GIVEAWAY #2: Math Essentials Book 1

There are going to be LOTS of Math Essentials books covering many levels and topics up for grabs so check back each day!

We've had the privilege of reviewing Book 1 for grades 4/5 which comes with a lesson DVD. This level contains chapters on Whole Numbers which covers all four operations; Fractions; Decimals; Rations, Proportions, Percent; Geometry; Number Theory and Algebra; Integers; Charts and Graphs; Probablilty and Statistics; Word Problems; and a Review Section. There are about 140 lesson pages including the review and there's an answer key in the back.

Each lesson consists of 5 components. First, the student watches the DVD lesson which is clear and concise step-by-step coverage of the topic. Mr. Fisher is easy going and well spoken, making him easy to listen to and learn from. The HOW is covered very well, but the why isn't developed as much (comparable to Saxon, A Beka, or Horizons). This is typical teaching of math programs, and I do find his lessons much more enjoyable, clear, and easier to follow than programs like those I mentioned or Teaching Textbooks, and certainly on grade level...some towards the end are quite challenging for a 4th grader. This "How-to approach" is certainly perfect for many kids, but keep in mind not only is this a supplement, but I'm a Singapore Math mom which is highly, highly conceptual with a strong mental math and deep critical thinking emphasis. I find Math Essentials to do an excellent job at explaining how and I fill the conceptual holes to my preference with a supplemental Singapore workbook. Easy peasy!

Next on the lesson page, there are four review problems and a speed drill section. I really like the speed drill section. There are two wheels...on each, the middle circle is empty and in the spokes are numbers 0-9 in random order. You fill in the middle circle on each to practice the addition and multiplication facts of your choice based on your child's needs. We started with +3 and x3...I could choose +6 and x8 if I wanted. A good thing is my daughter actually enjoyed these and found them helpful. I'm not good at practicing facts with her, which she really needs. This fit the bill nicely and didn't need me to do it!

Under the review section is a "Helpful Hints" section that serves as a reminder of important points, like keeping the numbers lined up on the right side (ones' place) when adding/subtracting; remember to regroup; steps of long division; or reminders about how to classify triangles by sides and angles. This is followed by a section of ten problems for the student to complete and practice the day's lesson.

At the bottom you'll find a word problem. The problem solving section is a nice addition, but again, it's not higher level conceptual thinking. It's typical word problems where kids can plug the numbers in to what they learned that day. Page 12 in Reviewing Multiplication of Whole Numbers has this word problem: "Each package of paper contains a ream, or 500 sheets, of paper. How many sheets do 7 reams contain?" There is a chapter on word problems that also covers 2-step word problems with both whole numbers and decimals. i.e. "Steak costs $1.25 per pound. How much does 4 pounds cost?" It's important for kids to learn how to read and apply the numbers, but I do find my student knows how to just take the numbers and plug it in to the formula being learned, unless it is a problem like those found in more conceptual based stand-alone programs. The word problems in Math Essentials neither make it or break it.

The lessons take BookWorm about 20-30 minutes including the DVD lesson. It's easy to navigate and she can do it independently. I do find Math Essentials to do an excellent job at filling in her math gaps, as well as reviewing and catching-up in some areas (she's my oldest, meaning she's been my math program guinea pig and we've switched a lot which has left gaps). I would recommend it as a great daily review program alongside a strong full math program that is primarily mastery-based, or as a catch-up like we're using it to cover those basics before jumping into a faster paced or more advanced program. I personally wouldn't use it alongside a very spiral math program as the review is already very, very covered in those programs and it may be overkill or burdensome to your child. It has gotten the job done in our home without fuss and has met out needs. My daughter knows how to do the math without question. I find it to be a great supplemental program and definitely recommend it!

IMPORTANT!! Since there are multiple Rafflecopters set up on this page in order to enter the giveaways, if the rafflecopter does not show or does not show properly, please click on the title link of the individual post for each giveaway.



Links to other giveaways: #1 Christmas DVD