A–Z of Key Concepts in Primary Mathematics
There are an increasing number of reference books on the market and they vary in quality, style and purpose. This book attempts to fit in a niche not often addressed. The book seems to stress accessibility, usefulness and portability. It is a small tome of only seventy-six pages, though one would expect more with what is a rather grand title.
The book itself is aimed at those intending teachers, newly qualified teachers and any one else who requires a quick reference to some of the key ideas and concepts that are encountered on a daily basis in the primary mathematics classroom. The concepts are very well defined and are cross-referenced to enable the reader to make links between different ideas. As with a great many texts these days this book is clearly linked to the National Numeracy Strategy’s Mathematical Vocabulary booklet – now known as the Primary Strategy.
The entries also include rather nice, black and white line drawings that illustrate and enhance the various definitions in the book. I would agree with the author who suggests it might also be a useful resource for children in Key Stage 2 to use in group-work. Though I do feel that the more able child in years five and six would be able to use the book without adult support.
If I do have any concerns about this book it is the title seems to promise more than what can be delivered in 76 pages – though this might just be my reading. On the other hand the book is cheap at only £10 and is clearly useful to a fairly wide range of users and therefore a number of copies could be purchased for a classroom library. I would suggest that the book is used as a starting point rather than a final reference.
Derek Kassem - Senior Lecturer, Liverpool: John Moores University
A–Z of Key Concepts in Primary Mathematics by Claire Mooney
Learning Matters
33 Southernhay East
Exeter EX1 1NX
Paperback
ISBN 1903300487
£10
Review Sections
See also
