Figuring Out Fluency in Mathematics Teaching and Learning, Grades K-8: Moving Beyond Basic Facts and Memorization

by Jennifer M. Bay-Williams, John J. SanGiovanni

Because fluency practice is not a worksheet.

Fluency in mathematics is more than adeptly using basic facts or implementing algorithms. Real fluency involves reasoning and creativity, and it varies by the situation at hand.

Figuring Out Fluency in Mathematics Teaching and Learning offers educators the inspiration to develop a deeper understanding of procedural fluency, along with a plethora of pragmatic tools for shifting classrooms toward a fluency approach. In a friendly and accessible style, this hands-on guide empowers educators to support students in acquiring the repertoire of reasoning strategies necessary to becoming versatile and nimble mathematical thinkers. It

Seven Significant Strategies to teach to students as they work toward procedural fluency. Activities, fluency routines, and games that encourage learning the efficiency, flexibility, and accuracy essential to real fluency. Reflection questions, connections to mathematical standards, and techniques for assessing all components of fluency. Suggestions for engaging families in understanding and supporting fluency. Fluency is more than a toolbox of strategies to choose from; it's also a matter of equity and access for all learners. Give your students the knowledge and power to become confident mathematical thinkers.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Mathematics, Nonfiction

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2021

Reviews

[Tonia]

Very practical. Includes a few downloadable games.

I borrowed this book from the NSWTF library.

[Kate Pfeifer Burstein]

This book contains a wealth of information about teaching students to develop mathematical fluency. My reason for 4 vs 5 stars is that the accompanying resource files weren’t always easy to utilize; it would have been preferable to have a link to a more organized set of resources that were easier to use.

[Agie Cummings]

I’ve been reading this book for work (I write math curriculum) and this was super helpful because it defines math fluency in a concrete and clear way, and includes the insight of new research on what the actual definition of math fluency actually is.

Super easy to read/use with lots of good examples of activities.

[Matt Dietzenbach]

Read this book as part of a book study for our school. We got a lot out of it that can help transform our school in a new direction. If your school needs to relook at how students become better with mathematical concepts than this a excellent book choice.

[Tabitha]

A really, truly wonderful book that could help anyone feel better about math fluency, but a MUST read for any educators or families who support a student learning math. This is the way mathematicians think, making it more meaningful and fun. I highly encourage everyone to read this.

[JoAnna Gorkaya]

Very practical, useful, and applicable information. I appreciated that it was full of resources for a variety of levels, and discussed how everything could be adapted. The thinking and reflection this book generated for my practice was exactly what I was looking for.

[Devin Michael]

This is a very interesting book for anyone teaching math. Fluency in math refers to much more than math facts. Procedural fluency involves efficiency, flexibility, AND accuracy. This book also provides routines and games for elementary and middle school math classes.

[Kerri]

Read this book for a professional development, and found some great ideas in. If you teach math I would recommend it.

[Andrea Valdez]

Great book for any math educator! Helped our school define what fluency really means and gave practical activities to use in a classroom to help students move beyond memorization of basic facts.

[Alicia]

This was a good book with a lot of really great information and ideas. The biggest part now is how to change up some old practices. It will take time!

[Andrea]

Lots of great activities to do with students. Answers a lot of important questions about what fluency is and how to talk about it with students, other teachers, and families.

[Kelly]

Great read for educators who teach math in grades K-8. Focuses on conceptual understanding. It also offers several ideas for activities that can be used in the classroom.

[Reagan Suzanne]

Absolutely loved this book! This is one of those books that’s great for teachers at any point in their career.

[Allison Lienen]

Overall a great resource. I like the new perspective on math fluency and the activities included. There are more books that get more specific into each math skill that would probably be beneficial.

[Addie Healy]

An absolute must-read for any Math teacher K-12!

[Hannah Tucker]

Very easy read. Some slow parts occasionally. Easy to use games and applications. Lots of things to think about.

[Brandi]

My thinking is changing and my understanding of fluency has extended to a level where I wish all would read this text as well as the companion texts.