By Kathy Ernst, Sarah Ryan

 

This book highlights how students learn math and the pedagogy behind it. Using vignettes based on real classroom discussions, the authors illustrate effective teaching practices to support math learning. Success from the Start: Your First Years Teaching Elementary Mathematics acts as a supportive and reassuring companion that you can return to throughout your journey as an elementary mathematics teacher.

As a beginning elementary mathematics teacher you might already be asking yourself these questions:

• How can I differentiate my teaching to meet the diverse needs of my students?
• What assessments best advance student learning?
• How can students understand math if I do not show them different strategies and tell them about the underlying mathematical structures and properties?
• What advice do I give parents about how to support their children’s math learning?

“This book is a must-read for elementary teachers of mathematics who want success from the start, and an excellent resource for veteran teachers who want to hone their practice. Ernst and Ryan have synthesized layers of pedagogy and practice and effectively conveyed the complexities of teaching without overwhelming new teachers or oversimplifying the art of teaching. Starting with clear goals for student learning, Success from the Start gives teachers a practical, research based framework for developing their students’ proficiency in problem solving and procedural fluency with conceptual understanding. Through classroom vignettes, readers are invited to think deeply about how to establish supportive learning communities and encouraged to delve into the nuances of orchestrating meaningful classroom discussions. The multiple elements involved in lesson planning, modifying and creating rich mathematical tasks and using assessment before, during and after lessons, as well as the critical components of differentiated instruction are all clearly delineated. “—Meredith Melvin Adelfio Math Coach and Coordinator, Sidwell Friends School, Washington, D.C. Recipient of the 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics and Science

“The authors have crafted a powerful and practical guide for every primary teacher who grapples with effective ways to implement high-quality mathematics instruction that works for all students. Ernst and Ryan have filled Success from the Start with authentic and rich vignettes and clear examples that support deep and engaging student learning of important mathematics, including procedural fluency, conceptual understanding and problem solving. Chapters 9 and 10, focusing on lesson planning and lesson enactment respectively, are my personal favorites, providing insightful and indispensable guidance for crafting and delivering impactful instruction.”— Steve Leinwand American Institutes for Research

“In Success from the Start Ernst and Ryan outline a plan for the elementary school teacher with ideas and strategies that guarantee to bring early mathematics classrooms to life. Through classroom vignettes and samples of student work the authors invite the reader to join the authors in their visits to exemplary classrooms, while questions for the reader invite reflection and hands on exploration. No aspect of teaching goes unnoticed: the authors provide strategies for planning discussions, ideas for designing class space to increase productivity, follow up with tips for assessment that informs instruction, and give advice for parent-teacher conferences. This book is a valuable resource for teachers both new and experienced.”— Despina Stylianou The City College of New York

About the Authors

Kathy Ernst has served as co-founder of an alternative pre-K–6 school, classroom teacher, developer and teacher of gifted programs, adjunct professor, math coach, and consultant. She holds a MS.Ed in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College. For over thirty years she has taught math problem solving to students and teachers and has provided support to schools and systems throughout the U.S. to improve mathematics education. Kathy is a senior advisor with Thinking Foundation.

Sarah Ryan is an elementary school teacher in the Delaware public schools. She also provides professional development for the Math and Science Education Resource Center at the University of Delaware. Sarah has a MS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Bank Street College of Education. Previously, she has worked as a teacher and math coach in the New York City public schools and as an advisor in the Math Leadership Program at Bank Street College.

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