Mathematical Reasoning Beginning 1 (PK)

A grade-level curriculum and supplement in one activity book approach! The Mathematical Reasoning series is a colorful and engaging worktext for students as young as 3 up through 9^th grade students. At such an early age, mathematical reasoning begins with simple activities such as distinguishing between even or odd amounts and learning the ordinal numbers. This series is correlated to the NCTM standards, and each level will teach skills in number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis. Accordingly, each level incorporates topics such as patterns, number lines, graphs, fractions, probability, and problem-solving, as well as basic math operation skills. The authors suggest working through these activity books page-by-page. The content spirals, which gives your child time to "digest" new concepts before moving on to more complex material. The full-color activity sheets should especially appeal to the younger student. Not only are the illustrations eye-catching, but they do an excellent job of demonstrating mathematical representations and relationships.

Although manipulatives are not required, a link to a virtual manipulative website is provided in case additional concrete-level reinforcement is needed. A wide variety of exercises and activities are utilized to keep your child both interested and motivated. The goal is to move students from a concrete understanding of math to a more abstract knowledge. This is implemented by following these math stages: concrete, semi-concrete, semi-abstract, and abstract. This cycle repeats each time a new skill is introduced.

The series incorporates discussion-based problem-solving to prepare students for mathematical reasoning required for upper-level math. Worksheets are reproducible in the family setting and answers are provided at the back for Levels B–Geometry. Work through from cover-to-cover as your math curriculum or introduce specific worksheets to strengthen skills needed as a supplement. ~Rebecca