Grade(s): 4-6
Pages: 320 (perforated)

The primary goal of this book is not to teach students a set of arithmetic skills (they get plenty of that at school) but to encourage them to develop analytical and reasoning skills applicable to a wide range of mathematical situations. In addition, the activities explore a variety of quantitative and spatial relationships that are an essential part of the foundation of mathematics.

If you wonder what the difference is between math (as tested for in achievement tests like the ITBS, CAT, SAT and more) and quantitative reasoning and non-verbal reasoning (as tested in the CogAT, OLSAT, NNAT and more) this title will help you to understand as your child expands their quantitative and non-verbal reasoning abilities.

Mathematical Reasoning™ Grades 4-6 Supplement reinforces 4th, 5th and 6th grade math concepts by helping students devise strategies to solve a wide variety of math problems as they develop analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for success in higher-level mathematics. These activities encourage students to develop investigative, analytical, and explanatory skills as well as a variety of quantitative and spatial relationships that are an essential part of the foundation of mathematics. Students who successfully complete these books will see gains in vocabulary development, observational skills, and the ability to process mathematical concepts on a much higher level. The activities are arranged in six sections which address six major strands in the elementary mathematics curriculum.

These highly effective activities take students far beyond drill-and-practice by using step-by-step, discussion-based problem solving to develop a conceptual bridge between computation and the reasoning required for upper-level math. Activities and units spiral slowly, allowing students to become comfortable with concepts but also challenging them to continue building their math skills

Table of Contents/Skills:

Number and Numeration

• Counting Strategies
• The Number Line
• Place Value--Whole Numbers, Decimals
• Sequences of Numbers
• Properties of Numbers
• Fractional Parts
• Sequences of Fractions
• Fractions & Decimal Numbers
• Inequalities & Estimation--Fractions, Decimals
• Equivalent Fractions

Geometry

• Constructing Geoboard Figures & Polygons
• Comparing Lengths & Angles
• Figures: Congruent/Similar/Inscribed in Circles
• Decomposition of Polygons
• Properties of & Classifying Polygons
• Shadow Geometry
• Geometric Motions
• Symmetry
• Composing, Decomposing, Separating Regions
• Paths and Networks

Operations

• Counting Arrays
• Multiplying Fractions
• Models for Division
• Computations Involving Parentheses
• Expanded Notation
• Fractions and Decimals/Number Properties
• Factoring/Flowcharts/Problem Solving

Measurement

• Comparing: Lengths/Areas/Polygon Perimeters
• Computing: Perimeters, Area, Volumes of Solids
• Drawing Polygons
• Perimeter & Area
• Estimating Circumference/Measurement with Circles
• Area on a Geoboard
• Volume: Rectangular Solids, Triangular Prisms

Relations

• Comparing Numbers
• Multiples and Factors
• Completing Number Sentences
• Sequences of Numbers
• Sequences of Ordered Pairs
• Pairing Number Sequences
• Tables and Sentences in Two Variables
• Satisfying Number Properties

Tables and Graphs

• Bar Graphs and Interpreting Graphs
• Collecting and Presenting Data
• Using Tables in Problem Solving
• Rules of Ordered Pairs
• Using Graphs for Conversion
• Using Ordered Pairs and Graphs for Ordered Pairs

Answers

Reviews:

"As a teacher I like the problem solving activities as these could be used over again or with several students in the classroom." -iParenting Reviewer

"Mathematical Reasoning presents math in a way that makes it not only simple to learn, but also practical to apply to everyday circumstance (obviously making math more meaningful to him)." -Katherine, Mississippi

"My son hated math. I saw your curriculum and gave it a try. Wow, what a great fit for my son! Your Mathematical Reasoning curriculum gave him a way to learn math that made sense to him. Thank you!" -Amy, Ontario, Canada

"For the money, the books are excellent buys and worthy supplements to any childhood students education." -Maxine, "Teaching Children Mathematics" published by NCTM

"As a math instructor, I am so happy that it looks like I may have a math-brain in my family after all! He asks to do his math school work (Mathematical Reasoning book) every day!" -Janelle, Math Teacher & Parent


Awards (earned by various titles in series):

• Dr. Toy Best Picks
• Mensa Recommended Materials for the Gifted
• iParenting Media AwardMom's Choice Awards Silver Medal for Excellence
• iParenting Media Best Products
• Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice AwardiParenting Media Excellent Products
• Cathy Duffy Top 100 Award
• Dr. Toy Product of Excellence
• Learning® Magazine Recommended Resource for Successful Teaching
• Jenkins Group Moonbeam Children's Book Award, Silver Medal
• Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Recipient