Homeschool Math Blog

Sometimes people have asked me about using TESTS with Math Mammoth curriculum -- whether to use them or not. Well, basically it's up to you. I have provided chapter tests as a tool for those who want to use them, but I don't feel they are compulsory or "required" as such. It all comes down to whether you can use the tests to increase student learning. So often, tests are administered and grade given, and that's it; the test is forgotten. But there's some real "gold" -- some real value -- you can dig out from tests, and that "gold" is in the mistakes your student makes. The test can point out or manifest the student's weaknesses. So what? you might wonder. Well, once you AND the STUDENT know about those weaknesses, you can work together to help the student MASTER the material. If there was a mistake in test item #5, then let's practice that topic some more! One "trick" to help you with this goal is to let students...

I know it's time when many families are choosing curriculum for the next school year, and I also know how important it is for people to use PLACEMENT TESTS prior to starting Math Mammoth. So here it is, finally (I do wish I had gotten this video done a bit sooner!) ...  some basic principles about how to use Math Mammoth placement tests, in video format. (And, these tests also work as generic math assessment tests -- you can use them even if you don't use Math Mammoth.) Brief summary: - Choose a test you THINK your student will pass. - 80% is a passing score; students scoring 50-79% probably just need to study the areas where they have gaps - Based on the results, you may need to administer the next lower or higher level test also... or in some cases, even three tests... to get a good grasp of what your student knows and doesn't know. - If a student does well overall, except in one particular area (such as geometry), consider administering parts of the low...

Math Mammoth May sale is now live! 😅 Get 25% off of all of Math Mammoth & Make It Real Learning products sold at MathMammoth.com site. Use coupon code MAY25 at checkout. The offer is valid till June 1, 2018. Start browsing for example at https://www.mathmammoth.com/books.php

Math Mammoth Grade 4 Skills Review Workbook is now available! This workbook is supplemental, and provides additional practice for the topics in the main curriculum ( Math Mammoth grade 4 ). It is currently available as a digital version, and later on as a printed book. The workbooks for other grades available thus far are grade 1 , grade 2 , and grade 3 (we're working on 5th!).

Need a quick and easy way to have your child/student(s) review math facts? All you need is a deck of cards (for each student). ☺The student flips through the cards, adding the same number to the number shown on each card OR multiplying the number on the card by the same number (chosen beforehand). For example, a child might practice the multiplication table of 7, and therefore multiply each card by 7. Read more here: Review Game: Once Through the Deck

I recently got a question concerning a 3rd grader who has always had difficulty with number memorization and counts on her fingers. Mom is planning to start Math Mammoth grade 2 with her. Her question is, " Is it okay to let her use a 100 chart while going through the program and completing the assignments? We will also continue to practice math facts with flash cards, etc ." I would say that using a 100-chart for a crutch is okay for children who have learning disabilities, and in situations where different methods to learn the math facts have been tried for years with no avail. However, before resigning to that, I feel one should teach the child STRATEGIES and PATTERNS for addition and subtraction facts. Flash cards are based on rote memorization, which is the hardest way to memorize anything. It's much easier on children once they can see math facts in a CONTEXT, and once they have learned various strategies for addition and subtraction (also called number sen...

Do you perhaps have questions concerning the various Math Mammoth products? Feeling confused about the many options? I have completely revamped and updated the email "tour" around Math Mammoth website... Math Mammoth Tour , I call it. This email tour takes you "around" the various series of Math Mammoth books, plus a few other important topics, in seven different emails (TOURSTOPS) over the course of a week. It's completely free! Simply click here to sign up!