by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Apr 1, 2020 | Education Materials
(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way).
When I first saw the Math-U-See Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addition and Subtraction, I didn’t realize it was designed for more than just first time math fact learners.
I was wrong.
In fact, AIM was specifically designed for older students (8-16 years old) who have gaps in foundational math concepts.
For example, even if your child currently studies pre-algebra or algebra (like my son), the Math-U-See Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Addition and Subtraction may be a great choice. How is this math program helpful? Let me explain.
My son scored 32 (with around 100 being the cutoff level). After giving him the pretest, I knew this program would benefit him.
My son depends on a calculator and has for several years. Using a calculator enables him to continue to move forward in math.
Despite this, it sometimes bothers me that he can’t quickly give me the answer to basic math facts like 5+6 or 10-3. At least until we got our hands on this unique program.
One of the reasons I believe my son struggles with math facts is because he is more right-brained in his thinking. This is the kind of thinking that the manipulatives in AIM are useful for.
For example,
- Introductory videos help the teacher prepare and teach each lesson.
- A hard copy resource guide can be used for lesson planning. (In fact, everything showing in the picture at the top of the page is what you receive when you purchase the inexpensive AIM program).
- When you purchase this program you will also receive digital copies so that you can reprint if necessary.
- The short videos do an excellent job of reinforcing each lesson.
- Manipulatives provide hours of hands-on practice and fun.
- A Worksheet Maker is available online so you can customize each worksheet. For example, you can reduce the number of problems on each page.
- Colored pencils are included to help with the coloring exercises.*
- A variety of online digital activities and exercises are included as well. For example, the two images below show a digital manipulative program that a child can use to solve the math problems. The blocks show the blue block of 10 as reference. When the child is adding 9 and another number (7), looking at the 10 block clarifies the answer. Especially if your kid does the lessons in order. The number blocks are color coded. The idea is to be able to simply look at a block of 7 and know it’s 7 because it’s a certain color rather than counting up 7.
My son is a slow processor and he questions everything. However, he would much rather use hands-on manipulatives and do digital activities than write the answers down. Since there is obviously a time and a place for writing (and saying) the answer, the. Math-U-See AIM program was a good match.
A little bit of this and a little bit of that…
For example, the reinforcing theme is “Build, Write, Say.”
17 different “Build, Write, Say,” activities are provided in addition to the main worksheet activities. So many ideas! We couldn’t possibly use them all. but it’s a great aspect of the kit because you have choices that you can make depending on the unique needs of your children. A few examples:
- Build a Fact
- Subtraction Scavenger Hunt
- The Train Hitch (my son’s favorite)!
- Building a Wall of Tens
- Building a Bridge
- And lots more!
Just before I finished up my review today, I asked my son if he feels like the program is helping him remember his facts, and he said, “Yes.”
*The only thing my son did not like was the feeling of the colored pencils that were included in our box. My son has sensory processing issues and as a result he felt that the pencils were too hard. Thus, after he used them for a day he refused to use them at all. He instead used our own pencils, which are a bit softer. That was not a significant problem. But I did want to mention that the pencils included in the package at this time are hard. Thus, some children might prefer their own softer pencils. It certainly isn’t something that would deter me from buying AIM in the future.
So, don’t forget to check out this cool hands-on math curriculum! Click here now to see Math-U-See Accelerated Individualized Mastery program
And be sure to click the picture below to check out the other awesome Homeschool Review Crew reviews.
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Mar 26, 2020 | Education Materials
5 Ways You Can Use YouTube as a Homeschooling Resource. (Post may contain affiliate links).
As a parent who homeschools, you already know that gaining access to resources can be a real struggle. And an expensive one at that! You probably know that there are a lot of helpful teaching aids you can find online, but have you ever considered YouTube as a possible resource?
Kids love watching YouTube as entertainment. There are endless amounts of content. In fact, a lot of people are even choosing it over TV, including children. If you look beyond the fluff videos, you will find that there is actually a lot of really good, educational, and age-appropriate content your children can enjoy and benefit from.
So, instead of fighting against it, why not lean into it to harness the benefits and all the knowledge YouTube has to offer?
Below are 5 Ways You Can Use YouTube as a Homeschooling Resource.
1. Learning about foreign languages & cultures
Have you ever considered how valuable YouTube content can be, as a foreign language aid? Not only are there millions of videos out there created by people from all over the world, but they often have an educational slant. Channels like Rock ‘N Learn provide multiple foreign language tutorials (among other things) for languages like Spanish, German, or French.
If you go on YouTube right now and search for any language, you are sure to find dedicated videos that help people learn step by step. From “word of the day” type videos to videos explaining issues of grammar, there is almost no need to go out and purchase expensive textbooks that teach the exact same thing, but in a less engaging way.
Perhaps the best thing about learning a foreign language on YouTube is the fact that real people are presenting facts about their lives and the reality of living in a different country, including local culture, spiritual beliefs, everyday habits, etc.
YouTube can also facilitate actual interaction with people from foreign countries. Your children can chat with content creators (under your supervision, of course) in order to practice their language skills.
2. Explanations for science-related subjects
Believe it or not, even when it comes to hard science subjects such as math, chemistry, or physics, your child can still use YouTube as a resource. Especially when a new concept is taught, it can take a while for your little one to catch on, or they may require a different or more in-depth explanation. Especially when it comes to practical experiments in areas of physics or chemistry, it can be extremely helpful to have someone demonstrate how they do it. It makes it much easier to replicate or to follow slowly, step by step.
If you feel like you are out of your depth, chances are that someone on YouTube has a dedicated video explaining concepts thoroughly. Oftentimes, they even include diagrams, images, and other teaching aids that you may not have access to. The Organic Chemistry Tutor is just one of these channels that deal with math and science subjects.
3. Primary resources – movies, audio books, documentaries
YouTube is actually a great place to find primary resources when you need them. For example, movies, documentaries, and even audiobooks can be easily found on YouTube, free of charge. That is especially helpful for essays and critical analysis assignments, where studying primary resources like this is an essential part of the process. These resources may also be available at the local library, but not always.
In addition to the resources offered for free, YouTube also sometimes offers viewings at a price, much like Amazon. You can download a certain film, for example, for $10 and watch it, just like you would purchase a DVD.
4. History, made interesting
Students often dislike subjects like history, because they can feel very dry. There are lots of names, lots of years to remember, and a presentation that is not always interesting, when it’s in text form.
That is where YouTube can actually help instill a love of history in your child. History buffs will make lengthy, detailed videos about historical events. They explain context, and presented in interesting tidbits that students may not otherwise have access to.
Having someone passionate explain something in an interesting way is a much better way of learning. Especially when compared to reading from a history book. In addition, videos usually have accompanying images that can contextualize the information in a way that makes it easier to understand. Bedtime History is a channel that makes dedicated videos to historical figures, landmarks, and concepts. Bedtime History videos are presented in a way that is easy to understand and process for children.
5. Practical skills & hobbies
With everything that is crammed in a regular school year, it can be difficult to fit in time for hobbies, extra curriculars, and other skills. In addition, classes like home economics and such have fallen by the wayside. As a result, very useful and practical skills like sewing, or woodworking are no longer taught.
Perhaps you’ll be surprised to know that these are things they can learn on YouTube. There are tutorials for everything, from beginner levels to more experienced ones. All your child needs to do is search for what interests them. And they will find someone who teaches it online, for free. Plus, you don’t need to drive them anywhere, which is a significant bonus! For example, a channel like 5-Minute Crafts PLAY. This channel has hundreds of videos demonstrating fun, creative crafts your kids can do at home with household items.
5 Ways You Can Use YouTube as a Homeschooling Resource. What’s the bottom line?
As you can see, YouTube can actually make a great resource for education, especially if your children are homeschooled. Most parents who choose to homeschool are equipped for the subjects they will be teaching, but a little extra help never hurts.
It would be a shame not to take advantage of all the resources the internet provides for students. And learning from home is the perfect opportunity to explore these alternative means of education.
Whether we’re talking about interesting and age-appropriate explanations of historical events, math problems solved in real time, or valuable skills, YouTube offers a great assortment of choices. With the technology of YouTube, an incredible variety of professionals and hobbyists can help your children achieve a well-rounded education.
Caroline Black is a long time freelance writer hailing from sunny California who enjoys outdoor adventure, spending time with her fur babies, and cooking.
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by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Mar 24, 2020 | Education Materials
(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way).
For the past several weeks, my son and I have been using the cool Math Galaxy math program. The reason I chose to add Math Galaxy to my son's math program was to add some fun to his ordinary routine. I also wanted to try a new way to reinforce some of the math concepts he struggles with. Since Math Galaxy offers all levels of math, from kindergarten to 12th grade, I knew it would be a good choice. And it was.
For example, one of the super cool things about Math Galaxy is that you can choose from several different options. For example, all levels of the program are available in printable pdf format e-books. In addition to e-books, inexpensive apps ($4.99 to be exact) are available through iPhone, iPad, and Android stores.
The main purpose of Math Galaxy products is to reinforce and “tutor” kids who struggle with math concepts. In other words, it is designed to be a supplementary math tool to enhance learning. However, it can stand alone, in my opinion, because of the supplementary videos provided through the apps and through the main website.
And the price is definitely right.
For example, the entire 5 ebook set of Algebra concepts is just $10.00. Also, if you are looking for a simpler level, you can get the entire set of whole numbers for just $22.00. When you do visit the Math Galaxy website, I recommend clicking on “Guided Tour.” It’s the red button in the upper left side of the screen.
My son hates math. However, he was able to complete the puzzles on his own once we went through a couple of problems together. For example, the Algebra Properties and Operations e-book. This e-book includes a review of the properties of Algebra. For example,
- Commutative Property of Addition (and Multiplication)
- Multiplicative Inverse
- Associative Property of Multiplication (and Addition)
- Multiplicative Property of Equality (and Addition)
- And more.
At first, I didn't remember which was which. However, after we worked on a sheet together, we both were able to more easily remember what those TOTALLY ABSTRACT terms meant. What helps with these riddles is that the answers are limited. So, like I told my son. When you complete a page like this, pick the ones you definitely know first and then that narrows it down. We both found these riddle sheets to be an effective way of reinforcing the properties of Algebra. Knowing these properties is essential to being successful in Algebra and beyond.
We chose to review the Algebra Math Puzzles. However, we also used the Pre-Algebra Math Puzzles as well as two different apps:
- Pre-Algebra Fundamentals
- Algebra Fundamentals
These apps are perfect for kids (like mine) who hate math OR hate writing down the answers. Of course, kids who like computer games are also the perfect people to use this app for.
When we use the apps, the math is super easy to figure out. This is because there are step-by-step instructions, and lots of levels to choose from. As you play, you earn “robots” which can be used to play the games. Since we use both the pre-algebra and algebra math games, we have noticed that they are not exactly the same. In other words, if I tell you which game we play in Algebra, you may not get that same game in addition and subtraction. But you will get some kind of game. The really good news about the robots is that your child will earn robots even if he or she doesn't get the answer correct. Plus, as they are learning, children will be told why the answer is wrong, for future reference. The apps also contain full video explanations of the various concepts taught in the app.
Math Galaxy Math Games
Links for apps can be found at the Math Galaxy website.
Math Galaxy Math Games Google slides are also available for the following levels:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Fractions
Below is an example of what a slide looks like in google drive.
As you can see, I have one of the h's selected. When you select the box with the ? mark, you simply replace it with the correct letter. You figure out the letter based on the correct answer of each math problem. There is a matching answer for each. And once you know which letter goes with a certain answer/number, then you add that letter to each box with the corresponding number as is shown in the example.
Make sure to check out this super cool math program, Math Galaxy here.
Don't forget to check out the other reviews by Awesome Homeschool Review Crew members here or click the image below.
My son is a slow processor and he questions everything. However, he would much rather use hands-on manipulatives and do digital activities than write the answers down. Since there is obviously a time and a place for writing (and saying) the answer, the. Math-U-See AIM program was a good match.
