Math Mammoth

Math Mammoth offers affordable, yet quality math worktexts and workbooks for grades 1-8, available as both downloads and printed books. These books concentrate on conceptual understanding and are strong in mental math. The directions in the worktexts are written directly to the student, and are often self-teaching, thus requiring little preparation and involvement from the teacher. ~From the website The Product Math Mammoth: 6th Grade Full Curriculum Cost: Download $34.00 (Please check site for more options.) Included in the Full 6th Grace Curriculum Two student worktexts, a separate answer key for each, chapter tests and an end-of-year test, cumulative reviews, … Continue reading

A Student’s Life Course is Set in Middle School

I recently butted into a conversation where a mom had considered putting her homeschooled student into public school for highschool. She has since decided on another course for her child after disagreeing with the schools math program. Here in GA math is set up quite strange with Math1, Math2, Math 3, and Math 4 recommended. The problem with these math classes for high school students is that taking these math classes will not be sufficient enough for a child to be accepted into college. To get into college a child needs to take Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus or accelerated … Continue reading

Concerns of Public Education: J = Job Placement

My last perk of public education that I discussed was the feeling that I have job security. While I do feel that my profession will be in demand for years to come, today I will introduce a concern along the same topic. Today’s concern for public education is J for job placement. While teachers in good standing with tenure are most guaranteed jobs, the grade placement or location is not a guarantee. A principal can move a teacher to any room and any grade within the school without considering the teacher’s wishes or seniority on the job. My school presently … Continue reading

Society and Math

I love math. My father was a very logical thinker and was very good at reasoning and mathematical calculations. I developed and inherited my skills from him. I have a Master’s degree in teaching mathematics and I taught Pre-Algebra for four years. Therefore, it is sometimes hard for me to understand our society’s negative attitude about math. When I tell people that I have a Master’s of Science degree in math, they often looked shocked. Not many teachers in elementary education hold this degree, especially kindergarten teachers. I usually hear comments like “really?” and “wow!” Most people naturally assume that … Continue reading

High School Math Placement

Math is becoming an increasingly essential component of our lives. Higher levels of math are being required for high school diplomas. In addition, higher and higher levels of math are being taught to middle and high school students. Because passing math courses is so important, much consideration must be given to a student’s placement in a math class. My district uses several factors when determining which math course an incoming freshman will take. Part of the decision is based upon the student’s sixth and seventh grade math state assessment scores. Higher scores indicate that the student may be ready for … Continue reading

Grade Check

My dear students, I write to you today to tell you that math is your friend. Remember when that math teacher in grade school, and high school, and your parents, and your uncle that you’re not allowed to visit anymore all told you that math really is important for everyday living? Do you remember that? Do you remember working on your multiplication tables or your long division worksheets thinking “no body ever does this stuff in real life!” and “I’m not going to ever use any of this so why bother?” Do you remember all of that? Well, if mathematics … Continue reading

Timed Tests Help Concentration

If you are a homeschooling parent you may or may not give your child tests in general much less timed tests. Many homeschoolers do not see the benefit in giving tests to their children. I agree that a test is not the end all be all of intelligence or mastery over a subject. I was also a homeschooler who did not give or rely on tests to weigh the level of mastery achieved on a subject. Recently, I have decided to change my homeschool to include tests for my older children. Before this year I had only given spelling tests … Continue reading

What about Honors, AP, and IB Programs?

As my son works on his high school program, I have been double checking to make sure is on track to be on equal ground with other students who will be apply to college along with him. Since he is college bound, in my mind, he must be able to compete with other college students on their level. This is not to say that someone who does not take our route of college preparation will not be able to compete. Many unschoolers and relaxed homeschoolers have not trouble getting into college, and even into the best colleges. We (my husband … Continue reading

Education Week in Review: June 23 – June 29

Independence Day is peeking right around the corner. Along with it comes, fireworks, celebrations, hot weather, and nearing the beginning of a new school year. Summer keeps us busy with outdoor fun, vacations, and more. However do not forget to take a little time on these hot summer days to check out Families.com. Check below for a flash back of any articles that you missed this week. Saturday, June 23 Using Jazz in Our School Curriculum One university has decided to offer a special program for teachers. The program will help teachers make use of putting jazz into their curriculums. … Continue reading

Education Week in Review: June 2 – June 8

The summer is passing by here at Families.com. Yes believe it or not, school supplies, backpacks, and fall clothing are slowly making their way out into the stores. This week, I discussed some summer education issues and talked about buying school supplies for next school year. Check out below for a flash back! Saturday, June 2 Unique Summer Learning Children should continue to learn and experience throughout the summer months. However, try adding a twist on the method of teaching. Children should experience creative and unique methods. Thoughts on Summer Tutoring Tutoring can be a great thing. However, the right … Continue reading