REVIEWS


Educators are very familiar with the challenges that fractions present to our students. Children develop misconceptions about fractions that can be difficult to modify or change. Some of these develop due to past experi-


ences presented as truths (stating that when you multiply two numbers the answer is always bigger, or cutting a sandwich in two unequal parts and referring to them as halves). Some misconceptions develop due to literal thinking (one half is smaller than one eighth because eight is bigger than two) and some de- velop due to lack of exposure to a variety of ex- periences and models (believing that fractions only refer to area models or that fractions are always less than one). This book provides resources to support


UNCOMPLICATING FRACTIONS TO MEET COMMON CORE STANDARDS IN MATH, K-7 Marian Small National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2013 144 pages, $36.95 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Kit Luce


the development of a stronger understanding of fraction concepts. The strength of this book lies in the prom-


ise inherent in the title. Many educators struggle to “uncomplicate” the complexity of fractions. Each section includes the impor- tant underlying ideas, the common miscon- ceptions students may have, suggestions on how to present the information, instructional tools that will help, and good questions to ask to promote critical thinking and deeper understanding.


Nonfiction Writing Power aims to help stu- dents and teachers improve their writing. Designed to help teachers develop their classroom writing programs, this resource provides step-by-step instructions to em- power students to write with intent and purpose. Nonfiction Writing Power focuses on


NONFICTION WRITING POWER Adrienne Gear Pembroke Publishers, 2014 184 pages, $24.95 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Reviewed by Jessica Crowley 46 ETFO VOICE | SUMMER 2016


different ways to write with impact. Each section describes the various types of writ- ing (power to describe, instruct, persuade, compare, explain and report). The author has included anchor books for primary and intermediate levels and provides de- tails about different types of writing and language features. In the technique section, the reader begins to see how to make their writing more specific. Included are useful curriculum integrations with Science and Social Studies and a rubric to help teachers assess student work. This book provides engaging hands-on


lessons, starting with a teacher model and extending to an interactive whole-class writing assignment where students begin


together and complete their work inde- pendently. Each chapter gives samples of student work and meaningful examples of different techniques. Each chapter includes templates that educators can photocopy and distribute in their classrooms. These make the activities more doable in the classroom. Nonfiction Writing Power provides edu-


cators with interesting activities to make writing more powerful. The included les- sons can be customized to best fit the needs of your classroom. In the words of the au- thor, “Writing is powerful, and if done well, can influence people to create change.”


Jessica Crowley is a member of Grand Erie Elementary Teacher Local.


Although this book is organized around


the American Common Core State Stan- dards for Mathematics instructional practice and content, these are easily connected to the Mathematical Processes and Content Expecta- tions presented in the Ontario Curriculum for Mathematics. Educators will have to make ad- justments to the grade level referenced as there are some substantial differences (adding and subtracting fractions is a Grade 7 expectation in Ontario, not a Grade 4 standard as presented in the book). Uncomplicating Fractions is a valuable re-


source for classroom teachers, math coaches and teacher candidates. It will help to deepen their understanding of fractions and foster conceptual awareness in their students.


Kit Luce is a member of the Simcoe County Teacher Local.


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