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The Trachtenberg Speed System of Basic Maths

 Translated and adapted by Ann Cutler and Rudolph McShane

This is a book that every teacher should read. It is the only book I know which has returned a real passion for learning to my class. Every day, I teach them a little bit more from this book. From the word go the children learn how to multiply really, really big numbers, by just adding, doubling and halving and a little subtracting from 9 or 10. Even my less able children find it so much fun to be able to show that they can do this work.

If the children learn it early enough, then the rules will come to them like second nature. I am having to now relearn the whole maths system and I am getting incredibly excited about it every day as I travel to and from work.

The book starts with easy examples, and then slowly, and carefully builds up to the next level. Every step of the way, there are clear, well thoughout examples, explaining exactly what you should see and why and frequent sections for ‘Now test yourself’ with the answers attached.

The only part it is missing is anything to do with subtraction. It does teach you a quick way for addition, division and multiplication though, and when you look at them, they seem so much easier (when you have got around the fact everything you do needs to be done in a completely different way!), and the answers give you a certain glow of satisfaction.

My class so loves this new way of maths (or because I am so full of excitement over it!), that I plan to have a school club next year dedicated to this book - and as I am currently in the typing club, it is a change of direction for me to!

Please read this book then tell me what you think of it.