Reading log # 2

Date:  24/09/2012                                  Source Number: 2

Reference (APA):   Gifford, S. (2005). Teaching Mathematics 3-5. England:Open University Press.

Summary:   Teaching Mathematics 3-5 is considered one of the recent references as it was published in this millennium. It is directed to teachers, students and parents to show them how to introduce numeracy to children in the preoperational  stage (age 3-5). The language that the writer has used is simple and free from complicated theories’ terms. However, the context is supported with ideas of theorists and researchers such as Vygotsky.

Evaluation:  (connected to Questions 1 to 5 above)   2,3,4   I admire the fact that the writer include her personal experience in educating the early years children and resolving new ways to help children learn numeracy.

Notes (could include specific quotes)   A- “Research therefore  suggested that children were unlikely to learn about number through independent play. On the other hand, it seemed that children learned a great deal about spatial aspects of mathematics through individual exploration in blockplay” ( P. 2).      B-“From observing young children’s responses to mathematics learning opportunities, it is clear that they do engage with mathematics they want to learn and they enjoy learning. The children also provide clues as to how practitioners might enjoy teaching mathematics.” (P.11).

Cross References:   Quotation  A- is crossed with the quotation in reading # 1.