Step-By-Step Math

Description

Combining instruction with practice and throwing in some mnemonic devices for good measure, this is easily one of the best math fact mastery systems that I've seen. Starting from the premise of the commutative property of addition (a.k.a. fact families) and building from easiest to remember facts to harder and harder, each book offers page after page of quick instruction tips plus illustrated problems as well as horizontal, vertical, number line and wheel practice. Along the way, lots of little tricks are introduced to help the child remember "his" facts. Color-coded flashcards (pull-apart cardstock) are added to the mix and used for daily drill. The books provide 135 pages of practice that cover basic addition and subtraction facts (0-9) or basic multiplication and division facts (again, 0-9). These pages are reproducible for classroom use and are followed by a reduced-page answer key. [The reduced pages are helpful for quickly correcting the fact pages.] The two sets of flashcards make up the rest of the spiral-bound book. Each book includes a certification of completion for each of its sets of facts (i.e. addition/subtraction or multiplication/division).

What makes these books notable is the combination of techniques that will make it easy for any type of learner to master these facts. Whether you're using a Singapore approach program that slides by fact memorization or have just noticed that your student needs a little extra work in this area, these books will provide a good mastery option. Since these are published by the Summerbook Company, it bears mentioning that they might make an excellent summer project. ~ Janice

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.