Three Books Elementary Teachers Should Have in Their Math Book Collection

Every elementary teacher has a math book collection. These are not necessarily textbooks or workbooks for students to use, but rather programs that teach and guide. These books may be resources used to help students who are struggling with various concepts. They could be storybooks that provide information and guidance about the struggles other children have had with the subject. The key is to use these books to engage all types of students, from those who may be more advanced to those who need additional help.

Teacher-guided books

Some books are ideal resources for teachers. These books provide teachers with information and guidance not on the math topic, but they instruct how to teach it. This can be an ideal resource tool for teachers who would like to pursue new methods for teaching concepts. These resources can be helpful at any time and can be used in or out of the classroom. Consider these top resources:

1. Theories of Mathematical Learning, by Leslie P Steffe and Pearla Nesher – This book engages the teacher in exploring new ways of teaching math to today’s students. It is an educational look at the importance of researchers, educators and the methods of improving math learning throughout the world.
2. The Number Sense: How the Mind Creates Mathematics, by Stanislas Dehaene – This book explores how the mathematical mind works, from the time a child is an infant throughout life. It is a look at the way that math comes together with neurons in the development of people. An ideal tool for better understanding the connections the elementary student’s brain is making, it is a must for any teacher wanting to better engage students.
3. Teaching Inclusive Mathematics to Special Learners, K-6, by Julie A Silva Spitzer – This book provides an opportunity to learn new strategies and techniques designed to help children who may be struggling to grasp math concepts. It teaches ways to help children conquer math who otherwise are unable to do so.

The math book collection for any elementary teacher needs to present opportunities for the teacher to grow and develop new teaching methods. These are just some of the tools that a teacher will need. Learning to better the education the child receives is an ongoing process for even the best teachers.

Books for students

In that classroom math book collection, add books that are meant for kids to read. These books can explain complex topics or help to reduce frustrations over the concepts. The following books are great for students in elementary education:

1. Bad Luck Brad (Math Matters), written by Gail Herman, teaches probability. It is a story-based book that can help students to grasp this complex topic. It is a good option for those in grades one and two who are learning the basics of probability.
2. Full House: An Invitation to Fractions, by Dayle Ann Dodds – Fractions are a complex conversation not easy to explain directly. However, this book helps to show what fractions are in a fun and lighthearted manner. It’s a great resource for children up to grade three learning this topic.
3. Money Madness, by David Adler – This book is ideal for children as old as eight who are learning about money, how to count it and use it. It is a great introduction to the subject with a humorous storyline. As one of the more complex topics that many children struggle with, it is important to offer solutions like this.

A math book collection geared toward children can be more than just instructional books. These books can offer visualization tips and resources to challenge children. Any of the books in this list can be presented and then read to the entire classroom or given to a child to read on his or her own for further information.

When creating a math book collection, combine both elements into this collection. Books that aid the teacher in exploring new opportunities and teaching methods can be critical in the ever-changing world. At the same time, providing the teacher with complementary methods of learning complex topics can be very helpful for students. A complete collection of books is a good aim, but just providing a few resources and tools to start with can be valuable.