Math Dictionary for Kids: The Essential Guide to Math Terms, Strategies, and Tables (Grades 4-9) [Paperback]

Theresa Fitzgerald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2005 | Grade Level: 4 and up

Equipped with this handy reference of more than 400 illustrated definitions, children will be able to quickly find the definitions and illustrated examples that will enable them to solve many of the math challenges they face. Covering everything from "addend" to "zero," this comprehensive resource gives students definitions, illustrations, and examples that can help them solve math problems.

This handbook includes illustrated, concise explanations of the most common terms used in general math classes. The 400 illustrated definitions and examples are categorized by subjects that include: measurement; algebra; geometry; fractions and decimals; statistics and probability; and problem solving. Each term has a concise definition and an example or illustration. This is a guide that needs to be on every child's desk.

The Math Dictionary is much more than a compilation of words and definitions. This book has been organized to reflect the different areas of mathematics taught in elementary and junior high schools. Within each category are all the terms commonly used in this field of study, concise definitions, and many examples and illustrations. In addition, the last chapter provides instructions for basic operations and tables of commonly-used facts and equivalents.

For other dictionary-type references in other topics see The Absolutely Essential Grammar Guide and The Absolutely Essential Writing Guide.

Grades 4–9

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Math Dictionary for Kids may be used effectively in a variety of ways. It would definitely be an often sought reference book in any grade 4–9 math classroom, but it offers much more than simple definitions. The book's clear style and inclusion of many strategies for success in problem solving make it well adapted for independent instruction. In fact, math educators looking to transcend the pedantic and repetitive pseudo-pedagogy that currently benumbs so many of our K–12 classrooms might find Math Dictionary for Kids to be a welcome resource for creative, content-based lesson enhancement.

--John Eichinger, School Science and Mathematics - October 1, 2007 --John Eichinger, School Science and Mathematics - October 1, 2007

Amazon.com Review

My students were impressed with the explanations of symbols and the ease of use. They also appreciated the fact that the book showed examples of processes rather than just giving definitions.

--Beth Hendrickson, Cobb County School District, Marietta, GA, Teaching Children Mathematics

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 134 pages
• Publisher: Prufrock Press (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159363160X
• ISBN-13: 978-1593631604
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,477 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries
  • #52 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Math

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish I'd had this book when I was a student, September 12, 2009

By 

Kellie (Lafayette, LA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Math Dictionary for Kids: The Essential Guide to Math Terms, Strategies, and Tables (Grades 4-9) (Paperback)

I stumbled across this book by chance on Amazon while searching for something else. My two kids are in fourth and fifth grade. The fifth grader has a lot of frustrations with math, so I often need to help her. I bought this book after reading the reviews, and I am so glad I did! It simplifies math so that in the span of a few seconds, I can quickly and easily remember how to perform mathematical operations that I haven't looked at in years. I can often remember the generalities of an operation, but not the specifics. This book helps me to remember the details that time has seemingly erased.

Math was not my thing when I was growing up, though I always managed to make "Bs" and "Cs". If I'd had this book and a parent or teacher to help guide me, perhaps I would have made better grades and had more confidence. Students who are adept at math will probably find they can use this book independently. Students with weaknesses will likely need the guidance of a parent to help them along, but the beauty is that the dictionary makes it so much easier for the parents to help the student. For example, I often forget the correct terms or definitions when helping my kids with math (e.g., words like "divisor"). I find myself trying remember precisely what the divisor is since I haven't encountered that word in many years. Now, I can quickly look it up in the dictionary and confidently assist my kids with their homework, feeling certain that I'm telling them correct information.

I bought a couple of other math dictionaries targeted to students in addition to this one, thinking that I might get the best of all worlds that way, but this one is by far the best for both kids and adults. This is the book to spend your money on.

25 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I needed help in the classroom, May 2, 2007

By 

Sheliah D. Shepard - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Math Dictionary for Kids: The Essential Guide to Math Terms, Strategies, and Tables (Grades 4-9) (Paperback)

I am a third grade teacher and I have two children in college. I can tell you that I have found the Math Dictionary by Theresa R. Fitzgerald invaluable. At home I can use it as a quick and accurate referance guide. Often family members and neighbors will call me on the telephone and ask me a math definition or for an example on how to complete a math problem. With this book I can instantly respond accurately to their amazement. In the classroom I use it constantly so that I am not going through five different manuals and books looking for information I need to find quickly. I have had numerous parents at Partent-Teacher conferences tell me how much they love the reader friendly book. If you work with math in any compasity, you MUST have this book. It not only is a time saver, it will make you look good because you will 'know the answers' so quickly. There are just too many times the library is closed, or the internet isn't working. With Math Dicitonary for Kids you are always prepared to help any child or adult with a math question!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, October 17, 2007

By 

Katrina M. Hackett "Sammy's Mom" (Jacksonville, Fl) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Math Dictionary for Kids: The Essential Guide to Math Terms, Strategies, and Tables (Grades 4-9) (Paperback)

Wonderful tool for children. My daughter has never been a big fan of math but this book makes learning simple and fun.