CHAPTER VIII

BOOKS FOR TEACHERS

THE number of books bearing directly upon the teaching of arithmetic is not great. The following are those which the author has found most helpful:

1. "The Psychology of Number," by McLellan and Dewey. D. Appleton & Co. This is the best standard treatise and has a full discussion of the psychological basis of number.

2. "The Teaching of Elementary Mathematics," by David Eugene Smith. The Macmillan Co. This gives an interesting historical survey and discusses also the present aims and course of study. The recent changes in arithmetic and advisable omissions of obsolete topics are indicated.

3. "Mathematics in the Elementary School," by Smith and McMurry, a pamphlet of the series of the Teachers College Record, Columbia University. This pamphlet discusses the basis for a course of study and outlines such a course. It views arithmetic

in its relation to the child and to the demands of

society.

"The Grube Method," by F. Louis Soldan. Chicago Interstate Publishing Co. This is a good introduction to Grube's plan and course of study. 5. "Grube's Outline," by Levi Seely. Kellogg &

Co. Is also a good introduction to Grube.

6. "Methods in Written Arithmetic," by John W. Cook. A very useful book for teachers who wish to acquire accuracy and thoroughness in processes.

7. The mental arithmetics are deserving of the special attention of teachers on account of the prominence given to mental arithmetic, both as a means of explaining processes and for varied application and drill.

8. The text-book in use in a school, as already indicated, should be fully mastered in its plan and method by the teacher. But no large number of text-books on this subject is needed.

9. Many of the books of general pedagogy have chapters on arithmetic, as Fitch's "Lectures on Teaching," Collar and Crook's "School Management and Methods in Instruction," and many others.

10. Brooks' "Philosophy of Arithmetic," Sower, Philadelphia, is one of the standard books.

Those wishing a list of German and French books on arithmetic will find what is essential in the last chapter of Smith's "Teaching of Elementary Mathematics."

In order to bring arithmetic into proper contact with business and industrial life, and with important topics in geography, history, and science having a strong arithmetical side, there is need for much more abundant statistical data than the arithmetics contain. These data require to be collected and focused upon important problems. At present these statistics must be sought in the volumes of the census and other government reports, in the statistical almanacs, in encyclopædias, in the appendices of geographies, and in other scattered publications.

It is to be hoped that a book may be soon forthcoming which will give an instructive introduction to those chief phases of business and industrial life which are suitable for arithmetical treatment, and will summarize that important statistical data bearing upon agriculture, mining, and manufacture, the financial budgets of city, state, and nation, and the other large topics of public concern.

By CHARLES A. MCMURRY

Designed as a complete series of early history stories of the Eastern, Middle, and Western States, suitable as an introduction for children to American History. Illustrated and equipped with maps.

Cloth 12m0 40 cents each

Pioneers on Land and Sea

The first of the three volumes deals with the chief ocean explorers, Columbus and Magellan, and with the pioneers of the Eastern States, Canada, and Mexico, such as Champlain, Smith, Hudson, De Leon, Cortes. These stories furnish the gateway through which the children of our Atlantic States should enter the fields of History. The attempt is to render these complete and interesting stories, making the experiences of pioneer life as graphic and real as possible.

Pioneers of the Mississippi Valley

Such men as La Salle, Boone, Robertson, George Rogers Clark, Lincoln, and Sevier supply a group of simple biographical stories which give the children a remarkably good introduction to History. Teachers are beginning to believe that children should begin with tales of their own home and of neighboring states, and then move outward from this center. For eastern children these stories form a very suitable continuation to "Pioneers on Land and Sea," and vice versa.

Pioneers of the Rocky Mountains and the West

In some respects these western stories are more interesting and striking than those of the States farther east, because of their physical surroundings. Children of the Western or Mountain States should enjoy these stories first. The various exploring expeditions which opened up the routes across the plains and mountains are full of interesting and instructive incidents and of heroic enterprise. The chief figures in these stories are men of the most striking and admirable qualities, and the difficulties and dangers which they overcame place them among the heroes who will always attract and instruct American children. Incidentally, these narratives give the best of all introductions to western geography. They are largely made up from source materials furnished by the explorers themselves.