Math is totally boring - help!

[MomsTherapy]

We do great with all subjects, finding them interesting and educational. Except....Math....

We do math first because we both want to get it out of the way. We use BJUPress math last year and so far this year. We homeschool so that we love school, not dread any subject.

Any suggestions on what we can do to make sure she learns what is needed, yet doesn't get bored? Sheuses Math 4 from BJU this year.

Help - bored and aggrivated!
Leah :doubt:

[mary helen]

I love Developemental Math. It is quick and easy. I usually spend less than a couple of minutes watching them do a problem. If they get it right, they are assigned 2-5 pages... not a lot of work. It is self paced and you do one concept then move on to something else, so if you need to know all the math facts at once, I'd use something else. They know/ understand the why??? math when they are done, no fingercounting. It is 16 workbooks but I think they worked it over now including 20 taking you into Algebra and Geomenty. It is presented in 4 stages.
Stage 1 concept
Stage 2 reinforcement of concepts
Stage 3 quick recal
Stage 4 application in real life

This math is the only thing I can teach having several preschoolers in the home and the only math they understand.
You may view the web site online:
www.greatpyramid.com (http://www.greatpyramid.com)

If you PM me, I could mail you a used workbook of an early level to view before you purchase.
It does only work on one concept at a time, some people don't like that as Ex.Multiplication book 8, Decimals book 13, Ten's and ones grouping, Book 6, Fractions book 15. But I think it isn't how fast we teach it but Do they grasp it and truely learn it and know why it is done that way.


If you prefer all math concepts at once, I'd recommend MCP and don't make them do every problem.
With Developmental Math,,, it is less than 15 minutes a day with teacher and student and it gets results. Cathy Duffy writes raves about it also. PM me if you want a used sample, the web site also sends outr a nice informational packet.

[mary helen]

I forgot to tell you that the Developmental math review in Pride or Duffy book stated that the average child could finish all elementary math in 2-2 1/2 years by doing 3-5 pages at day.
On average, you will do 2-3 books per year. I hope you look into it, as it is not well known, I am the only person I know that uses it, but it is so good.
Math sometimes is a subject that the kids or parents may not like, but it must be done. It suites my family... simple, qiuck and easy. I call it around the tree math but it works and I think more "mathy" now when dealing with numbers. I love Developmental Math!

[Dianna]

We do great with all subjects, finding them interesting and educational. Except....Math....

We do math first because we both want to get it out of the way. We use BJUPress math last year and so far this year. We homeschool so that we love school, not dread any subject.

Any suggestions on what we can do to make sure she learns what is needed, yet doesn't get bored? Sheuses Math 4 from BJU this year.

Help - bored and aggrivated!
Leah :doubt:

Leah, so your daughter is going into 4th grade? If so, I'd suggest Singapore Math. It's challenging, so I don't think your daughter would get bored. It's advanced, though, so it would be best to take a placement test before deciding on which level to buy. Here are some links to help you decide:

Singapore Math website, forums, etc:
http://www.singaporemath.com (http://www.singaporemath.com/Placement_Test_s/86.htm)

Placement Tests:
http://www.singaporemath.com/Placement_Test_s/86.htm

Samples:
http://www.sonlight.com/samples-singapore.html

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.

Warmly,
Dianna

[duboisa]

I am a big fan of math-u-see. you can go to their webpage and order a free dvd sample that shows you how the program works, it is very hands on approach.

[crosskeysmom]

I like Math-U-See, too. The manipulatives help make math real and enjoyable. Check your library for fiction books about math, stories that make math interesting. It may add a little spice to the lessons. (I would like to give you some titles, but it's almost 1:00am and my brain's on empty!) Also, having your daughter help you use math in every day experiences will help her appreciation for math grow; at the gas pump, at the grocery store, cooking, time management, etc. When you do story problems, you can use the ones in the books, but by changing the names to include your daughter and her friends' names, it's more fun. Better yet, make the problems up altogether, and have her make up some using herself and her friends and something they enjoy doing. (Ex: If you, Sally, and Melissa were sharing a pizza, what fraction of the pizza would each of you have?) The more relevant math is to everyday life and the more personal it is, the more it is enjoyed! Good luck!
Cherie

[mary helen]

OOPS!
The above web address I gave for Developmental Math is not what I exspected, although it does sell it. I got a site that described the material, this one just sells it. It has changed or I used another one. If you want me to give you the phone number of a place that will mail out a packet, I'll pm it to you. The site listed will be of no help unless you want to order. Sorry!

[Dianna]

Timberdoodle sells Developmental Math and has a review/description of it. Here's the link: http://www.timberdoodle.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=60

Dianna

[mary helen]

Thanks Dianna,
I forgot that Timberdoodle sold it and reviewed it.

[MomsTherapy]

Thanks you guys! I will look into both of them and see what is best for us. She is going into the 3rd grade but is working with the 4th grade BJU Math because when I pulled her out of her school (private) they recommended one grade higher math because they were at that level.

She doesn't have problems with it at all - like comprehension, she just doesn't like it.

[MomsTherapy]

If you PM me, I could mail you a used workbook of an early level to view before you purchase.

Let me know how much and I would love to look at it. I have already spent the money on this years Math workbook from BJU but if I can find something better I will be more than happy to switch.

If you want me to give you the phone number of a place that will mail out a packet, I'll pm it to you. The site listed will be of no help unless you want to order.

Can you shoot me that phone number too?

Thanks so much!!
Leah

[MomsTherapy]

We received the DVD from Math-u-see and Kaitlyn said it looked like she would really like it. Now I just have to come up with the money or cross my fingers for finding it on eBay!

[chrispeters]

We received the DVD from Math-u-see and Kaitlyn said it looked like she would really like it. Now I just have to come up with the money or cross my fingers for finding it on eBay!
I bought Math-U-See this year and both my kids love it(and me, too). Have you checked with www.curriculumexchange.com? It's a store here in York but I'm sure she could ship to you. When I've emailed her about books she's always responded the same day.

[MomsTherapy]

Thanks, I will check that out for sure! :smile2: