PREFACE HIS series of arithmetics was prepared to meet the require THE practical, usable textbooks, free from fads and sufficient to their purpose. Each book of the series clearly provides for the mathematics required by the pupils of a given age. The material is well organized and adequately motivated throughout. In the fullest sense of the words, these books are not the outcome of one set of experiments or the presentation of another; neither are they a compilation nor the result of hasty effort. They are the product of years of classroom experience, coupled with the observation of scores of capable classroom teachers with whom the authors have been in daily contact. A familiarity with educational experiments and investigations has enabled the authors to use the results of such research whenever those could be utilized in the selection, gradation, and arrangement of material so as to achieve greater economy in the learning process. Throughout the three books of the series there is a maximum of practice and a minimum of theory. Principles have been simply and naturally developed; technical explanations have been omitted. At every step emphasis is placed upon the development of a high degree of accuracy and reasonable speed in computation. Drill exercises have been designed with this end in view; they provide for individual differences of pupils and assure a certain degree of attainment to those of less than average ability. Problems which are genuinely practical grip the attention of the pupil because they are based upon his experiences. Large numbers of such problems, well chosen and well graded, go far toward lessening the teacher's labor because they assure the joyful coöperation of the learner. Numerous reviews, comprehensive and properly placed, insure a mastery of content and M55969 serve as a gauge of progress. Carefully planned tests help pupil and teacher alike to note the growth of accomplishment. Lack of space prevents individual acknowledgment to the many superintendents, supervisors, teachers, parents, and experimenters who have so generously contributed valuable suggestions and carefully tested the materials during the preparation of these books. To all these the authors are deeply indebted. This is the first book of a three-book series; it is planned to provide for work through the second, third, and fourth grades of the average school. Unless the course of study provides otherwise, the work should be completed as far as page 60 by the close of the second school year, from page 60 to page 172 during the third school year, and from page 172 to the conclusion of the book by the close of the fourth school year. February 1924 THE AUTHORS |