Discover! Math

Description

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 separate 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

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.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
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.