Mathematics: Skills, Concepts, Problem Solving

Continental Press

The Mathematics: Skills, Concepts, Problem Solving series, books AA through H, are intended to serve as supplements for grades K through 8. They target all the strands on the NCTM Standards (e.g., whole numbers, number sense, geometry, measurement, problem solving, estimation strategies, tables, charts, graphs, etc.) for each grade level. However, they are not intended to be the primary source of instruction. Nevertheless, they are substantial books at 104 to 128 each; parents of students in kindergarten and first grade who want to do more direct instruction of their own could use these workbooks to accompany that instruction rather than purchasing comprehensive programs.

These are consumable workbooks, printed in black-and-white with one other color. There is at least one illustration per two-page spread, usually more. Some instruction is provided within each book, often accompanied by examples and visual illustrations. Instruction is briefer than you find in most comprehensive textbooks.

If you are using another program, but you are concerned that your student might need more work on particular concepts, that some concepts might not be covered in the core program, or that your student needs more help with word problems, these books fill the gap very well. There are quite a few word problems, and strategies for tackling word problems are taught--often a weak point in comprehensive programs.

Once students can read, they can work entirely on their own. However, you will need to assign certain pages as they correlate with whatever other instruction you are providing.

Copyright 2009 (review updated and posted March 2009)