Sherry Parrish outlines the very best way to teach math to young children and gives educators access to the ideas and methods that they will need. This book is a valuable resource for anyone who cares about children s mathematical development. --Jo Boaler, professor, Stanford University author of What s Math Got to Do with It? Helping Children Learn to Love Their Least Favorite Subject

The practice of number talks is one of the most powerful vehicles I know for helping students learn to reason with numbers and make mathematically convincing arguments, for building a solid foundation for algebraic reasoning, and for teaching mathematics as a sense-making process. If all teachers make this shift in their practice, it would represent a profound advancement in mathematics education. --Ruth Parker, CEO Mathematics Education Collaborative (MEC)

Sherry Parrish is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and began her career in education in 1979. In addition to being an instructor for Math Solutions and Mathematics Education Collaborative, Sherry serves as a math coach for Mountain Brook City Schools, where her primary role is to provide math professional development. Sherry holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Samford University, is a national board-certified teacher, and is a recipient of the 1997 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching.