Mathematics education has had a long history of focusing too much time on skills and not enough time on concepts and strategies. If we are to help our students become mathematically literate, we must be guided by more global concepts—concepts that portray mathematics as a way of thinking.
Mathematics in the Making demonstrates how you can help children become respected authors of their own mathematical ideas by emphasizing mathematics as a way of thinking. Mills, O'Keefe, and Whitin use the term "author" because it conveys the active, constructive, and exploratory role that children must assume if they are to become empowered mathematical thinkers. They draw comparisons with the authoring cycle and show how they supported primary students as these children revised, collaborated, and made personal connections to mathematical situations.
Readers will find descriptions of a range of mathematical experiences, such as measuring with standard and nonstandard units, reading children's literature to reinforce concepts, writing about mathematics, and yearlong investigations. The book comes alive with numerous examples of children's writing, drawing, and exploratory conversations. There are practical suggestions on how to start the year, establish certain mathematical rituals, work with parents, and meet district goals in a responsive way. The book distinguishes among concepts, strategies, and skills to highlight what really matters in mathematics, closing with a model for evaluation that respects children as sense makers and risk takers.
