiating instruction in the K–8 virtual environment; shows teachers how to adapt the materials that they are already using; illustrates how students can incorporate items from their home environment into math lessons; demonstrates how to build and maintain community with students online; explores the logistics of independent meetings with students and parents; provides samples and directions for creating tools like number lines and manipulatives at home; and much more. Featuring professional developer Marian Small’s special brand of lucid explanation of difficult concepts, engaging teaching examples, troubleshooting tips, and formative assessments, Teaching Math Online is a must-have for anyone teaching math either wholly online or in blended classrooms. Book Features: Provides immediate assistance for teachers with little or no experience teaching math online. Offers specific suggestions for supporting parents in their new role as the link between teacher and student. Addresses both logistical and pedagogical issues important to successful online learning. Provides online problem visuals for teachers to use with students. Includes reproducibles for creating math manipulatives and tools. Discusses distanced formative assessment. Includes access to exemplar videos for communicating with parents, and for providing students with spoken instruction that they can save and replay.

Now in its Fourth Edition—with more than 50 new questions and a new chapter on financial literacy—this bestselling resource helps experienced and novice teachers to effectively and efficiently differentiate mathematics instruction in grades K–8. Math education expert Marian Small shows teachers how to get started and become expert at using two powerful and universal strategies: Open Questions and Parallel Tasks. This edition is even easier for teachers to use in all quality state standards environments, including direct links to content standards and standards for mathematical practice. Parallel tasks and question examples are provided at each grade band: K–2, 3–5, and 6–8. Along with each example, the text describes how teachers can evoke productive conversations that meet the needs of a broad range of learners. “A must-read for every preservice and inservice teacher.” —Carole Greenes, professor emerita, Arizona State University “Small addresses the topic of open questions in a very accessible way. I look forward to using this book the next time I teach Elementary Math Methods to teacher candidates.” —Felicia Darling, math instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College