Mathematics: An Instrument for Living Teaching

by Richele Baburina

Mathematics: An Instrument for Living Teaching explains step by step how Charlotte Mason taught math in a practical and life-related way from first grade through twelfth, from beginning numbers through algebra and geometry.

In this ground-breaking handbook, Richele Baburina reveals what every parent-teacher wants to know about Charlotte’s approach to teaching math. The detailed explanations are based on extensive research—information gathered from several sources that were used by Charlotte’s teachers and parents, then meticulously compared and compiled with Charlotte’s own words.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction

100 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Ardyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A summary of Mason's guidance on teaching mathematics, mostly quotes from her and Irene Stephens. I bought this as part of a book-and-DVD bundle, after hearing much about it.

I've not yet watched the DVD, so this is a review of the book as a standalone, and of the approach in general.

1. The compendium of quotes from Stephens are interesting and specific. But if you've read both Mason and Stephens, the book won't help you much.

2. Scope and sequence is provided at the end of each chapter and is quite succinct... I am tempted to say *too* succinct.

3. Inclusion of personal finance (compound interest, debt projections) is excellent & an area this surpasses most math arcs I've seen.

4. However... #3 does not go far enough. More advanced statistics of the sort needed to making informed voting decisions (i.e. understanding and framing the news & government reports) is an absolute necessity. Having omitted calculus (which seems to be the case), I'm disappointed the method doesn't fill that space with statistics.

I'll update my review when I've watched the DVD.

[Camille Hoffmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful resource for parents (or teachers) trying to grasp Mason's approach to teaching mathematics. I have yet to watch the DVD, so this review is for the book only- and I would say it's a helpful resource, but definitely not a stand-alone curriculum, as I've heard some people say. I had heard that after reading this book I would know exactly how to teach math; and while I definitely have a better understanding, this book alone does not give me the confidence to teach my children math without a curriculum. However, I am excited to begin Richele's math curriculum with my children, and this was a great background read for me to get started. I do feel better equipped and while I may not have the confidence to teach WITHOUT a curriculum, I definitely feel more confident in my math teaching abilities in general :).

And I will say this- I DO NOT enjoy math. I have always gravitated more towards words and literature and math has just never been my thing. But through reading this I gained a better appreciation for math- and yes, I would even say I can see the beauty in it- which is definitely saying something for me ;).