tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46694903909688646132024-03-13T01:38:05.062-07:00 Making Math Awesome For home school parents and anyone else<br>
who wants to teach math to their kids, awesomely!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15762851467116061108noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669490390968864613.post-8258976515112285972013-08-02T20:43:00.004-07:002013-08-02T20:46:55.668-07:00Making Math Awesome August open house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzjuCelqK_EngBKELeHBjclaAqXIx43n3U_5uG5DcuYWu6VIXb8XuH8LJjIO3xCxl3rVCYIckBFx761pk7txop8MpbtoWu94rEtGA8WaZQuyc4FhO5R81lFDqvZJAZ1MatexHaIpIq1E/s1600/math_rules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzjuCelqK_EngBKELeHBjclaAqXIx43n3U_5uG5DcuYWu6VIXb8XuH8LJjIO3xCxl3rVCYIckBFx761pk7txop8MpbtoWu94rEtGA8WaZQuyc4FhO5R81lFDqvZJAZ1MatexHaIpIq1E/s320/math_rules.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love math, and my goal is that all home school families in Orange County would have as much fun with math as we do at our house! Therefore, I will be holding an open house in August to help you make math awesome at your house, too.<br />
<br />
Sunday August 11, 4:00-8:00 pm<br />
21151 Pennington Lane<br />
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679<br />
<br />
<b>OPEN HOUSE FORMAT</b> - you can drop in any time to peruse my library of math resources and ask me your questions. I have copies of nearly all the resources I recommend from pre-school to high school. Feel free to bring any books/curriculum you'd like to ask about.<br />
<br />
<b>KIDS WELCOME!</b> I have a small playground in the backyard they can enjoy while you browse & chat.<br />
<br />
<b>SPOUSES WELCOME</b> - my hubby will be here, too (and since you're bringing the kids, you can both come!)<br />
<br />
<b>NO FEE nor RSVP</b> - Just show up! If you can contribute some cookies or finger food to our refreshment table, that would be great but not necessary.<br />
<br />
<b>DISCOUNTED RESOURCES</b> - All resources are available for your review in person before ordering. Bring your checkbook if you'd like to make a purchase. Note I am passing along these savings as
a service to the OC home school community - I am not a reseller and
do not generate any profit on book sales.<br />
<br />
Contact me with questions: <a href="mailto:math@amystevens.net">math@amystevens.net</a> or 949-391-MATHAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15762851467116061108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669490390968864613.post-66660028413140346062013-08-02T20:43:00.003-07:002013-08-02T20:45:54.503-07:00August discount on home school curriculum consultation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub8FvMgnxJoan4kRGRWuJwm55gP59_E5uPZUJtZZVACbBUHKHxxtmwB9XuxNNwWKFP5H05v3ASQvdoRDX1vYhfQKQ-GGowOCMJ2s8sFxRYfDsnhOyZmPQjXSIyqRWmzq3WeJyzkN3SZE/s1600/Math-BooksSmaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub8FvMgnxJoan4kRGRWuJwm55gP59_E5uPZUJtZZVACbBUHKHxxtmwB9XuxNNwWKFP5H05v3ASQvdoRDX1vYhfQKQ-GGowOCMJ2s8sFxRYfDsnhOyZmPQjXSIyqRWmzq3WeJyzkN3SZE/s320/Math-BooksSmaller.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Many home school families I work with are unsure what curriculum or materials they should use with their students when teaching math at home. There are so many possibilities - <a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?subject=10" target="_blank">Rainbow Resource's mathematics section</a> contains 4100 products!<br />
<br />
I work with families who are new to home-schooling, those who have students struggling with math, and those who are just looking to make math more awesome. I can assess your student's current skill level and make recommendations on goals to set for the coming year. I can also help you determine what type of learner your math student is and help you select appropriate curriculum and supplemental resources for their learning style.<br />
<br />
For students enrolled in any of my <a href="http://www.c3classes.com/math.html" target="_blank">fall home school math classes</a>, I am providing a complimentary one-hour consultation in the month of August. For any students not enrolled in my classes, I am offering this service at a very reduced rate of only $30/hour in the month of August.<br />
<br />
Appointments fill quickly. Please let me know ASAP if your family would benefit from my help and I will be glad to set up a time to meet with you.<br />
<br />
Don't miss my <a href="http://www.makingmathawesome.com/2013/08/making-math-awesome-august-open-house.html">Making Math Awesome August open house</a>, where you can browse through my favorite resources and ask me your math questions!<br />
<br />
Contact me at: <a href="mailto:math@amystevens.net">math@amystevens.net</a> or 949-391-MATHAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15762851467116061108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669490390968864613.post-10453191860006742512013-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:002013-08-05T21:06:36.329-07:00Online math resources recommended by Amy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyS2HmzgFxTlCVt22VzBgVEagYYyZN35RoXllApuvpOPO7JFQ8cVccglK-5pz5Y8XHZk75NJmLNrh4GAIKCym61eupGr45P0RFWhnT3nbm8d2Yu34UGDkI5cxmqIxGycNvreFizlbRsk/s1600/khan-academy+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyS2HmzgFxTlCVt22VzBgVEagYYyZN35RoXllApuvpOPO7JFQ8cVccglK-5pz5Y8XHZk75NJmLNrh4GAIKCym61eupGr45P0RFWhnT3nbm8d2Yu34UGDkI5cxmqIxGycNvreFizlbRsk/s400/khan-academy+logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
From my Making Math Awesome seminar.<br />
<br />
<b>Learning Styles</b> - It's critical to understand your student's learning style (and your own teaching style) before planning your curriculum.<br />
<a href="http://www.mindtools.com/mnemlsty.html">http://www.mindtools.com/mnemlsty.html</a> Free<br />
<a href="http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles">http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles</a> Free<br />
Especially useful are the “Questionaire” and “Descriptions of styles”<br />
<br />
<b>Khan Academy</b> - This is a great resource for math practice where students can earn badges as they make progress. There are videos for each math topic with sample problems worked out. Parents & teachers/tutors can set student goals and track their progress, and it's all FREE.<br />
<a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/">https://www.khanacademy.org/</a><br />
<br />
<b>K5 Learning</b> (Math, Reading, Spelling) - This highly engaging program has a very well-designed interface and alignment to content standards. This is probably the online system for lower elementary I like best in terms of presentation and content. Pricing is as of date of this post.<br />
<a href="http://www.k5learning.com/">http://www.k5learning.com/</a> <br />
1st Child: $25 / mo or $199 / yr. Additional students: $15 / mo or $129 / yr <br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>ALEKS </b>- While not as engaging or pretty as Khan Academy nor K5, this resource covers ALL the math topics from K-college (!) and is standards-aligned. An assessment determines correct placement and students can skip topics they've already mastered. Topics are explained in writing and there are sample problems to follow. It also provides useful reporting on student progress (great for charter school turn-ins!) My son actually prefers this system to Khan Academy (though not all students do.) Pricing is as of date of this post.<br />
<a href="http://www.aleks.com/">http://www.aleks.com/</a> <br />
$19.95 / student / month, $99.95 / 6 months, or $179.95 / 12 months<br />
<br />
<b>IXL Math</b> - Another standards-based online practice. Each topic is treated separately, so you have to select the appropriate content standard for your student to work on. Friendly user interface with progress reporting available.<br />
<a href="http://www.ixl.com/">http://www.ixl.com/</a> <br />
$9.95 monthly $79 yearly<br />
<br />
<b>Art of Problem Solving</b> - This company provides, for "high-performing students," great books, online classes and an online math practice system called <a href="http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/liz/Alcumus/index.php?" target="_blank">Alcumus</a>. They are geared more toward self-discovery and problem-solving, and have a lot of resources for students practicing for math contests, as well as all the standard courses from pre-algebra through calculus.<br />
<a href="http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/">http://www.artofproblemsolving.com</a><br />
Alcumus is free, classes are fee-based<br />
<br />
<b>Geometer's Sketchpad</b> - This is an inexpensive software program that allows students to explore geometry and mathematics in an engaging, visual way. They offer free teaching units and activities on the website, but the possibilities are really endless! I will be using this software in my fall <a href="http://www.c3classes.com/math.html" target="_blank">Exploring Geometry for Middle-Schoolers</a> class.<br />
<a href="http://www.dynamicgeometry.com/">http://www.dynamicgeometry.com</a> <br />
$10 per student per year<br />
<br />
<b>TinkerPlots</b> - This is an inexpensive software program that allows students to explore data, patterns, and statistics in an engaging, visual way. It's similar to a spreadsheet program but so much better. They offer free teaching units and activities on the website, but the possibilities are really endless! I will be using this software in my fall <a href="http://www.c3classes.com/math.html" target="_blank">Middle School Adventures in Probability and Statistics</a> class.<br />
<a href="http://www.keycurriculum.com/products/tinkerplots">http://www.keycurriculum.com/products/tinkerplots</a> <br />
$10 per student per year<br />
<br />
<b>Living Math!</b> - "This site is dedicated to sharing resources for learning, exploring and enjoying math in a dynamic and holistic manner, for all ages. I want to build a bridge. I'd like to close the gap between math and history, science, literature and humanity created by the isolated way we traditionally approach math education." Great book lists, and offers an un-school-y curriculum.<br />
<a href="http://www.livingmath.net/">http://www.livingmath.net/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Purple Math</b> - This free site is all about algebra, containing lessons from pre-algebra to advanced algebra and everything in between. The examples are useful and clear. It also offers great links to related online resources.<br />
<a href="http://www.purplemath.com/">http://www.purplemath.com/</a> <br />
<br />
<b>The Math Forum at Drexel</b> - This free site is "the leading online resource for improving math learning, teaching, and communication" and offers "a wealth of problems and puzzles; online mentoring; research; team problem solving; collaborations; and professional development. Students have fun and learn a lot. Educators share ideas and acquire new skills." In particular, there are great links in the “Parents & Citizens” section.<br />
<a href="http://mathforum.org/">http://mathforum.org</a> <br />
<br />
<b>Ask Dr. Math</b> - This is an awesome math advice column, like Dear Abby for math. Responses are respectful, clear, interesting and offer a bit of humor. All kinds of math topics are covered.<br />
<a href="http://mathforum.org/dr.math/">http://mathforum.org/dr.math/</a><br />
<br />
<b>M.C. Escher official site</b> - This amazing artist is most famous for his mathematical prints, tessellations, and "impossible architecture." You will recognize his work. The tessellations are of particular interest to me as they introduce students to geometry in a fun and non-threatening way.<br />
<a href="http://www.mcescher.com/">http://www.mcescher.com/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Tessellations</b> - After your students have fun looking at the M.C. Escher tessellations, they can visit this site to make their own. Great instructions and lots of inspiration.<br />
<a href="http://www.tessellations.org/">http://www.tessellations.org/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Math Mammoth</b> - This is a very affordable curriculum based on Singapore principles, but without the amount of parent prep. It's primarily delivered in worksheet form, so if you are a fan of worksheets, this is for you. I also appreciate her blog & there is good information about subject sequencing, algebra, etc.<br />
<a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/">http://www.mathmammoth.com/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Cathy Duffy Reviews</b> - Cathy reviews all kinds of home school resources and curriculum, not just math. While she does have a Christian world view, she reviews secular products as well as religious, and it is a great site to get an idea of what's out there for any subject.<br />
<a href="http://cathyduffyreviews.com/">http://cathyduffyreviews.com/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Rainbow Resource Center</b> - I don't think there's a home school resource you can't buy from this online catalog. They literally have tens of thousands of products available (which can be overwhelming.) Prices are good, they often have free shipping available, and you can always find what you're looking for.<br />
<a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/">http://www.rainbowresource.com</a><br />
<br />
Feel free to add your favorite math sites in the comments!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15762851467116061108noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669490390968864613.post-32039479228865958122013-08-01T22:07:00.001-07:002013-08-02T20:47:45.544-07:00Welcome to Making Math AwesomeAs a home school math teacher, I get asked some of the same questions by many parents. I've decided to collect my responses to the most frequently asked questions here, as well as my thoughts on how best to teach math to your kids. Feel free to leave any questions you have for me in the comments; I will do my best to get you answers ASAP!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15762851467116061108noreply@blogger.com0