Maths Alive!: Inset Mathematics for the National Curriculum (Key Stages 1, 2, 3) (Cassell Education)

This book is a comprehensive do-it-yourself handbook for in-service education in mathematics, directed at teachers of children between 5 and 13 years. It covers all the Programmes of Study and Attainment Targets of the National Curriculum in mathematics for Key Stages 1 to 3.
Throughout, the emphasis is on problem-solving to enable teachers to understand concepts and subsequently to help their pupils to do so, instead of relying on memorization alone. The many practical activities (most designed to be worked by teachers at their own level) are introduced by problems devised to create interest and stimulate thought. Teachers are encouraged to proceed by problem-solving, rather than by rote learning, and are also shown how to frame questions which will ensure progress and how to assess the understanding of concepts.
By using this text, teachers will acquire the necessary background for understanding the mathematics which is new to most primary schools: algebra, geometry and data-handling (including probability).

Kathleen Shaw is an adviser for Richmond Local Education Authority.