by
Edric Cane
Edric Cane’s “Making Friends with Numbers” is a meticulously crafted educational resource that redefines how young learners approach multiplication. This workbook goes beyond rote memorization, fostering a positive relationship with numbers and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. By offering creative strategies, it transforms a potentially dull subject into an engaging, thought-provoking activity, helping students build a strong foundation in math.
One of the most significant achievements of “Making Friends with Numbers” is its ability to inspire enjoyment in learning math. Feedback from parents and educators consistently highlights how children not only engage with the workbook but also look forward to working through it. What sets this workbook apart is how it transforms a typically tedious task—learning multiplication facts—into an enjoyable learning experience. The material introduces math as a thinking process, and students themselves have expressed joy in discovering patterns, relationships, and connections within numbers, leading to a genuine affection for the subject. This effect, as noted in parent reviews, helps overcome the traditional barrier of math anxiety by replacing it with curiosity and excitement.
At the heart of the workbook is its focus on developing number sense. Rather than solely emphasizing the memorization of facts (e.g., 7 x 8 = 56), “Making Friends with Numbers” encourages students to understand numbers in terms of their relationships and factor pairs. Recognizing 56 as having 7 and 8 as factors, for example, builds a deeper comprehension of how numbers work together. This approach naturally transitions students into understanding more advanced concepts such as prime factors, Greatest Common Factors, and Least Common Multiples. By establishing this strong number sense early, students are well-prepared for future math topics, including fractions and algebra.
Cane’s workbook offers a wide variety of exercises that cater to different learning styles, ensuring that students engage with the material in ways that best suit their individual needs. The exercises range from oral practice to self-checking written tasks, all aimed at reinforcing mathematical thinking. The active participation of parents and teachers is encouraged, transforming math practice into a shared, exploratory experience. Students not only learn the “what” of math but also the “why,” which lays the groundwork for a long-term understanding of mathematical concepts.
The cumulative structure of the workbook allows students to reinforce previously learned concepts while continually progressing toward more challenging material. As children recognize their own progress, they gain confidence, which helps foster a positive relationship with the subject
Making Friends with Numbers” is a standout resource for teaching multiplication and building foundational math skills. It offers a creative and engaging approach to math education that is both accessible and enjoyable for young learners. By focusing on developing number sense and mathematical thinking, the workbook helps students not only learn math but also appreciate it as an intellectual activity. The positive feedback from parents, who report that their children enjoy the process of learning through this workbook, speaks to its effectiveness. Edric Cane’s method prepares students for future success in math by fostering a genuine love for numbers and a deep understanding of mathematical principles. This book is an invaluable tool for parents and educators looking to inspire a lifelong appreciation for math in their students.
– The Moving Words Review
Official Entry: The Most Moving Book Award, Jan. 3, 2025
