Homeschool Math Newsletter, Vol. 7
March 27, 2007

Hello again! Maria Miller here, from HomeschoolMath.net and MathMammoth.com.

This time I have a few news items concerning my Math Mammoth books at first. If you're not interested in those, don't worry. You can just scroll down over those and find my regular newsletter stuff too.

In this month's newsletter:

1. Math Mammoth news: package deals, Spanish versions, and bonuses
2. How NOT to drill addition facts
3. Multiplication tables and drill?
4. Do incentives help develop positive attitude towards mathematics?
5. Tidbits

1. Math Mammoth news

New package products

The Blue Series package contains all 16 Math Mammoth Blue Series books. It is available as a download and as a CD.
Price: $40 (download) and $45 (CD).

Golden/Green series package contains all books from both series.
Price: $50 (CD).
Remember that my Green series worksheets collections are totally duplicate content with the Golden ones, but the CD contains both series for convenience's sake. That way you may find quicker the exact worksheets for your needs.

ALL INCLUSIVE Math Mammoth CD contains all of it: the Blue series, the Golden series, and the Green series.
Price: $80.

Spanish versions

A few of the Math Mammoth books are available in Spanish. Read more here, and find the books at MamutMatematicas.com.

BONUSES!

Yes, it's true: for any purchase of Math Mammoth books, you will get

1) *BONUS* - FREE TUTORING
With any purchase of Math Mammoth books, you can receive two hours of free tutoring at TutorNext. Look for a special coupon code in the email you receive after purchase.

2) *BONUS* - FREE MATH SOFTWARE
With any purchase of Math Mammoth books, you will qualify to get four math programs (list price $24.95) for just a small $3.50 s&h fee!
* Math Maker, for printable math activities with answer keys
* Math Master, for on screen practice of various math topics
* Math User, for answering the 900 multi-level word problems
* True/False Math Challenger for mastering facts 1-12

=> MathMammoth.com

2. How NOT to drill addition facts

Some people think "drill is kill", and many people think it's necessary.

And of those that use it, not everyone knows HOW to actually drill math facts effectively.

You know, this is NOT the most effective way:

Shuffle the flash cards and start asking randomly.

Why?

3. Multiplication tables and drill?

Continuing on the same lines as the previous item, what about multiplication facts and drill?

Well, the principle is similar: show them first the concept and patterns.

Then can come some plain drill.

But, I want to share with you a few more detailed points.

4. Do incentives help develop positive attitude towards mathematics?

Someone asked me,

What are the incentives needed in order to develop a positive attitude in children and other students towards mathematics?

I am not sure if (special) incentives is the main factor in developing a positive attitude towards mathematics.

I feel it is probably sufficient to get a few of the basics right, and then that alone will take care of most of it, and students can like math just fine.

Disliking math is not something that is inherent in us or in our kids. Little kids don't dislike math or numbers. They're just fine with math. As we know, this "I hate math" or "I don't like math" attitude seems to develop during school years.

Now, I also don't think that children are disliking reasoning, because they're happy to do puzzles and go through games where you have to think.

5. Tidbits

They say laughter is the best medicine - and it has been proven in scientific studies that laughing does help our health. Keeps stress at bay - a few math jokes!
I want to write more about this book later, but for now... I sincerely recommend Arithmetic for Parents - A book for Grownups about Children's Mathematics by Ron Aharoni.
What is it about? It explains how you should teach math concepts in grades 1-6. Very solid advice and helps you understand the math, too. (Many of us think it's enough to know your math to teach it, but that is NOT true.)
The website has sample pages.
If you like oldies music, I encourage you to check out my favorite band's videos at YouTube: YouTube.com/RockabillyUS
If you like the newsletter, please forward it to a friend! Just push that "forward" button on your email program, write a little note in the beginning so your friend knows it's from you, and send!

Till next time,
Maria Miller

Homeschool Math Newsletter, Vol. 7 March 27, 2007