Focus On... Mathematics

Description

This extensive series does exactly what the title suggests – each booklet allows students to focus on specific math skills. Six different math areas are available for each grade to reinforce math skills. These books are simple to implement and students can use them for independent practice.

Every student workbook follows the same format. The first section introduces the program. The table of contents is next, and is followed by Learn About. This section is two pages in length and presents the concepts to be practiced in this particular book along with basic instruction and samples. A two-page lesson preview gives practice exercises and explains why answers chosen might be correct or incorrect. There are 20 lessons in each book, each two pages in length with only 5 problems, to be used for independent practice. A tracking chart, self-assessments, and an answer form (fill-in-the-dot) are found at the back of the book.

There is one teacher guide to accompany each of the student books. You will find suggested instructions, strategies and tips, reproducibles for student assessment, a summary of the research behind the series, and completed answer forms along with the actual answers and possible answers to questions in the student book. There is also a suggested schedule for when and how to use this series.

Building Number Sense develops counting skills in grades 1-3 and introduces the concept of ordinal numbers. Grades 4-8 begin with the concept of fractions and build using decimals, percents, exponents, and square roots. Grade 8 introduces students to prime and composite numbers and practice with order of operations when solving problems.

Determining Probability and Averages introduces younger children to the concepts of ‘more likely,' ‘less likely,' and ‘equally likely.' Students in grades 2-8 learn how to average. In grades 7 and 8 they are introduced to mean, median, mode and range.

Interpreting Graphs & Charts introduces students to various types of charts, and they learn to read and interpret the information as they grow in complexity from level to level.

Using Algebra sounds like a pretty complex topic for young children, but not the way it is presented in this series. In earlier grades students learn to use simple number sentences with missing information, and try to identify the missing information - these are fill-in-the-blank for grades 1 and 2. Beginning at grade 3 letter variables are introduced, and as they progress through the grades they will write and solve equations, expressions, and inequalities.

Using Estimation begins in grades 1 and 2 by estimating with 2-digit numbers. A progression through the levels will lead to estimating differences, products, and quotients. Older students will estimate with mixed numbers, percents, and money.

Using Geometry begins by recognizing common shapes, distance around a figure (perimeter), and equal halves. Grade 3 introduces congruent figures, grade 4 introduces area, volume in grade 5, graphing a slide in grade 7, and parallel lines and transversals in grade 8.

This series would be great for extra practice, skill reinforcement, or test preparation. The A through G levels correspond sequentially to grades 1-8 and provide that little bit extra you might be missing. ~ 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.
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.