Mathtacular

Description

You might be using the most highly recommended math program money can buy, but it doesn't seem to be working for your student - it lacks something! MathTacular was designed to add that something - a multisensory enhancement for your curriculum. Your host, Detective Justin Time, will 'act' his way through the teaching of math topics appropriate for a variety of age groups. Short skits, presentations, and illustrations will help children understand basic math concepts in real world situations like using an apple to understand fractions or measuring a tree house for new flooring. Manipulatives are used to add a visual, hands-on perspective for understanding. This series can be used with any math curriculum, including Horizons, Saxon, and Singapore Approach programs.

Each DVD is intended for different grade ranges and covers a variety of topics.

DVD 1 is intended for grades PK through 2nd and covers basic number recognition, counting, sorting, and a variety of manipulatives to reinforce the concepts of addition, subtraction, place value, money, time, estimation, and geometric shapes. If you'd like a more interactive experience, opt for the Educational Kit listed below which includes a condensed version of DVD 1 and manipulatives.

DVD 2 reviews basic addition and subtraction facts, teaches how to memorize the facts, money, time, place value, number theory, data & statistics, geometric shapes, spatial relationships, measurements, perimeter & area, graphs, basic equations and is intended for grades 2nd - 4th.

DVD 3 is more advanced math to supplement 3rd - 5th grades with concepts like multiplication, long and short division, estimation, mathematical properties, equations, factors, prime numbers, spatial relationships like angles and coordinate planes, time zones, money, converting measurements, and fractions.

DVD 4 focuses on word problems using a variety of math skills - simple addition to fractions and algebraic concepts. You will work Detective Justin Time to solve word clues, crack the code and discover the solution to a variety of 'word problem' cases which become trickier as they progress. The DVD for this level can be used with 4th grade and up, while the accompanying workbook is recommended for use with 6th and up. This 4th DVD would be great for any student who needs extra help in understanding how to solve word problems.

The MathTacular Educational Kit includes everything you need to get started. In this kit you will find number flash cards, craft sticks, dry beans, base ten units (1-100 flat, 10-10 rods, 20-1 cubes), sidewalk chalk, 1 die, 1 counting chip, hundred number chart, 12 inch wooden ruler w/inches and metric, geoboard, teddy bear counters, color tiles, small clock, plastic, pattern blocks, and gram/cm multifix cubes. Along with the manipulatives is a guide book full of suggestions and games you can play. A MathTacular DVD is also included in this kit which is the condensed version of MathTacular DVD 1 (67 activities/88 activities). The DVDs cover the same content and skills, but a few of the activities have been omitted.

The Student Workbook 4 coordinates with the MathTacular 4 DVD in which students will be able to solve the problem in the video presentation along with 5 additional practice problems in that particular skill area. Students can watch the presentation like the mystery of the kidnapped dog of the word problem, stop the video, work the problem in the workbook, then go back to the DVD to work with Detective Justin Time and his assistant Amber Waves to find the solution. There are "Tool Kit" pages found in the back of the workbook to help students solve their word problem mysteries - clue words, steps to solve word problems, conversion formulas for inches to centimeters, Fahrenheit to Celsius, etc., and common math formulas. Handy tools for a math detective!

An Answer Key is available for the Student Workbook 4. This book not only offers the solutions for the word problems in the book but maps out the steps to solving them. Alternative solutions are also offered in some cases. This might be one of the most detailed and helpful answer keys I've ever seen. It shows students where to find the information needed to solve the word problem - highlights key words, underlines the problem, crosses out unimportant facts, and identifies clue words. Voila - problem solved!

Solve the mysterious case of the dry, boring and sometimes confusing world of math with Justin Time and his cohorts in the sometimes corny, but always amazing MathTacular. - Donna

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.