The Math Mammoth Blue Series CD includes PDF files for more than
40 math concepts that are appropriate for grades 1-6. Whether you
need to teach a math topic from the beginning, or simply provide
some additional math practice in one area or another, these colorful
worksheets will likely have what you're looking for.
Each PDF file includes 50-150 pages of practice on a particular
math concept. A few pages of introduction give you, the teacher,
suggestions for teaching the topic, game ideas when applicable,
and additional online resources available around the Internet.
Following the introduction are the student worksheets, which must
be printed from the CD. Entire worksheets can be completed at one
time, or you can focus on small sections, or whatever meets your
student's particular needs in the best way.
The worksheets are jam-packed with practice problems - maybe even
a little too jam-packed sometimes. Short, self-explanatory directions
are given before each new section, which is meant to be read by
the student. These directions are to-the-point, and there isn't
much space wasted on wordiness. In most cases, simple illustrations
or examples are given to enhance the directions. Some parents will
appreciate the succinct directions, while others will wish for
a little more explanation. A complete answer key is provided at
the end of each guide.
For the earlier math concepts, Mrs. Miller encourages you to offer
your children plenty of hands-on experiences. In the worksheets
of these earlier concepts, she starts with problems that include
pictures, before moving on to problems including numbers. In addition
to going from concrete to abstract practice, she steadily grows
the understanding of each concept throughout each module. Review
sheets are built into each module as well.
The following math topics are included in the Blue Series:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Place Value
- Time
- Money
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Ratios
- Proportion
- Percent
- Integers
- Statistics
- Probability
- Problem solving
Many of the topics are covered more than once in varying levels.
For instance, there are five different PDF files on the topic of
place value. Place Value 1 includes earlier principles, such as
tens and ones, while Place Value 5 teaches things like trillions,
exponents, and rounding.
You can use the material as a full curriculum, as a supplement
for another curriculum, or to reteach or reinforce a math concept.
If you choose to use the lessons as a full curriculum, Mrs. Miller
offers a suggested order of study. Otherwise, you are free to use
each module as you wish.
I hesitate to tell you the best way to use this series, because
I think it can have so many uses in so many different situations.
Even in our family, I have been using them differently with various
children. For example, my 6th grade son is only seeing the occasional
worksheet, as additional instruction when a new concept stumps
him. On the other hand, my Kindergarten son is using the early
pages as his only math curriculum for the time being. The pages
have been extremely helpful in both situations. I'm sure you can
find a good use for the series in your house, also!
Product Review by Cindy West, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine,
LLC, January, 2012
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