Children Doing Mathematics: A Book Review

In their groundbreaking book, "Children Doing Mathematics," Terezinha Nunes and Peter Bryant present a comprehensive and compelling exploration of how children develop mathematical understanding. Drawing on extensive research and real-world examples, the authors provide a unique perspective on the cognitive processes that underpin mathematical learning. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how children learn mathematics and how to best support their mathematical development.

Key Findings

Nunes and Bryant's research reveals several key findings about how children learn mathematics:

• Children are not born with mathematical knowledge. Instead, they construct their understanding of mathematics through their interactions with the world around them.
• Children's mathematical development is influenced by a variety of factors, including their prior knowledge, their environment, and their interactions with others.
• Children learn mathematics best when they are actively engaged in mathematical activities. They need opportunities to explore, experiment, and make mistakes in order to develop their mathematical understanding.

Implications for Education

The findings of Nunes and Bryant's research have important implications for education. They suggest that:

• Mathematics education should be based on children's prior knowledge and experiences. Teachers should build on what children already know and help them to connect new mathematical concepts to their existing knowledge.
• Mathematics education should be active and engaging. Children should have opportunities to explore, experiment, and make mistakes in order to develop their mathematical understanding.
• Mathematics education should be social. Children learn mathematics best when they are interacting with others. They should have opportunities to collaborate with their peers and to share their mathematical ideas.

Conclusion

"Children Doing Mathematics" is a seminal work that has had a profound impact on the field of mathematics education. Nunes and Bryant's research provides a wealth of insights into how children learn mathematics and how to best support their mathematical development. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how children learn mathematics and how to best support their mathematical development.

Why You Should Buy This Book

If you are interested in learning more about how children learn mathematics, then "Children Doing Mathematics" is the book for you. This book is packed with valuable information and insights that will help you to understand how children develop mathematical understanding. It is also a very readable and engaging book, making it a pleasure to read.

Here are a few reasons why you should buy this book:

• It is a comprehensive and well-researched book. Nunes and Bryant have drawn on a wealth of research to support their claims. This book is not just a collection of opinions; it is based on solid evidence.
• It is a practical book. The authors provide a number of practical tips and strategies that you can use to support children's mathematical development. This book is not just theory; it is full of useful information that you can put into practice.
• It is a thought-provoking book. Nunes and Bryant challenge some of the traditional assumptions about how children learn mathematics. This book will make you think about mathematics in a new way.

If you are interested in learning more about how children learn mathematics, then I highly recommend that you buy "Children Doing Mathematics." This book is a valuable resource that will benefit anyone who works with children.