Math Essentials: Finding & Filling the Gaps Complete Set

If your student is not quite ready for algebra or is struggling through a current algebra course, Math Essentials: Finding & Filling the Gaps might be just what he or she needs to get back on track. This flexible math course allows students to study just the topics needed to grasp the essential math skills required to understand higher level math. Assuming students have already mastered addition, subtraction, and multiplication, this curriculum addresses division, place value, word problems, fractions, decimals and percent, measurement, and introductory algebra and geometry. The course components include a hardcopy textbook, answer key, and instructor manual. A free printed learning guide is also included with the textbook. The free download resources available from the publisher's website (heronbooks.com) include a learning guide, diagnostic tests, supplemental exercise sheets, and exams with answers.

The Textbook includes 13 units. Simplified instruction and colorful pictorial examples in the textbook are well done and presented with clear explanation. Exercises follow each section of instruction. The Instructor Manual equips teachers to use the program and to know how to administer the tests. A set of non-reproducible diagnostic tests and answers are also in the instructor manual. The downloadable Learning Guide gives step-by-step instructions for each unit and helps students stay on track. Supplemental Exercise Sheets can also be downloaded at any time to keep skills fresh. The Exercise Answers book has answers for all exercises in the units (including the supplemental exercises). This book is also helpful because it reveals where a skill is covered in review exercise answers. A downloadable Materials List includes some hands-on items needed for the measurement and simple geometry units.

Students begin the program by taking the comprehensive diagnostic test. The instructor then checks the answers (only found in the instructor manual) to determine exactly what unit/units the student needs to study. If the student did well on the first three units but had difficulty with Unit 4 Fractions: Adding & Subtracting, he or she then takes the unit diagnostic test for Unit 4. Since each unit is broken down into specific content progressing in difficulty, the unit test will indicate which sections the student should target and what specific skills need practice. After studying Unit 4, the student can move on to the next unit requiring review. This flexibility allows targeted instruction and review so the student can focus on the areas of struggle, master these areas, and feel confident moving into higher level math.

This program helps fill in the gaps for any student requiring review and practice with essential math basics. By taking time to identify weak spots (maybe you didn't realize existed) and strengthen these areas, students develop a better understanding of math and are more prepared to study high school math courses.