Textbook Review, Grade Six

Textbook Review, Grade Six
D.C. Heath and Company
Heath Mathematics Connections

Strengths

I like the "problem solvers guide," which, goes through and systematically shows you how to approach problem solving. I think this would be very helpful to most students.
I like how each topic divided into, "guided" and "independent" practice, so we can make sure that the students understand and have the opportunity to see problems done before doing them on their own.
I like the "challenge" areas found in the book, because it gives children the drive to challenge themselves to do more difficult problems
I like the "language connection" section it gives children the chance to explore the language that goes along with mathematics.
I like the story problems in this book because it gives the children a touch of mathematics in the world around them.
I like the "maintain" section, it give the students a chance to make sure they are still maintaining skills that they may have learned at the beginning of the year.

Weaknesses

There could be less story problems and more numeration problems.
Some pages have too many pictures and not enough problems, I think by this age textbooks need to get more like high school textbooks than elementary books.
The information appears to be crowed together, which I think makes it harder for kids to stay focused.
I think section reviews could be a little bit longer, because we need to make sure that the students have the concepts down.
Some pictures I think sixth graders are going to think are too childish, this could be distracting.
While I like the independent study section found at the end of the book I think that most kids would not pay attention to it on their own so it may be wasted space, hopefully teachers will make a point of showing the children this section, because it could be very helpful if used.