Teaching the Common Core Math Standards with Hands-On Activities, Grades 6-8 (Jossey-Bass Teacher)

**** "Teaching the Common Core Math Standards with Hands-On Activities, Grades 6-8" has garnered a wide range of feedback from educators, showcasing both robust praise and notable criticisms. Many educators have expressed their satisfaction with the book's structure, including the informative table of contents and clearly organized chapters by grade. This organization facilitates quick access to the activities aligned with the Common Core Standards, making lesson planning more efficient. Teachers report that the activities presented are engaging and effectively foster student interaction, critical thinking, and cooperative learning. In particular, hands-on activities resonate well with students, encouraging them to relate mathematical concepts to real-life scenarios—something that many teachers find instrumental in teaching. Specific lessons, such as those focused on ordering rational numbers and understanding financial concepts, have notably captured students' interests and stimulated discussions that reveal gaps in their foundational skills. However, the book is not without its detractors. Some educators have raised concerns about the true "hands-on" nature of the activities, suggesting that many are more focused on procedural skills than on deep conceptual understanding. Critiques highlight that some activities lack the depth and creativity anticipated from a resource that promotes experiential learning. Additionally, a few educators have mentioned that, while helpful as a supplementary tool, the book may not sufficiently address the rigor demanded by the Common Core, especially in fostering higher-order thinking skills. Overall, "Teaching the Common Core Math Standards with Hands-On Activities" offers a blend of accessible resources and innovative strategies for teaching math at the middle school level. While it serves as a useful guide for enhancing classroom activities, teachers are encouraged to supplement it with additional materials to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the concepts. **