The Art of Learning Math leads the reader through a thoughtful consideration of mathematics learning from infancy to adulthood. Midlarsky interweaves key findings from relevant research literature throughout the text with timely invitations to reflect on the readers' experience with mathematics education. Midlarsky uses Common Core content and process standards to organize the text and her own experience as a teacher and a coach to provide a rich set of problems and activities for engaging students to improve their understanding of and attitudes toward mathematics. She seamlessly integrates discussions of content and pedagogical knowledge to illustrate the importance and value of teaching for understanding. The text would be useful in methods and content courses for undergraduates studying mathematics education. Recommended. Undergraduates and practitioners.
— Choice Reviews
Susan Midlarsky shares three decades of insight gained as a math educator, curriculum writer, and instructional coach for hundreds of teachers across the globe. She shares stories from teaching her own students and teachers, as well as research in the field. The Art of Learning Math reminds us that the development of excellent math skills requires the attention of parents and teachers from the youngest age. We all sometimes need help steering students in their understanding of math and promoting their excitement in learning new concepts, and this book provides tested approaches to enrich our teaching. The guided practices provide useful insight into cultivating math excellence in both the formal and informal context. It is a must read for parents who wish to homeschool their children.
— Dr. Jonathan Gastel, founder of Inquiry and Design
Susan Midlarsky has written a must-read book for math teachers, administrators, and parents. She brings the fun of learning to the math experience, while also de-mystifying complexities that frustrate many learners. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the early reading team and highly recommend The Art of Learning Math for anyone wanting to have a more positive engagement with mathematics.
— Charles Fischer, award-winning author of 'The Power of the Socratic Classroom' and education consultant
What a feast of mathematical food for thought! Every reader will take away big helpings of the delicious dishes offered at Ms. Midlarsky’s table of plenty. The Art of Learning Math: A Manual for Success offers a clear, readable, and comprehensive guide to math concepts from early childhood through adulthood, supported with cogent examples and effective instructional strategies.
— Laurie Sopher-Heffron, classroom teacher for over 20 years
The Art of Learning Math should be mandatory reading for math teachers of all levels. Susan Midlarsky has written a book that is very practical and based on solid research and best practices. The chapter on fractions was particularly relevant as it broke down grade level expectations and stressed the need for manipulatives and discussion in math. My students and I are lucky enough to have had Ms. Midlarsky as a classroom coach and we all benefited from her excellent instruction and advice. I am very glad that Ms. Midlarsky, a gifted and passionate educator, has written a book that will help to alleviate the fear factor around math and enhance math instruction.
— Mary O'Donoghue, middle school teacher, Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy, Astoria, New York