Learning Through Problems: Number Sense and Computational Strategies/A Resource for Primary Teachers

The publisher gives a very accurate description of a very valuable book (see above) for teachers in about K thru 4, or, even better, for groups of teachers looking for a "better way". Problem solving is a better way. Kids, if allowed to, come up with all sorts of ingenious solutions to problems they have not "covered". First, this gives them confidence to tackle anything, without "crutches". 2nd, it "primes" them to be ready for new concepts that will be of obvious value to them. 3rd, we are preparing them for the real world where new problems arise, particularly in the sciences, that must be grappled with. We learn to solve problems by solving problems. This book reveals the enormous abilities kids have if they are not stifled by a rigid system. The problems focus on simple everyday situations to accomodate the teachers backgrounds. The same techniques could be used to introduce all kinds of Science and Technology if the teachers had the appropriate background.