ARITHMETIC.
THE FOREWORD.
The aim of this treatise on Arithmetic is
1. To develop the parts of the subject most likely to be of practical value to the pupil in after-life.
2. To eliminate subjects which perplex the pupil without affording any valuable mental discipline.
This work will be found especially valuable in the home, as it furnishes instruction and carefully graded exercises.
1. For pupils who fall behind their class on account of absence.
2. For pupils who are slow to comprehend the teacher's explanation.
3. For pupils who fail of promotion and who wish to study during the summer vacation.
The steps to be acquired by the pupil in the study of Arithmetic are
1. A knowledge of number.
2. The expression of number.
3. Power and skill in operations.
4. Logical and accurate thinking.
The teacher should realize that
1. Arithmetic deals with numbers not figures.
2. Primary ideas of numbers and of operations should be gained from objects.
3. Pupils must be thoroughly drilled on the fundamental operations of Arithmetic.
4. Pupils must be impressed with the importance of absolute correctness.
The pupil must be taught to interpret the language of the problem,
1. To know exactly what is given.
2. To know the relation of what is given, and from this knowledge to select the proper arithmetical process.
3. To perform the arithmetical process.
4. To forecast, when possible, the approximate answer. Pupils should be urged to devise problems to be solved.
If a child does the work mapped out, drilling on the fundamentals, reading the problems carefully and thoughtfully, picturing the objects as they are described, he will, as a result, be ready to solve problems by abstract thinking.
