Discover! Math 5th Grade Set

Catering to a wide range of students by integrating activities for a variety of learning styles, Discover! Math has a good mix of problems and activity-based exercises using various activities like graphic organizers, matching, drawing, and other hands-on applications. Correlating with national standards, each lesson presents an engaging storyline, direct instruction with pictorial examples, written practice, and several other activities. Algebraic concepts are introduced in the earlier grades to develop a more conceptual understanding of math. Each lesson is around 8-10 pages and usually takes 2-3 days to complete. Different math manipulatives or household items are suggested in the lessons for games or to enhance learning. Reviews are at the end of each chapter in the student book. Assessments are included in the teacher book or the Assessment Book and offer two different options, written or project based – a nice option for different learners. Answers and Grading Rubrics are included in the Instructor Guide.

Each package includes an Instructor Guide, Student A Workbook for first semester, Student B Workbook for second semester, and the Assessment Book. Currently these are only sold as a set, and are not available individually.

The Instructor Guide is a useful asset to the parent and complements the worktext. Instructions are easy to follow. Each lesson begins by listing the lesson objectives then moves directly into the teaching. Grades one and two include both italicized scripted text (telling the parent exactly what to say) and standard text (tips for implementing the lesson). Grades three and up no longer include the scripted text but still have plenty of tips and support for each section in the student book. Every lesson also includes activity suggestions for different learning styles, booster, as well as extension activities. Some lessons also have suggested co-op activities. Answers to the student workbook are at the end of each lesson in the instructor guide. The back of the guide has blackline masters of math templates, models, charts, and references for parents to use throughout the course.

Consumable Student Workbooks are in full-color and begin with lesson objectives, lesson review (if needed), and introduce any vocabulary such as number line, data, graph, etc. Next are the Explore, Read, and Practice sections. Students read real life examples or stories, direct instruction is provided, and pictorial examples are shown. Practice problems allow students to apply what they have learned. The Skill Builder and Show What You Know sections build on previous skills and provide more review and practice. Sharpen Your Skills practice math facts either using digital or physical flashcards. Other suggested play or project activities vary per lesson.

If you love Singapore and Montessori math philosophies, take a look at this program. Using a scaffolding approach, it focuses on manipulatives and concrete elements in the earliest stages of development and moves into pictorial and abstract learning as student’s progress. The stories are relatable to the students as they solve real life math problems. ~ Gina