The Role of Language in Teaching Children Math

It can be difficult to recognize that in spite of the precision and power of mathematics, both the verbal and symbolic language it uses have the same qualities of ambiguity as every other human language. In The Role of Language in Teaching Children Math, Dr. Kastner reveals strategies to overcome the fact that traditional and current mathematics curricula, beginning in the early grades, fail to provide students with the conceptual understanding required to advance to levels where the delight of geometry and calculus become accessible. Kastner’s clear prose and organic organization assists teachers, parents, and students to untangle abstract meanings required for mastery in the field of mathematics.

"As teachers of mathematics, it is critical that we continually foster meaningful mathematical conversations with children in order for them to develop a deep understanding of the math. Bernice’s extraordinary, thought-provoking book is a primer on how the language we use to teach and talk about mathematics can either obscure or illuminate the profound beauty of mathematics. The Role of Language in Teaching Children Math should be read by any serious teacher of mathematics."

--Debby Halperin, Recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching 2014

Dr. Bernice Kastner received her BS Honors in Mathematics and Physics from McGill University in Montreal. She is a professor emeritus of Towson University, having received her Ph.D. in Math Education from the University of Maryland. Dr. Kastner has developed curriculum for Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Montgomery College, the University of Maryland, and other universities.Dr. Kastner’s publications include:Study Guide: Principles of Mathematics for Teachers; Simon Fraser University, 2009Study Guide: The Math Workshop: Algebra; Simon Fraser University, 1989 (with Malgorzata Dubiel)Space Mathematics: A Resource for the Secondary School Teacher; NASA, 1986Applications of Secondary School Mathematics; National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 19781979 Yearbook of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; Applications in School Mathematics; NCTM 1979 (Contributing author)Unifying Concepts and Processes in Elementary Mathematics; University of Maryland Mathematics Project; Allyn & Bacon, 1978 (Contributing author)Articles:“Space Travel Angles”; Quantum, January/February 1992, Springer-Verlag“Number Sense: The Role of Measurement Applications”; The Arithmetic Teacher; February 1989“Decimal Fractions: The Case for Manipulatives”; Vector, BCAMT, Winter, 1988“Some Applications of Logarithms”; Vector, BCAMT Spring, 1985Public Information:U.S. School Mathematics from an International Perspective: A Guide for Speakers; Mathematical Sciences Education Board of the National Research Council. National Academy Press, 1989 (Contributing author)