When looking at resources for teachers of mathematics I frequently find either superficial treatment of important mathematics topics or very narrow, one size fits all, approaches to teaching. Nanci Smith has given us a focus on targeted, differentiated teaching of the logical progression of important mathematics. In this valuable resource she gives us many great assessment and instructional strategies without ever losing sight of the mathematics.
I believe Dr. Nanci Smith’s Every Math Learner: A Doable Approach to Teaching With Learning Differences in Mind is arguably the best book now available for math teachers. In my conversations with math teachers and observations of classrooms, there is generally good-to-great expertise in math content knowledge. Problems occur, however, when there is lock-step reliance (perhaps with minor variations) on the math textbook or when there are beliefs and practices that all students predominately learn in the same way. Dr. Smith—a master teacher and trainer—flips the paradigm from teaching to learning. I’ve personally seen Dr. Smith’s work with teachers, and know that she creates tremendous excitement within the teaching profession for practically and substantively moving from teacher-centered classrooms to learning-centered classrooms that support the needs and interests of ALL students.
Finally! A book that is written for the elementary teacher that GETS the elementary classroom. Dr. Smith clears up the differentiation dysfunction by giving clear examples with real content. Just this would be enough to purchase and love the resource, however, this book goes the extra mile by also giving “use it now” strategies that are easily understood and implemented. For anyone wishing to have a rich toolkit of strategies to provide deep understanding in key mathematical concepts, this publication is a musthave/must-read.
"This is an extremely important topic right now. Young students are expected to learn concepts that used to be saved for much more mature students. The big questions are how to help those young minds understand, especially when the teachers may not have a strong mathematics background? The coverage [in this book] is very complete without being overwhelming. I am impressed that just as I began to think what an insurmountable task teaching has become, [this book] breaks it down to manageable chunks. "
Dr. Smith provides a clear and well-structured solution to truly making math ‘doable,’ for all students. As our society continues to move towards a more technology based economy the importance of math concepts becomes more essential for all our students. Dr. Smith, provides clear understandable solutions for educators to reach all students to assure they meet the demands of 21st Century.
Every Math Learner continuously invites the reader to interact with the content through the Watch it, Try It, and Consider it processes. The immediate application of the book’s content, the mathematics examples, and the videos of real classrooms are helpful for all educators who want to learn more about their students, differentiate instruction, and plan and implement units or lessons that deepen students’ mathematical interest,understanding, and learning.
Every Math Learner is a powerful tool for educators serious about meeting the needs of all learners in their mathematics classrooms. Nanci Smith balances philosophy with practicality while providing a glimpse into real classrooms with real students. Teachers will ultimately learn how to lift students up to their greatest potential in learning. "
"I will admit, when I first began reading, I was thinking 'here we go again, another book on differentiation.' As I read, my feelings quickly changed. I believe this book provides different information than previous books I’ve read on the subject. It is very easy to read, and most teachers could make substantive changes in their instruction immediately. This may be the quickest way to improve math learning and understanding I’ve seen. I am anxious to incorporate the strategies in this book in my planning for all students to enhance their ability to know, understand, and do mathwhile loving it! "
While we know that the importance of differentiation is the key to student engagement and success, implementing key differentiation practices remains elusive to us as we balance competing curriculum, student, and administrative demands. Smith’s book seamlessly unpacks what differentiation is and is not and provides explicit and, dare I say, beautiful examples of what this can look like in the classroom. You will be hooked from the first page and be inspired and empowered to transform your classroom, your teaching, and your students’ mathematical learning experiences through and with this practical, realistic, and meaningful differentiation system.
I trained elementary teachers how to teach mathematics for 17 years. Had this book been available, it would have been part of the curriculum. I really like the Try It! sections that gives teachers strategies they can immediately put to use in their classrooms. The Watch It! videos bring the material to life and the discussion questions tease out the important ideas presented. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn more about how to deal with differences in the classroom.“
