Hello and Math here we go!

Hello all,

I see it has truly been a while since my last post and I truly apologize for that! I have had so many projects on my plate over the past year and a half, but God is good all the time! The children are now seventh and tenth grade, and my two books are coming along well (not as quickly as I had first anticipated, but I am loving the journey!!!)

I was at a mom's support night meeting tonight when a discussion came up about Math products.

Over the years I have heard so many cries of frustration from either parents with children who struggle with Math or parents who can't afford the cost of some the wonderful quality program like Teaching Textbooks or Chalkdust. Well I heard you and I am happy to say that I recently discovered a computer-based math program that may be a good solution for everyone.

This high-quality math academic instruction software is used by schools as well as individual homeschoolers or homeschool cooperatives(I have included a screenshot from their website).

It can be found on the website:

http://www.mathtutor.com/software/algebra-2-lessons.html

Please note: this is not to be confused with MathTutorDVD.com. This is a separate program not affiliated with mathtutor.com

I tested these products on my own children and I found that they actually work really well. They are engaging, easy to understand and they break each concept down step by step so that the child knows exactly how to attack the problem. It then gives the student every opportunity to practice various problems of the concept until that student feels comfortable enough to take the lesson test. There are approximately 5-7 lessons for each unit, and a unit test at the end. This program even has it's own record-keeping section! Print your report by date, grade, concept, etc and you are done.

I used to hear groans before each math lesson, now...the kids happily complete their math assignments.

This program retails for approximately $50.

A chance to win free Computer Programming Software

Hey everyone! I wanted to tell you about this great prize giveaway I just signed up for! As you know, one of my links is to this great site called Freely Educate. If you have a computer enthusiast at home or are just trying to fulfill a high school technology requirement, you should check out this contest.

From their site:

"Do you have a computer enthusiast in the house, but just thinking about teaching him or her makes your head ache and your typing fingers hurt? If so, you'll be happy to know that some very smart people created computer programming courses for kids & teens, specifically for homeschoolers and - best of all - without you needed to help teach.

And guess what? They want to give a full curriculum to two Freely Educate readers! I'll tell you how to enter the giveaway in a bit. First, here is more about TeenCoder and KidCoder:

Using KidCoder and TeenCoder, students in grades 4th-12th learn Windows and Game Programming using industry-standard Visual Basic and C# languages. The self-study courses may be completed by your student at his/her pace. All courses come with fully coded activity solutions; no teacher expertise required. Each course includes a perfect-bound 8.5 x 11" textbook and enclosed CD with professional setup program.

Homeschool Programming, Inc. wants to send out a package to two winners who may choose from these two options:

KidCoder: Windows Programming curriculum + Instructional Video ($85 value)

TeenCoder: Windows Programming curriculum + Instructional Video ($90 value)"

ok, that's all for now. If you're interested, pop over to their site and enter for your chance to win:

Freely Educate

Great, Inexpensive Prep Test options

Hi All,

I know it is summer-time and the last thing on your mind is any type of SAT prep classes! Heads up to those of you with upcoming tenth graders: Th PSAT tests are administered in October and open to all tenth graders. The PSAT is a great practice test for the SAT and is also the first step in qualifying your children for possible scholarships (to include the National Merit Scholarship). If you have your child/children practice 1-2 hours a day on the PSAT prep, it will help them feel more comfortable about the upcoming exam.

Just wanted to let you know about a resource I found that has PSAT, ACT and SAT prep as well as literature guides. This site is wonderful and if you use the code SHMOOPLUV333 (all caps) you will get 10% off your bill. This site is also filled with many free resources as well. Just thought I would pass the information along. Check it out at: http://www.shmoop.com/sat/test-prep.html

Love letter from our heavenly father

Hi all, this is not a post to tell you about a wonderful educational resource. Today, I'd like to share with you a wonderful video that a friend sent to me. I love it and it is sooo inspiring. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. God Bless!



Please feel free to post comments on the posted video.

Michelle

Lattice Multiplication anyone?

Hello again,

As I mentioned in earlier posts, I have a child that will be starting High School next year, so this year we have been using a few of The teaching Company videos. We were using The Basic Math series for review and I just have to tell you about a cool concept that I saw while reviewing Math with my children. Have any of you ever heard of Lattice Multiplication? I really wish someone would have taught me how to do long multiplication using this technique! Check it out:



Very cool right? Well if you have a child who is struggling with long multiplication, try to teach them using this method :-)

If you are interested in The Teaching Company videos, they can be found at:

http://www.teach12.com/teach12.aspx?ai=16281