Two Plus Two Is Not Five by Susan Greenwald, has been instrumental in helping my children visualize math concepts. It turns a bunch of numbers on paper into something real and tangible for my children to work with. As I was teaching them some of the math tricks in this book, I realized Susan (the author) had found a simple way to explain exactly how I actually see math problems in my mind. I never could have explained it this well. This curriculum is easy enough for my 5-year-old - he loves it and asks for more - and yet is still interesting enough to help my 9-year-old fill in some gaps in her math knowledge without being bored. I highly recommend this curriculum.

Testimonial for Two Plus Two is Not Five

As a teacher of students with Learning Disabilities for over 17 years, teaching students their addition and subtraction facts was always a battle against the boredom of rote learning to build accuracy and fluency. This is why I am so excited about the content and organization of Two Plus Two is Not Five by Susan R. Greenwald. Two Plus Two is Not Five is a comprehensive source for teaching addition and subtraction facts. This is not just another book of drill sheets, this is a workbook with purpose! The systematic presentation of addition and subtraction facts combined with guided instruction and practice of previously introduced facts, ensures mastery for students. A variety of format presentations for the number sentences (horizontal, vertical and missing addend) and the use of special math “tricks” and methods, help students memorize their facts and develop the fluency that will allow them to successful solve more difficult computational problems.

As an instructor to undergraduate and graduate students in the field of teacher preparation for students with learning disabilities, I recommend Two Plus Two is Not Five as the resource for teaching addition and subtraction facts to students with and without disabilities. Susan Greenwald puts an instructionally sound and effective “twist” on the mundane task of rote learning math facts that will keep students engaged while becoming proficient.

Review of Susan Greenwald's book, Two Plus Two is Not Five

As a sixth grade math teacher, I absolutely agree with her statement that "children tend to struggle with higher-level math when they have not yet memorized the math facts." Her declaration that "children should memorize the math facts" is a phrase I have repeated at parent conferences over and over, year after year. Susan Greenwald's book may be an answer for many teachers. Not because it is more drill and practice, but because it teaches kids tricks and strategies for memorizing. I applaud her for producing such a book.