The Math Teacher's Toolbox
Hundreds of Practical Ideas to Support Your Students
The Teacher's Toolbox Series
1. Edition June 2020
560 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
ISBN:
978-1-119-57329-6
John Wiley & Sons
Further versions
Math teachers will find the classroom-tested lessons and strategies in this book to be accessible and easily implemented in the classroom
The Teacher's Toolbox series is an innovative, research-based resource providing teachers with instructional strategies for students of all levels and abilities. Each book in the collection focuses on a specific content area. Clear, concise guidance enables teachers to quickly integrate low-prep, high-value lessons and strategies in their middle school and high school classrooms. Every strategy follows a practical, how-to format established by the series editors.
The Math Teacher's Toolbox contains hundreds of student-friendly classroom lessons and teaching strategies. Clear and concise chapters, fully aligned to Common Core math standards, cover the underlying research, required technology, practical classroom use, and modification of each high-value lesson and strategy.
This book employs a hands-on approach to help educators quickly learn and apply proven methods and techniques in their mathematics courses. Topics range from the planning of units, lessons, tests, and homework to conducting formative assessments, differentiating instruction, motivating students, dealing with "math anxiety," and culturally responsive teaching. Easy-to-read content shows how and why math should be taught as a language and how to make connections across mathematical units. Designed to reduce instructor preparation time and increase student engagement and comprehension, this book:
* Explains the usefulness, application, and potential drawbacks of each instructional strategy
* Provides fresh activities for all classrooms
* Helps math teachers work with ELLs, advanced students, and students with learning differences
* Offers real-world guidance for working with parents, guardians, and co-teachers
The Math Teacher's Toolbox: Hundreds of Practical ideas to Support Your Students is an invaluable source of real-world lessons, strategies, and techniques for general education teachers and math specialists, as well as resource specialists/special education teachers, elementary and secondary educators, and teacher educators.
About the Authors
About the Editors
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Introduction
Our Beliefs About Teaching Math
Structure of This Book
Why Good Math Teaching Matters
Part 1. Basic Strategies
Chapter
1. Basic Strategies
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures
2. Culturally Responsive Teaching
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
3. Teaching Math as a Language
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures and Tables
4. Promoting Mathematical Communication
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Attribution
Figures and Tables
5. Making Mathematical Connections
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Attribution
Figures
Part 2. How to Plan
6. How to Plan Units
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures
7. How to Plan Lessons
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures
8. How to Plan Homework
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures
9. How to Plan Tests and Quizzes
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures
10. How to Develop an Effective Grading Policy
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures
Part 3. Building Relationships
11. Building a Productive Classroom Environment
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures
12. Building Relationships With Parents
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures
13. Collaborating With Other Teachers
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Part 4. Enhancing Lessons
14. Differentiating Instruction
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures and Tables
15. Differentiating for Students With Unique Needs
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures and Tables
16. Project-Based Learning
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures and Tables
17. Cooperative Learning
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures and Tables
18. Formative Assessment
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Tables
19. Using Technology
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures
20. Ending the School Year
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Tables
Appendix: The Math Teacher's Toolbox Technology Links
References
About the Editors
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Introduction
Our Beliefs About Teaching Math
Structure of This Book
Why Good Math Teaching Matters
Part 1. Basic Strategies
Chapter
1. Basic Strategies
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures
2. Culturally Responsive Teaching
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
3. Teaching Math as a Language
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures and Tables
4. Promoting Mathematical Communication
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Attribution
Figures and Tables
5. Making Mathematical Connections
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Attribution
Figures
Part 2. How to Plan
6. How to Plan Units
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures
7. How to Plan Lessons
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures
8. How to Plan Homework
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures
9. How to Plan Tests and Quizzes
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
Student Handouts and Examples
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Figures
10. How to Develop an Effective Grading Policy
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures
Part 3. Building Relationships
11. Building a Productive Classroom Environment
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures
12. Building Relationships With Parents
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures
13. Collaborating With Other Teachers
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Part 4. Enhancing Lessons
14. Differentiating Instruction
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures and Tables
15. Differentiating for Students With Unique Needs
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures and Tables
16. Project-Based Learning
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures and Tables
17. Cooperative Learning
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures and Tables
18. Formative Assessment
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Tables
19. Using Technology
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Student Handouts and Examples
Technology Connections
Figures
20. Ending the School Year
What Is It?
Why We Like It
Supporting Research
Common Core Connections
Application
What Could Go Wrong
Technology Connections
Tables
Appendix: The Math Teacher's Toolbox Technology Links
References
"This magnificent book is a must for all mathematics teachers! Its practical value is derived from the fact that the authors are both seasoned and high-quality mathematics teachers who have experienced and have explored every aspect of teaching they discuss in their book. It is comprehensive and challenges the reader to consider the pros and cons of the different strategies described, which go beyond a 'toolbox' of great ideas for teaching!"
--Alice F. Artzt, Queens College of the City University of New York
"This resource is a must for all mathematics teachers! New and veteran teachers will find the practical strategies and explicit examples easy to implement in the classroom and helpful in enhancing one's own pedagogy. Authors Bobson Wong and Larisa Bukalov have crafted a fantastic student-focused resource dedicated to ensuring high-quality instruction. Highly recommended!"
--Christine DeBono, K-5 Math Instructional Coach, Higley Unified School District, Arizona
"This comprehensive book is an incredible resource for math teachers at any stage of their career. Master Teachers Bobson Wong and Larisa Bukalov do an excellent job describing practical strategies, justifying them with research, and bringing them to life with concrete examples. I highly recommend it."
--Michael Driskill, Chief Operating Officer, Math for America
"As someone who has been teaching for 30 years, I find The Math Teacher's Toolbox to be a very rich reference of teaching strategies and resources for practitioners, especially mentors and mentees. I plan to use this book in my lessons and my professional development."
--Irene Espiritu, Middle School Teacher, Math for America Master Teacher, New York State Master Teacher
"The Math Teacher's Toolbox provides the reader with a summation of research-supported current best practices in mathematics teaching. The layout of this book masterfully helps move the reader from understanding through application of the central ideas most essential to teaching mathematics effectively. Practical ideas for the classroom, as well as discussion about what could possibly go wrong, combine to make this a useful guide for teachers of all experience levels."
--Tabetha Finchum, 2014 Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching
"The Math Teacher's Toolbox provides concrete, innovative strategies for adapting often intangible pedagogical theories across a wide range of math content areas and grade levels. Larisa Bukalov and Bobson Wong draw extensively from current research as well as their own years of classroom experience to explore the benefits and possible limitations of each strategy. Having already sought to implement a number of their ideas into my own classroom, I cannot recommend this book enough."
--Nasriah Morrison, Math Teacher, Institute for Collaborative Education and Math for America Master Teacher
"This book is truly a 'toolbox' for math instruction. It offers great technology tools and resources for teachers and their students, free online resources for student learning, and practical ideas that every math teacher can use. I will use this book for years to come."
--Jendayi Nunn, Mathematics Virtual Instructional Specialist, Atlanta Public Schools
"The Math Teacher Toolbox provides a map that can guide new teachers as they begin their journey, and help veterans navigate the shifting terrain. The authors summarize current research from many areas of teaching and connect it to structured classroom practices. The experienced writing team organizes complex parts of the profession into a structure that makes it easy for practitioners to put the ideas to use in their classroom."
--Carl Oliver, Assistant Principal, City-As-School, New York
"Both new and experienced teachers will have cause to reach into this box of tools and return time and again to dig deeper - and each time you return, you'll find the box just as organized as the last! You'll keep this book nearby throughout your career for its practical, detailed tips, copious references, and teacher-to-teacher tone."
--Ralph Pantozzi, Ed. D., 2014 MoMath Rosenthal Prize winner, 2017 Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching
--Alice F. Artzt, Queens College of the City University of New York
"This resource is a must for all mathematics teachers! New and veteran teachers will find the practical strategies and explicit examples easy to implement in the classroom and helpful in enhancing one's own pedagogy. Authors Bobson Wong and Larisa Bukalov have crafted a fantastic student-focused resource dedicated to ensuring high-quality instruction. Highly recommended!"
--Christine DeBono, K-5 Math Instructional Coach, Higley Unified School District, Arizona
"This comprehensive book is an incredible resource for math teachers at any stage of their career. Master Teachers Bobson Wong and Larisa Bukalov do an excellent job describing practical strategies, justifying them with research, and bringing them to life with concrete examples. I highly recommend it."
--Michael Driskill, Chief Operating Officer, Math for America
"As someone who has been teaching for 30 years, I find The Math Teacher's Toolbox to be a very rich reference of teaching strategies and resources for practitioners, especially mentors and mentees. I plan to use this book in my lessons and my professional development."
--Irene Espiritu, Middle School Teacher, Math for America Master Teacher, New York State Master Teacher
"The Math Teacher's Toolbox provides the reader with a summation of research-supported current best practices in mathematics teaching. The layout of this book masterfully helps move the reader from understanding through application of the central ideas most essential to teaching mathematics effectively. Practical ideas for the classroom, as well as discussion about what could possibly go wrong, combine to make this a useful guide for teachers of all experience levels."
--Tabetha Finchum, 2014 Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching
"The Math Teacher's Toolbox provides concrete, innovative strategies for adapting often intangible pedagogical theories across a wide range of math content areas and grade levels. Larisa Bukalov and Bobson Wong draw extensively from current research as well as their own years of classroom experience to explore the benefits and possible limitations of each strategy. Having already sought to implement a number of their ideas into my own classroom, I cannot recommend this book enough."
--Nasriah Morrison, Math Teacher, Institute for Collaborative Education and Math for America Master Teacher
"This book is truly a 'toolbox' for math instruction. It offers great technology tools and resources for teachers and their students, free online resources for student learning, and practical ideas that every math teacher can use. I will use this book for years to come."
--Jendayi Nunn, Mathematics Virtual Instructional Specialist, Atlanta Public Schools
"The Math Teacher Toolbox provides a map that can guide new teachers as they begin their journey, and help veterans navigate the shifting terrain. The authors summarize current research from many areas of teaching and connect it to structured classroom practices. The experienced writing team organizes complex parts of the profession into a structure that makes it easy for practitioners to put the ideas to use in their classroom."
--Carl Oliver, Assistant Principal, City-As-School, New York
"Both new and experienced teachers will have cause to reach into this box of tools and return time and again to dig deeper - and each time you return, you'll find the box just as organized as the last! You'll keep this book nearby throughout your career for its practical, detailed tips, copious references, and teacher-to-teacher tone."
--Ralph Pantozzi, Ed. D., 2014 MoMath Rosenthal Prize winner, 2017 Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching
BOBSON WONG is a three-time recipient of the Math for America Master Teacher Fellowship, a New York State Master Teacher, and a member of the Advisory Council of the National Museum of Mathematics. He has served on New York State's Common Core Mathematics Standards Review Committee, the United Federation of Teachers' Common Core Standards Task Force, and as an Educational Specialist for the New York State Education Department.
LARISA BUKALOV is a four-time recipient of the Math for America Master Teacher fellowship and a recipient of Queens College's Excellence in Mathematics Award for promoting mathematics teaching as a profession. She has taught all levels of math, coached the school's math team, and created a math research program for students. As part of her work with Math for America, Larisa has run several professional development sessions for teachers.
LARRY FERLAZZO teaches English, Social Studies, and International Baccalaureate classes to English Language Learners and others at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, California. He is the author and co-author of nine books, including The ELL Teacher's Toolbox, and writes a weekly teacher advice column for Education Week Teacher. He is the recipient of the Ford Foundation's Leadership for a Changing World Award and winner of the International Reading Association Award for Technology and Reading.
KATIE HULL SYPNIESKI has taught English language learners and others at the secondary level for over twenty years. She teaches middle school English Language Arts and Social Studies at Fern Bacon Middle School in Sacramento, California, and leads professional development for educators as a consultant with the Area 3 Writing Project at the University of California, Davis. She is co-author of several books including The ELL Teacher's Toolbox.
LARISA BUKALOV is a four-time recipient of the Math for America Master Teacher fellowship and a recipient of Queens College's Excellence in Mathematics Award for promoting mathematics teaching as a profession. She has taught all levels of math, coached the school's math team, and created a math research program for students. As part of her work with Math for America, Larisa has run several professional development sessions for teachers.
LARRY FERLAZZO teaches English, Social Studies, and International Baccalaureate classes to English Language Learners and others at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, California. He is the author and co-author of nine books, including The ELL Teacher's Toolbox, and writes a weekly teacher advice column for Education Week Teacher. He is the recipient of the Ford Foundation's Leadership for a Changing World Award and winner of the International Reading Association Award for Technology and Reading.
KATIE HULL SYPNIESKI has taught English language learners and others at the secondary level for over twenty years. She teaches middle school English Language Arts and Social Studies at Fern Bacon Middle School in Sacramento, California, and leads professional development for educators as a consultant with the Area 3 Writing Project at the University of California, Davis. She is co-author of several books including The ELL Teacher's Toolbox.
