Teaching Mathematics

Teaching Mathematics

General guidelines for teaching mathematics in classes 1 – 8 (ages 6 – 14) in Waldorf schools.

In the context of classrooms, mathematics often seems to be a trivial affair of counting and measuring. In itself, however, it has wide-ranging implications. Teachers who dwell on these will be in a position to convey the material to their students in a far more extensive and interesting way than are those who take a more superficial approach.

Mathematics, the science of space and number, is universal and all-embracing. It manifests everywhere, sometimes obvious, sometimes less so. However, like all of nature, it reveals itself to inquiring minds.

At long last, teachers, parents, and, most important, the students in their charge can again benefit from Roy Wilkinson’s insights into teaching mathematics. Here, in his typically concise and complete style, Wilkinson shares the basics of the Waldorf approach to teaching mathematics in grades 1 through 8. Each page is packed with direction, examples, and a world of understanding.

Teaching Mathematics an outstanding resource for anyone who wants to know more about the art of teaching applied to the world of numbers.

C O N T E N T S:

Classes 1 & 2:
From the whole to the parts
Number symbols
Pictorial introduction to the four processes
Rhythms
Number games
Geometry in drawing and movement

Class 3:
Measurement
Derivation of terms

Class 4:
Fractions
Factors
Ratio and proportion

Class 5:
Families of numbers
Decimals

Class 6:
Squaring, cubing, square and cube roots
Geometrical figures
Pi
Percentage and interest

Class 7:
Algebra
Graphs
Golden ratio
Progressions
Pythagorean theorem

Class 8:
Platonic solids
Algebraic fractions

About the Author

Roy Wilkinson was an indefatigable teacher of children, lecturer, author, and inspirer of many people in the Waldorf movement in the UK and abroad, right up to his death at the age of 90 in 2007.