Purposeful Design Math 3rd Edition maintains the same solid scope and sequence with an excellent balance between problem solving skills (the STAR methodology: Seek, Think, Act, and Review) and basic algorithms. The pacing is similar to a Singapore Math approach; however, the strong Biblical emphasis throughout will appeal to many who like the Singapore scope and sequence but prefer material from a Christian publisher. Lessons include hands-on activities, conceptual understanding, problem solving, application, modeling, reasoning, and strands of algebra and geometry. The academic standards align to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Components for each level include a Teacher Edition, Student Textbook, and optional Manipulative Kit. An E-book Teacher Edition is also available as a more economical option. Each component is sold separately.
The Teacher Editions are essential and easy to follow. Instruction is tailored to a classroom, but it can be adapted to a home setting as long as the parent/teacher is willing to commit to a student-teacher interactive approach and recognizes the necessity of choosing some of the offered options rather than trying to do everything. Each lesson includes the objective, a Biblical connection, step-by-step instructions (not scripted), and reduced student pages with answers. Extension, recovery, and enrichment activities are provided for differentiated learning. Chapter tests, additional worksheets, math fact practice, paper manipulatives, and other supplemental materials are found in the free digital resources available with the purchase of the teacher guide.
The K-3 softbound Student Worktexts are colorful with well-illustrated worksheets (usually two per lesson) that include practice problems, word problems, and review, as well as occasional games and activities. Pages are labeled with the chapter and lesson number and are perforated for easy removal. The 4-6 grade softcover Student Texts are also colorful but non-consumable. These have more reading and a consistent pattern: construct meaning (instruction), check understanding (short problem set), practice (more extensive problems), and apply (word problems) or review. Both worktext types utilize a nice variety. There are periodic review problems as well as an end-of-the chapter review lesson. Calculator use is taught from Grade 1 and problems occasionally instruct the student to use a calculator.
Manipulative Kits are available for each grade level. These include the most used items for demonstrating the concepts. Manipulatives are used throughout the series but predominantly in the K-3 books. Instructions for making some of these manipulatives are also found in the Teacher Edition while others are included in the digital resources. If you have purchased the manipulative kit for the previous level of this curriculum, Add-on Kits are available. These kits are just the additional items needed for the next grade level.
What’s new in the third edition? It has a visual refresh with updated modern graphics. The Teacher Edition begins every chapter with a worldview question like Who is God?, Who am I?, What is the nature of the world around me?, What is my purpose in life?, How do I evaluate what is true, What effect does sin have on the world and what does God promise? These questions are discussed together and provide Scripture connections. Standards are now clearly listed in each chapter and linked to each lesson. New optional homework pages to reinforce lesson content are available in the digital resources. ~ Janice/Gina