QUICK SHOPPING
Step-by-Step Math
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
