Purposeful Design Math 3rd Edition
maintains the same solid scope and sequence with an excellent balance between
problem-solving skills (using the STAR methodology of Seek, Think, Act, and
Review) and basic algorithms. The pacing is similar to a Singapore Math
approach; however, the strong biblical emphasis throughout will appeal to many
who like the Singapore scope and sequence but prefer material from a Christian
publisher. Lessons include hands-on activities, conceptual understanding,
problem solving, application, modeling, reasoning, and strands of algebra and
geometry. The academic standards align to Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Components for each
level include a Teacher Edition, Student Textbook, and optional Manipulative
Kit. An E-book Teacher Edition is also available as a more economical option.
Each component is sold separately.
The Teacher Editions are essential and easy to
follow. Instruction is tailored to a classroom, but it can be adapted to a home
setting as long as the parent/teacher is willing to commit to a student-teacher
interactive approach and recognizes the necessity of choosing some of
the available options rather than trying to do everything. Each lesson includes
the objective, a biblical connection, step-by-step instructions (not scripted),
and reduced student pages with answers. Extension, recovery, and enrichment
activities are provided for differentiated learning. Chapter tests, additional
worksheets, math fact practice, paper manipulatives, and other supplemental
materials are found in the free digital resources available with the purchase
of the teacher guide.
The softbound K-3 Student Worktexts are
colorful with well-illustrated worksheets (usually two per lesson) that include
practice problems, word problems, and review, as well as occasional games and
activities. Pages are labeled with the chapter and lesson number and are perforated
for easy removal. The softcover 4th-6th grade Student Texts are also
colorful but non-consumable. These have more reading and a consistent pattern:
construct meaning (instruction), check understanding (short problem set),
practice (more extensive problems), and apply (word problems) or review. Both
worktext types have a nice variety. There are periodic review problems as well
as end-of-chapter review lessons. Calculator use is taught from Grade 1 and
problems occasionally instruct the student to use a calculator.
Manipulative Kits are available for each grade level.
These include the most-used items for demonstrating the concepts. Manipulatives are
used throughout the series but predominantly in the K-3 books. Instructions for
making some of these manipulatives are also found in the Teacher Edition, and
others are included in the digital resources. If you have purchased a
manipulative kit for a previous level of this curriculum, Add-on Kits are
available. These kits are just the additional items needed for the next grade
level.
What’s new in the third edition? It has a visual
refresh with updated modern graphics. The Teacher Edition begins every chapter
with a worldview question like Who is God?, Who am I?, What is the nature of
the world around me?, What is my purpose in life?, How do I evaluate what is
true?, What effect does sin have on the world?, and What does God
promise? These questions are discussed together and provide Scripture
connections. Standards are now clearly listed in each chapter and linked to
each lesson. New optional homework pages to reinforce lesson content are
available in the digital resources. ~ Janice/Gina
