math
"We take strong ground when we appeal to the beauty and truth of Mathematics; that, as Ruskin points out~, two and two make four and cannot conceivably make five, is an inevitable law. It is a great thing to be brought into the presence of a law, of a whole system of laws, that exist without our concurrence, -- that two straight lines cannot enclose a space is a fact which we can perceive, state, and act upon but cannot in any wise alter, should give to children the sense of limitation which is wholesome for all of us...
The chief value of arithmetic, like that of the higher mathematics, lies in the
training it affords the reasoning powers,and in the habits of insight, readiness, accuracy, intellectual truthfulness it engenders....
A child who does not know what rule to apply to a simple problem within his grasp, has been ill taught from the first, although he may produce slatefuls of quite right sums in multiplication or long division." Charlotte Mason
Math U See
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Charlotte Mason used manipulatives to teach math. She emphasized the importance of "things" before "symbols." She also wanted students to have a good understanding of why they would perform a certain math function, not just how to perform it.
Choose a math curriculum that uses manipulatives and includes the WHY behind the HOW. Word problems are a great way to explore the WHY. Keep lessons short; you can do two shorter lessons at separate times throughout the day if needed.
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is designed to teach students specific skills that build as the student progresses. This systematic and cumulative approach uses a definite, logical sequence of concept instruction. The Math-U-See system is structured with step-by-step procedures for introducing, reviewing, practicing, and mastering concepts. Each lesson teaches using multi-sensory tools such as videos, manipulatives, and other resources, designed to appeal to any type of learner. With these resources, we are able to adapt to a variety of homeschool styles.
Math-U-See’s unique program contains the following:
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1. Colorful manipulatives are used to teach mathematical concepts from kindergarten into high school. Not only are the manipulatives highly effective at teaching math concepts, but they are also fun for students to use.
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2. Instructional videos and textbooks show the instructor how to use the manipulatives to teach math concepts. This empowers the instructor and allows for more time to work with the student. The videos can also be used for student instruction and review of previous concepts.
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3. Student workbooks focus on practicing and systematically reviewing concepts and tests that assess student progress. Clean, uncluttered layouts keep students focused without wasting time.
Not all children need advanced mathematics, such as Calculus. If your child finds math fascinating and wants to pursue it, feel free to do the advanced math courses. If your child is not math-inclined and doesn 't need an advanced course for college requirements, do the Stewardship course and give him practical experience as the family bookkeeper .
Numbers surround us. Just try to make it through a day without using any. It’s impossible: telephone numbers, calendars, volume settings, shoe sizes, speed limits, weights, street numbers, microwave timers, TV channels, and the list goes on and on. The many advancements and branches of mathematics were developed through the centuries as people encountered problems and relied upon math to solve them. For instance:
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What timely invention was tampered with by the Caesars and almost perfected by a pope?
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Why did ten days vanish in September of 1752?
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How did Queen Victoria shorten the Sunday sermons at chapel?
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What important invention caused the world to be divided into time zones?
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What simple math problem caused the Mars Climate Orbiter to burn up in the Martian atmosphere?
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What common unit of measurement was originally based on the distance from the equator to the North Pole?
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Does water always boil at 212° Fahrenheit?
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What do Da Vinci’s Last Supper and the Parthenon have in common?
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Why is a computer glitch called a “bug”?
It’s amazing how ten simple digits can be used in an endless number of ways to benefit man. The development of these ten digits and their many uses is the fascinating story you hold in your hands: Exploring the World of Mathematics.