workbooks Archives - Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau

Jan 10 2017

3 Ways to Teach Homeschool Math

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A major concern for many home educating parents is how to teach math. Some parents worry they’ve forgotten so much math, they won’t know how to teach it. Others worry about the significance of math, not just as an academic subject, but because of its impact on the bigger picture (i.e., higher level courses like Chemistry; getting accepted to college; success in a career; adult life). The thought of failing the child, or not knowing how to help a child who struggles with math, can be overwhelming.

Personally, I find many parents worry about math unnecessarily. First, there are thousands (literally) of products on the market to help teach math at home…no experience required. Next, I believe most children have a greater ability and a higher aptitude for mathematics than given credit for. I believe math-phobia is wholly fabricated, created over the last 50 years or so. A culture filled with math jokes, stories and other horrors only fuels the belief that math is harder than other subjects. Perception, in my opinion, has contributed unfairly to producing a generation of math-phobics. Certainly some students are better in math than others, just as some are better writers, better athletes, and better musicians. But, nobody is incapable of learning math to some respectable or practical degree.

But, I digress.

I’m going to explain 3 different ways to attack math instruction in your homeschool. These are 3 common ways, ways you can adopt into your home education program right now. They’re not unusual, they’re not very hard to figure out, and thousands of people are using them as I write this, so you’ll find lots of support for your chosen method if you begin looking for it.

Three ways to teach homeschool math. Easy, explained.

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I recommend reading through the methods, below, then selecting the one that makes the most sense for your child at this time. Then, as you get to know your child a little more, switch things around if you notice the approach isn’t going to work for the long term. You can also change things around anyway, to add variety and fun to the curriculum. And, by all means, feel free to use different approaches for different children in the family, too. Convenience and saving money notwithstanding, choosing different approaches for different children is really the best way to reach their uniqueness.

Approach #1

Use a Math Curriculum

Perhaps the easiest overall, following a pre-packaged math curriculum is a convenient way to cover an entire year of math using a single product. Following the daily lessons and using the instructions in the guide book tends to insure a variety of topics will be covered in a given year, and that topics will be reinforced until the student gains full mastery. Many people like this approach because they’re not always sure what to teach in every grade, so they feel better knowing someone else has already figured it out. In a 3rd grade math curriculum, for example, parents gain peace of mind, knowing the book will cover all of the usual 3rd grade math concepts, like place value, Roman numerals, carrying, borrowing, money, averaging, and so on. Products like these are organized, convenient, and generally easy to follow, no matter the math level of the parent himself/herself. Packaged curriculum products aren’t perfect, though, and can hold students in a cycle of repeating the same (or similar) material over and over again, even though they’re ready to move on. Knowing when the student is ready to progress to the next level is crucial to successful boxed curriculum use, and using the provided tips and assessments is essential to figuring that out. Examples of boxed math curriculum products include Saxon Math, Horizons Math, Singapore Math, and Math U See, but there are many more to choose from, too (here’s a big list).

Approach #2

Use Topic Specific Resources

Another way to teach math at home is to cover specific topics, each one at a time. This method requires zeroing in on a specific concept to teach, then finding a resource(s) for the student to learn it. Concepts might include counting money, learning times tables, adding decimals, performing long division with remainders, or anything else parents decide to teach. To teach fractions, for example, parents could use a book specifically about fractions, some video lessons about fractions, some exercises printed from a web site, or a live class where someone is teaching the students about fractions. They might create lessons on their own, using materials they already have around the house, or even small toys or objects to illustrate the ideas. Targeted lessons like these will continue until the topic has been thoroughly explored and the student is showing true mastery, so it is not unusual for different students to take a different amount of time to learn each new concept. Disadvantages to teaching this way is when parents don’t know what concepts to teach, and in what order, or may introduce concepts before the student is actually ready. Some parents lack the confidence to teach in this way, or to properly identify when the student shows enough progress to move on. Examples of targeted math resources, in book form, include The Key To, Kumon, and Spectrum, but there are many other education products available in book stores, retail stores, and online which support this method of instruction. One tool I particularly love is Math Wrap-Ups (find them here).

Approach #3

Explore Math Through Everyday Life

A final way to approach mathematics is to allow the learning to occur naturally through everyday living. There are many opportunities every day to explore mathematical concepts if one is looking for them. Though the example of grocery shopping is over utilized, it certainly illustrates how practically and easily mathematics can be learned and reinforced while doing everyday things. Other examples of seeing math in everyday life might come from cooking, redecorating a bedroom, or in the feeding and nurturing of pets. The impetus to explore more advanced skills could come from opening a bank account, taking a part time job, or starting a small business. The job of a parent utilizing this teaching method is to notice these opportunities and (if they so choose) helping to facilitate the learning that might occur during these moments. Parents might begin by asking the student engaging questions, helping the student make observations, providing support or external resources, or discussing/recording what is being seen or heard. Because this approach is unpredictable and relatively unstructured, a disadvantage is that students may not be learning at a pace similar to other children the same age, which some families may find inconvenient or worrisome. On the other hand, since everyday learning is relevant and concrete, better retention may occur when learning happens at an appropriate place and time. The list of books and other products that could be used in conjunction with this method is limitless and never-ending, but I am including the titles of 2 interesting books/series for students who enjoy reading about the meaning of mathematics, while learning math as a part of everyday life:

Younger students: The Life of Fred (example of where to buy)

Teens and up: Calculus Made Easy (example of where to buy)

To your success,

Another article you might like: How to Easily Choose Your Curriculum {with an infographic}

Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau is a college professor who traded in her tenure to become a homeschool mom 20+ years ago. A homeschooling pioneer and the founder of many groups and organizations, she works to advance home education, and is an outspoken supporter of education reform coast to coast. Her book, Suddenly Homeschooling: A Quick Start Guide to Legally Homeschool in Two Weeks, is industry-acclaimed as it illustrates how homeschooling can rescue children and families from the public school system, and how anyone can begin homeschooling within a limited time-frame, with no teaching background whatsoever. A writer, a homeschool leader, and a women’s life coach, Marie-Claire mentors in a variety of areas that impact health, education and lifestyle. A conference speaker, she has appeared at FPEA, H.E.R.I., Home Education Council of America, The Luminous Mind, Vintage Homeschool Moms, iHomeschool Network, and many other events. Her articles have appeared in and on Holistic Parenting, CONNECT,Homefires, Homemaking Cottage, Kiwi, Circle of Moms, and hundreds of sites and blogs nationwide. Marie-Claire can be reached at contactmarieclaire@gmail.com.

Abacus photo credit: Pixabay

Mar 10 2014

“Dollar store” schooling

Maybe the dollar store isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of purchasing homeschool supplies. But, where else can a person find number dice and flash cards, poster board and acrylic paints, a magnifying lens and modeling clay, mechanical pencils and index cards — all on the same day, all in one trip, and each for just a buck?

I continue to be impressed with the variety of items now available at dollar stores. The selection of “teacher” supplies and basic office supplies is tremendous! My local store also carries sticker books, grade-level workbooks, small reference books and [sometimes] children’s books, too. I have also purchased decorative printer paper, awards certificates, shapes and cutouts, felts, dry erase boards, classroom prizes and many other items there, too. When buying for large groups of students, I appreciate how much I save on large quantities of these kinds of classroom items.

I often get inspiration from looking at dollar items through the lens of homeschooling. Loads of fabulous projects can be completed using dollar items alone. Over the years, I have purchased dollar items for everything from decorating science fair display boards to crafting projects for our homeschooling co-op. And though some items have not passed the quality test (I don’t care for dollar store white glue, for example), it is a resource I often turn to first, before paying full price anywhere else.

Anyone organizing a homeschool library, workbox system, classroom centers, art supplies, or creating unit studies should always check the dollar store first. Most stores carry colorful totes, containers and bins — in all shapes and sizes. Baskets, tins, boxes, and magazine holders are great for homeschool projects and portfolio storage, too.

Though I don’t recommend relying exclusively on dollar store items for homeschooling, there are certainly many items worth trying. What a great way to stock the school room and save money, too!

If you haven’t visited a dollar store lately, I strongly encourage you to stop by your local store. Do go with a budget in mind (it’s easy to spend $20 without even realizing it!) and make sure the items you select are things you’ll really use (and won’t add additional work or stress to your day).

You might also like:

Stockpiling homeschool materials — should you or shouldn’t you?

How to get free and cheap homeschool stuff

Go-alongs

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Aug 14 2013

Household binder (plus FREE download!)

Maybe you’ve read about household binders before? But maybe you haven’t found the one that works best for you?

The same thing happened to me.

I printed pages from many sources and created my own binder system.

Turned out, it still wasn’t exactly what I needed.

So, I created my own set. It isn’t as pretty as some of the rest, but it works perfectly for me.

Now, I’m sharing it with you. It’s 50 pages to grab for free. Use as many as you need, or, use them all!

The pages include a cover page that you can insert into the clear plastic cover of a binder. It’s the only color page, and it looks like this:

All of the other pages may be printed using only black ink.

Pages include menu planners, monthly date pages, lists of stuff to keep track of, and lots more — like this page I use to map out an entire month:

And this list of things I like to keep track of:

Plus this page I use to keep track of books:

There are a whole bunch more.

CLICK HERE to DOWNLOAD the whole set.

To your organization,

P.S. If you’ve ever downloaded THIS FREEBIE, you’ll want to replace it with this new, updated version.

Feb 28 2013

Homeschooling tips for sleepless moms: Part 2 of 2

In a previous post, I talked about ways to help sleepless parents have the best experience possible during the homeschool years. You read about the kinds of products and methods tips that work well when moms and dads are tired (and whose nerves may be stretched to the limit).

In the second part on this topic, I’ll share with you some additional tips that worked well for me, and have worked for the many other families I have shared them with.

Remember that these early years are precious ones that will never come again. Making the most of this season of life means balancing everything that needs to take place on a daily basis — not just homeschooling. While high expectations and over-the-top homeschooling efforts can result in productivity and earn bragging rights, they only add to the problem at hand. Thinking in terms of “less is more” helps put this concept into perspective.

Proceed down this list to see if any of these additional tips can be implemented in your homeschool today. Then, get ready to enjoy a happier, more carefree day!

1. Set small, doable, daily goals. Too-high expectations can easily end up as failures when days do not go as planned. Setting smaller goals that are easier to reach creates a greater sense of well-being and accomplishment when goals are met at the end of each day. Daily goals do not need to be very elaborate, and may be planned by the week, or even by the day. Goals that include things like reading aloud, playing cooperative games, creating artwork, working with flashcards, practicing penmanship, and memorizing learning songs are examples of doable activities that most families should be able to reach, no matter what the circumstances.

2. Create centers all around the home. Creating learning areas around the home guarantees that children will never be at a loss for something fun-ducational to do. These learning areas — or “Centers” – may consist of groupings of related items that families already own, or can be put together by purchasing inexpensive books, toys and other resources to keep children busy and learning. Endless possibilities exists for centers, including centers about space, insects, magnets, light, music, weather, building, dinosaurs, and so many more entertaining learning topics. Changing centers out from time to time keeps activities fresh and sparks interest in new topics, too.

3. Fill a “Waiting for Mom” basket. I have written extensively about this topic and it remains a favorite among conference attendees, as well. I coined the term years ago and still use it to this day! The idea is nothing more than having a box, bin or basket full of materials ready for when they are needed. I called ours the, “Waiting for Mom Pile”, because it resembled a pile of papers that I kept in the middle of the dining table. I used it extensively for many years when one or more of my children were idle and waiting for me throughout the day. I filled mine with educational worksheets, dollar-store workbooks, penmanship and coloring pages, science activities they could alone, small collections and objects, audio cassettes, and more. Fill yours with anything you like and place it within easy reach. When children call for activities, direct them to the basket, and gain valuable moments of quiet while they continue to learn and grow. Award credit or rewards for completion of activities if you like.

Finally, I believe strongly that preschoolers do not need a formal curriculum. The idea that children so young should be limited to learning some set of arbitrary benchmarks and be made to sit at a desk or structured setting to achieve early learning is preposterous. Individuals and companies selling preschool curriculum products prey upon parental fears of producing children who are not school “ready”. I encourage all parents to do what feels right to them during those years, within their budgets and time limitations. I caution against succumbing to intense pressure about purchasing expensive curriculum products for very young children. And, no matter what research, homeschool “expert” or authority is linked to the development of the product, be aware that many options exist for preparing early learners. Expensive packaged preschool curriculum systems should be viewed as one of thousands of resources in a universe full of opportunities for young students — not a quick fix solution for homeschooling the very young.

Other posts you might like:

Homeschooling with little ones around

Clean enough

Chore charts for non-readers

Feb 12 2013

Homeschool Secrets Revealed! How do they do it?

Buy a copy now

New homeschoolers — particularly those just getting ready to make the commitment – ask many of the same questions. “Where do I buy the books?” parents want to know. “How do I know what I’m supposed to teach?” is another. Of major concern is always, “Does homeschooling really work?” and “Can we afford it?” too.

As lives become busier than ever and our nation’s schools continue to disappoint, however, parent questions have taken on a new focus. Basing their assumptions on homeschool as the superior option, parents now ask, “How do these people do it?” and “What’s the secret?” instead. Though still interested in specifics, today’s families strive to learn if and how homeschooling will fit in with their daily lives.

Believe me — if there were one secret, one formula, one quick and painless tip to follow, or one tip that would guarantee homeschool success, I would surely share it with you now. If you follow my blogs, my books, and my videos, you already know I’d share this information with you right away!

Unfortunately, it isn’t quite that simple.

BUT…the good news is — it isn’t hard, either.

You see, there isn’t just ONE secret to homeschool success.

Actually, there are TEN.

In truth, every successful homeschool family has found what works well for THEM. Either naturally, by accident, or using years of trial-and-error, productive and happy homeschoolers have each discovered a formula for their own success.

The great thing is that — even though every family is different — successful actions always have things in common.

Years of research, observation and practice have led me to the discovery that homeschool success involves a combination of things — primarily a combination of TEN GREAT HABITS – that contribute to a great experience.

I now know what these great habits are. I see them in thousands of other families. I practice them myself.

Many of these habits come naturally to many people. Even if they don’t, most can easily be learned.

What if everyone had a list of the habits of the most successful people? What if every homeschooler had a list of successful homeschool habits, too?

In my e-book, The Way Homeschoolers Do, I reveal the TOP-TEN great homeschool habits. You may think of these as the SECRETS to homeschool success, if you like.

Buy the book here

In The Way Homeschoolers Do, readers are given a glimpse into what makes successful homeschool families tick. More importantly, readers learn the specific characteristics of homeschool families (the habits) that explain how these families do it.

Now, when new and prospective homeschoolers ask me, “How do homeschoolers do it?” I am able to share my list of the 10 great habits that explain this success.

When family and friends ask you how you do it, you can refer them to this list, too.

I think you’ll enjoy this compilation and explanation of the TEN HABITS of successful homeschool families.