Thursday, April 26, 2012

Mathematical Reasoning by The Critical Thinking Company

I hate math!  Okay, so maybe "hate" is a strong word -- but it really is NOT my favorite subject.  I was a good math student in school but that's been ~ahem~ a few years.  Of ALL the things I teach at home, math is the hardest for me to explain to my children.  They don't have to LOVE math, but I would like for them to develop an appreciation and respect for it.


PhotobucketThat said, I am always on the lookout for something that will capture their attention and make them want more. For the Princess, I think I've found it!  We've been reviewing Mathematical Reasoning, Level F by The Critical Thinking Company which is written for 5th grade students.  In the past when I've pulled out math workbooks for her, they've been met with groans and moans and general protests.  BUT when I showed her this beautiful new workbook from The Critical Thinking Company, she was genuinely excited to begin.


The work is challenging for her but she likes it.  She really, really likes it.  I know she likes it because she WANTS to work in it each day -- and not only does she want to work in it, she wants to work several pages at a time.  This is a big deal for my always-on-the-move, never-slows-down daughter.  
  

Using a spiral approach to teaching math skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Level F is written by Carolyn Anderson (a 20+-year math teacher and Associate Professor of Mathematics) and requires no lesson preparation for the teacher.  This is a big bonus for me as I work to meet the educational needs of all four of my children each day.  Covering all of the 5th grade math skills and some of the 6th grade math skills,  Mathematical Reasoning, Level F  is best used on a page-by-page basis.  Without skipping pages, your student will have multiple opportunities to think critically about math -- and will not get "bored" doing the same types of problems repeatedly.

The Princess is enjoying our work together and I am relieved to know that we are covering just what she needs to know.  As we continue to progress through this workbook, we will be covering the following topics:

  • Numbers and Operations (hot air balloon division!)
  • Algebra (Tic Tac Math fun)
  • Data Analysis and Probability (coin toss, anyone?)
  • Geometry and
  • Measurement.
This is definitely a keeper curriculum for us.  We'll be using it throughout the summer to make sure that she is ready for 6th grade math in the Fall {and to keep her mind focused and sharp}.  I'm thrilled to find something that she likes!


Mathematical Reasoning, Level F usually retails for $42.99 but you can get it on sale right now for $37.99.  There's a sample for you to look over as well.  With plenty of activities and math problems in its 384-pages, you can easily use this as your entire math curriculum for the year.  That's a great price for a year's worth of curriculum!

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~~Disclaimer:  I was given the opportunity to use and review Mathematical Reasoning, Level F by The Critical Thinking Company as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  The opinions stated are mine and mine alone.  I was not paid to share my thoughts and feelings with you.  I received the curriculum in exchange for my honest review. You can check out the Crew Review and see what other members of the TOS Homeschool Crew thought of   Mathematical Reasoning, Level F by The Critical Thinking Company   HERE.~~
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2 comments:

  1. Math isn't my favorite subject to teach, either. It is fun to find something that is such a great fit.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree! So thankful to have found something she likes to do!

    ReplyDelete

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