Top 5 Books When Planning Lessons

 One of my favorite parts of being a math consultant is all the reading that is involved. Yes, that’s right I love reading about math. I like checking out new strategies, new research, and different perspectives so that I can share that information with teachers.

There are many excellent math education books out there. I can’t really say I have a favorite. But there are certain books that I gravitate towards when I’m helping teachers plan lessons.

Here are the top 5 books I use when looking for lessons. (These are in no particular order)

1. Math In Practice

The book collection Math In Practice Teaching. Kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade and fifth grade books.

This resource should be in every classroom!!! The books are organized by content because it is not a curriculum it can be used in any order. It provides excellent ideas for conceptual lessons as well as, great questioning suggestions. When I was a coach I advocated for every elementary teacher in the district to get these books. Luckily the district did get it for everyone and it was a game-changer.

2. Common Core Math In Action

The books Common Core In Action Making the Standards Manageable, Meaningful and Fun. Books are for K-2 and 3-5.

3. Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics

The books Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics for grades K-2 and grades 3-5.

 

An oldie but goodie. These books have been revamped throughout the years. I’ve used every version of them throughout my career. And I can tell you the quality just gets better and better. Not only does this resource include great lesson ideas but it also has an immense amount of information about researched-based concepts and strategies. Aside from teachers currently in the classroom I recommend these books to preservice teachers. You will get math rolling the right way if you start your career digging into this.

4 & 5. Good Questions Great Ways To Differentiate Mathematics Instruction & Good Questions for Math Teaching

The book Good Questions: Great Ways to Differentiate Mathematics Instruction. The book Good Questions For Math Teaching.

I combined the last couple of selections because they cover the same purpose…questioning. These resources are great because they focus on asking high-quality questions. Questions that as educators we are not used to and not trained to ask. When coaching teachers, I highly encourage them to look at how these questions can fit into their unit.

I could probably spew off 20 more books that are wonderful when looking for lessons. But if I want to stay honest, these are the ones I lean towards when I’m working with teachers.

Hey, teachers- ask your school to purchase these for you. Hey, coaches- check them out and advocate for your district to get these into teachers’ hands.

If we stop making our curriculums packaged textbook sets, we can start making curriculums an embodiment of great resources.

Here’s where you can find the recommended books:

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On September 30, 2022, I was scheduled to present at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics annual conference in Los Angeles, California. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend. But my co-presenter Robert Kaplinsky took on the presentation for us: 5 Struggles Your Foster Students Wished You Knew. This was a passion project for us because we both came through the foster care system.

We had originally intended to present together in September 2020, but the pandemic had other plans. So we recorded my part as well as added in Jessica Jones’ perspective. We recorded and are sharing this presentation with the hope that it could live on and continue to benefit foster youth. We appreciate you making time to watch and share your learnings.

Click on the image to be taken to the video. 

Robert also provided a handout you can download. It’s a one-page PDF version of the takeaways to share with your colleagues here.