Homeschool Math Newsletter, Vol. 12
October 2007
Hi there! This is Maria Miller again.
I hope you are doing well now that the fall is getting into full gear. I've included some help for teaching integers, since 7th graders might be getting into that topic right around this time. Number rainbows are great for little ones, on 1st or 2nd grade or thereabouts. The topic of math readers concerns all, as probably do the little tidbits!
In this month's newsletter:
1. Math Mammoth news: placement advice and French versions
2. Integers
3. Number Rainbows
4. Math readers
5. Tidbits
1. Math Mammoth News
Placement advice
For those of you who are considering buying my Blue Series books, I've created a document that should help in the "placement".
For each of the books about addition, subtraction, multiplication or division I ask you several questions concerning what the child can do or understand. Answering those you should be able to decide where the particular book is needful or not. It does not as of yet contain any tests, but maybe in the future.
Click here: Math Mammoth placement advice.
Math Mammoth in French, too
Behind the scenes over the past several months Stephanie from Canada (originally my customer!) has translated the Blue Series books into French.
These, naturally, are intended for Canadian homeschoolers, parents, and teachers. The Money book in the series is using Canadian money. (The other books would be perfectly usable in France, as well.)
Math Mammoth in French is called Mammouth Mathématiques.
On this page you can read short descriptions, see the prices, and see samples.
Please spread the word to Canadian homeschoolers or others who might be interested:
Mammouth Mathematiques!
2. Tips for Teaching Integers
The main struggle with integers comes, not with the numbers themselves, but with some of the operations. There seem to be so many little rules to remember (though less than with fractions).
Some good real-life MODELS for integers are:
- temperature in a thermometer
- altitude vs. sea depth
- earning money vs. being in debt.
When first teaching integer operations, tie them in with one of these models.
I'll take for example the temperature.
Continue reading.
You will also benefit greatly from reading my previous article on teaching integers, which goes through all four integer operations.
3. Number Rainbows
I thought some of you (those who teach second grade) might enjoy my NUMBER RAINBOWS. The idea is that you connect two numbers with an arc if they add up to the particular number, such as 13.
These are so pretty that I couldn't resist putting the pics in the newsletter:
Then, the child can use it as a reference when subtracting from 13 or when doing subtraction drill. You could first drill subtraction facts WITH the rainbow (such as 13 − 4, 13 − 7 etc.) and then without.
You would also ask the child to reproduce the rainbow - and color it, of course! These make for quite pretty math facts practice, don't you think!
I've added these to my Add & Subtract 2-A book.
If you can't see the images, check them out at my blog.
4. Math Readers
I've had some fun building a new page about math readers, or "living math" books for my main site. The list is not terribly long yet, but it will grow, I'm sure.
Math story books offer children an interesting way to learn math concepts, to get interested in mathematics, and to explore some fascinating topics outside of the main curriculum. It is one way to bring math to "life". Kids are almost sure to enjoy it.
On my page, I list for example Cryptoclub, a fascinating storybook that teaches how to encrypt and decrypt secrete messages, or The Adventures of Penrose - THE MATHEMATICAL CAT, in which you will encounter many fascinating mathematical topics from fractals to tessellations, or many books for little kids.
I realize not everyone can buy many math readers on top of their regular school books, but try find some of these books in your local library!
5. Tidbits
Till next time,
Maria Miller
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