# Everyone should read ‘How I Wish I taught Maths’

This isn’t a review. I’m about halfway through Craig’s book, so I can’t offer a judgement as to if the book is good or not. This is simply a suggestion: everyone should read this book, and everyone should read it ASAP.

The book chronicles Craig’s mathematics teaching journey, from being the king of tarsia, to the complete about turn he has taken.

I’m not sure I agree with everything I’ve read so far, but that’s what makes the book great. It’s sparked discussions. Several of us are reading the book at work (I’m trying to get the entire faculty to do so. I’ve persuaded 5/12 so far) and the discussions around the book have been, as Craig would say, flippin’ brilliant.

It’s the book’s willingness to get into the weeds that I really have appreciated so far. This is a book for maths teachers. It’s laser focused, which is what makes it so great. Ever sat in a CPD and though ‘Yes, but how do I do this in maths?’, well this book is the exact opposite of that. It’s full of wonderful examples I wouldn’t have come across (ie : $\frac{6}{35} \times \frac{35}{3} \times \frac{11}{14}$. These discussions have been gold dust. They’re enthusiasm generators.

One of the things that I think can get lost in teaching maths, is that we are learning along with our pupils. I am trying to teach my pupils maths, but I am also trying to learn how to become a more effective and better maths teacher. Every chapter so far has had me walking into class the next day ready to try something new, and reflect on why it did or didn’t work.

This book is, so far, a wonderful addition to the conversation and I really recommend you read it.

### Richard

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.