Low Attainers in Primary Mathematics: The Whisperers and the Maths Fairy

In this fascinating book, Jenny Houssart draws on close observations with children in lower mathematics sets in primary schools to investigate why some children opt out of mathematics at an early age. After introducing us to the children, she addresses a particular type of mathematical task in each chapter, including:

• mental work
• practical work
• written work
• calculators and computers
• assessment tasks.

Through the use of stories and quotes, the author shows how the children respond to specific tasks and presents evidence of a range of difficulties that emerge as the children are working. Each chapter ends with discussions and implications for classroom practice.

Low Attainers in Primary Mathematics will be a useful resource for primary teachers, student teachers, SENCOs and teaching assistants who will all recognise these children from their own classrooms and draw insights from this highly readable book.