| The current call for reform in the teaching of mathematics at the elementary school level has created a new framework for teachers, allowing them to plan and implement mathematics instruction that will help students to develop an understanding of math concepts. Current mathematics textbooks provide little information to the student about math concepts. This study found that the sentences in a typical mathematics textbook most frequently were devoted to word problems and directional statements to students. Only a small percentage of the sentences were written to explain math concepts. Illustrations and pictures in mathematics textbooks generally provided graphic, but nonsubstantive visual aids.;This study attempted to present an alternative to the mathematics textbook; the alternative is children's trade books. The books explain math concepts in terms that parallel real world experiences to which elementary school students can relate. Teachers in this study became aware of four excellent trade books to reinforce mathematics topics as they prepared and implemented lesson plans using the books. Teachers were very positive in their comments about this innovative strategy. Students were enthusiastic in their responses to the books, recalling the stories and illustrations as well as the mathematics concepts.;While some excellent trade books have been identified for use in the math class, this study highlights the difficulty of locating these excellent teaching resources and obtaining them from bookstores and/or publishers. In this time of national concern about mathematics education, teachers, students, and parents must make their wishes known to publishers so that books written to reinforce mathematics concepts will be readily available to the community of mathematical readers and learners. |
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