Teachers who want to encourage a positive attitude to mathematics in young children are often looking for interesting and imaginative contexts in which pupils can learn and apply mathematical facts and skills. One such context is the world of nursery rhymes and Anne Allison’s book shows how six traditional rhymes can be used to stimulate a wealth of early investigations into mathematics and gives teachers the confidence to treat other rhymes in a similar way.

Although the rhymes are traditional, the author’s ideas are very much in tune with current recommendations about children learning mathematics through an investigative approach.

For example, a Valiant Roamer is “dressed up” as the spider in Little Miss Muffet and the children have to program it to go and sit by Miss Muffet.

The rhyme also acts as a stimulus for work on counting, number and spatial patterns and co-ordinates.

The other rhymes have a different mathematical focus, but collectively they support all aspects of the programme of study for key stage 1, including using and applying mathematics with its emphasis on communication, problem solving and reasoning.

As well as suggestions for using each rhyme to generate mathematics, the author includes ideas for displays, useful tips on classroom management and suggestions for modifying activities to suit the age and ability of the children.

The teacher’s notes for each rhyme are easy to follow, well illustrated and divided into sections, each of which focuses on a different activity.

Photocopiable sheets provide follow-up work and maths games for each rhyme, making the price of Pounds 8.99 for this inspiring book even better value for money.