PREFACE

Book Two of The Pilot Arithmetics is for use in Grade Five and Grade Six; Part I being for Grade Five and Part II for Grade Six. The general arrangement of the book is around the main topics of arithmetic. This plan, combined with the introduction of topics of special interest, makes for systematic and orderly progress through subject matter chosen for the purpose of creating and maintaining the interest of pupils.

Throughout the book, the methods and forms of operation chosen are made as simple and as practical as possible. The problems in the early part of the text are based largely on the immediate interests and experiences of the pupils. As the work progresses, it broadens out into wider fields of activity. Operations little used in everyday life are either omitted or treated lightly. In connection with the drills on the four fundamental operations, time tests are given for both Grades Five and Six. Improvement tests are included at the end of Chapters III, VI, IX, and XII.

The approach to each of the three main topics in this book— common fractions, decimal fractions, and percentage is made easy and natural. The work in fractions is introduced by means of diagrams, with no attempt to give rules at first. After pupils have become somewhat familiar with the meaning and use of fractions, the subject is taken up from a general standpoint. The work in fractions is purposely broken by a chapter on useful measures. Decimal fractions are first studied by taking up tenths and hundredths only. In like manner, the subject of percentage is introduced gradually by means of easy fractional equivalents.

The arrangement of each chapter is worthy of note. Wherever possible, written work is preceded by easy oral exercises which emphasize drill on the principle. In the written work itself the

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examples are carefully graded. When the material of the chapter has been presented, there is generally a process review which covers, by a series of carefully worked out questions, all the new principles. The chapters usually end with oral and written reviews and a series of general tests which are both useful in themselves and suggestive of similar tests which teachers may wish to provide for the same purpose. The last chapter is a comprehensive topical review.

problems in which the pupil is

In addition, many special topics

The book contains many local expected to furnish his own data. of interest to children are taken up, such as: A School Picnic, The Sewing Class, Poultry Raising, The School Playground, Boy Scout Supplies, Taking a Journey, The School Garden, and many others.

The authors desire to acknowledge the very valuable assistance given in the preparation of the manuscript by Miss Lou Belle Stevens, Supervisor of Primary Arithmetic, New Rochelle, New York; Miss Amie M. Billings, formerly Principal of the Kensington Avenue School, Springfield, Mass.; and Miss Elizabeth Brockenbrough, Mathematics Department, Robert E. Lee Junior High School, Richmond, Virginia; and the constructive criticisms and suggestions of Mr. C. Edward Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, Braintree, Mass. ; and of Prof. G. M. Wilson of Iowa State College, who reviewed and criticized the entire manuscript.