The Mathematics Lesson-Planning Handbook, Grades K-2

Your Blueprint for Building Cohesive Lessons

“This book brings together the best of Visible Learning and the teaching of mathematics. The chapters on learning intentions, success criteria, misconceptions, formative evaluation, and knowing thy impact are stunning. Rich in exemplars, grounded in research about practice, and with the right balance about the surface and deep learning in math. A great go-to book for all who teach mathematics.”

“This handbook supports teachers in moving from pacing to planning instruction by providing the tools needed to ensure that mathematics lessons work for every student. More important, it will engage teachers in the critical process of continual improvement. It is a must-have for teachers, leaders, and mathematics educators alike!”

“Often teachers entering the classroom have had little opportunity for extensive lesson planning in their preparation programs. Throughout the book, definitions and explanations are clear so that readers share a common understanding of the language.  As a teacher reads, the vignettes encourage the reader to reflect on similar situations in their own classrooms. The well-written questions included in the text will help guide teachers to personal insights that ultimate lead to increased student learning.”

“We all know that good instruction is well-planned instruction.  We also know that effective lesson planning is a complicated decision-making process. This incredibly practical book –filled with delightful vignettes and clarifying examples–provides powerful ideas and structures for simplifying the complexities of planning great K-2 mathematics lessons.  This book is a wonderful resource for teachers, coaches, administrators and teacher educators.” 

“Finally! The Mathematics Lesson-Planning Handbook offers that necessary blueprint for serious analysis of the planning process. Planning to teach mathematics is serious business, and this book goes way beyond thinking about the mathematics standard/objective for the next day’s lesson, or jotting notes for a planning book. The Handbook will truly engage teachers and communities of learning in a carefully choreographed grade-level designated thread of mathematics tasks, which serve as anchors for developing understanding and use of each aspect of the planning process. This book is a treasure, and will be read, re-read, and referenced daily!” 

“Your Blueprint for Building Cohesive Lessons is a comprehensive and practical guide for coaches and teachers of mathematics in grades K-2.  It provides the background that teachers need before they even begin to write a lesson plan! It then incorporates the research on what teachers need to think about as they begin to lay out a plan for instruction that will meet the needs of all K-2 students and moves on to effective facilitation. This guide provides a roadmap to planning effective lessons that will provide the essential foundation to ensure that all primary level students begin their mathematics journey with high quality teaching and learning. This book is a must for every K-2 teacher, coach or school’s professional library!

“One of the hallmarks of accomplished K-2 teachers of mathematics is the guidance they provide to help students own how to learn. In The Mathematics Lesson-Planning Handbook: Your Blueprint for Building Cohesive Lessons, authors Kobett, Miles and Williams provide a clear, engaging, and masterful roadmap for helping each and every teacher own the lessons they design and use each and every day. The authors reveal the purposes, the success criteria, and the nature of the mathematical tasks and materials to be chosen. They describe in detail the student engagement necessary to design daily mathematics lessons that will significantly impact student learning. Reading, listening to, and using their wisdom and advice will result in an empowering impact on each and every teacher and teacher leader of K-2 mathematics.”

“This is what we’ve been waiting for: a go-to resource for planning and facilitating mathematics lessons in K-2! Teachers must consider the needs of their students, relevant mathematical content, and appropriate pedagogy when designing and implementing effective learning opportunities. Through authentic vignettes and examples, connections to relevant research, and guiding reflection questions, this Handbook guides readers through the process from beginning to end.”

“Planning is so much more than identifying materials, making copies, or filling out a form. Many of us were not trained to identify purpose, think about our students, look for quality instructional tasks, consider representations, or anticipate what our students will do. Finally, this handbook is here! We have our blueprint. This tool is a must-have for anyone new to teaching mathematics or anyone else who supports those who teach mathematics."  

"Planning is one of the most important instructional activities that teachers undertake.  But how many teachers know how to plan lessons that are purposeful, coherent, and rigorous that also take into account the rich perspectives of diverse classroom of students?  This teacher resource makes explicit what it takes to plan lessons that truly support student learning while also speaking to principals, coaches, and preservice educators who support teacher learning. I will certainly be using this valuable resource in my own work with teachers."