PAcree

     The final chapters of Van de Walle's book, Teaching Student Centered Mathematics grades 5-8, addresses and provides activities for algebraic reasoning, understanding equations and functions, analysis of data, and probability. The activities in chapter 9 look specifically at reasoning skills and the development of language and an understanding of symbolism that allows students to communicate their mathematical ideas. Activities range from the very simplest pf patterning to number tricks and equations. In chapter 10, the author moves from algebraic reasoning activities to activities that teach equations and functions, including graphing proportional relationships. "Real world" problems are used for student investigations into these relationships. Chapters 11 and 12 focus on the analysis of data,  describing of statistical information and finally developing the concepts of probability. The activities for learning probability include both theroerical and experimental probability.

     All of the chapters in this book provide activities with instructions on how to teach them to students with the goal in mind that our students need to think, do, and communicate mathematics. This book is a great resource for the teacher because it is filled with activities geared to help plan student-focused activities for teaching the rigorous mathematics that students are being asked to do. Additionally, the author also includes remediation and assessment ideas.