Number Sense and Nonsense: Building Math Creativity and Confidence Through Number Play [Paperback]

Claudia Zaslavsky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2001 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

These 80-plus math activities and number games help kids to think critically about math instead of just memorizing rules. The emphasis is on the underlying relationships between numbers and the process of manipulating them. Kids get together and play games with odd and even numbers, prime and composite numbers, factors, divisors, and multiples of numbers, common and decimal fractions. Children learn the history of numbers—finger counting, number symbols in various cultures, and different ways of calculating. The book is full of riddles, puzzles, number tricks, and calculator games. Kids develop skills in estimation and computation as they become familiar with the characteristics and behavior of numbers. They will gain math confidence and be ready to take chances, find their own errors, and challenge their peers.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-Zaslavsky offers an innovative approach to teaching the properties and relationships of numbers and their relevance in the everyday world. Each chapter presents scenarios of children grappling with different concepts. The first section encourages youngsters to experiment, looking for patterns and using "number sense" to determine whether or not solutions are feasible. Next, the author explains prime numbers and divisibility rules. Chapter three deals with the role and properties of zero and with place value, while the fourth delves into math in daily life, focusing on money and measurement. Other chapters are devoted to puzzles and games and provide an overview of counting in ancient cultures. Rather than emphasizing rote memorization, the examples and challenges promote creativity and empower children. Two excellent annotated reading lists, one primarily for upper-elementary-school children and one for adults, are appended. Simple black-and-white cartoons and diagrams illustrate the principles and concepts. Though motivated students will enjoy reading the book and tackling the problems on their own, more reluctant youngsters will benefit from whole-class discussions or one-on-one tutorials for optimum comprehension.
Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

An innovative approach to teaching the properties and relationships of numbers and their relevance in the everyday world. -- School Library Journal

This book is fun and refreshing. -- Teaching Children Mathematics

Written in an easy style that both entertains and instructs. -- Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556523785
• ISBN-13: 978-1556523786
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,012,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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