Living Math: Bringing Math to Life
If there is one subject that can scare students, it’s math. Opinions are plentiful among homeschoolers on the best method and curriculum to use to make math click. And while homeschoolers’ opinions, approaches and curriculums are diverse, the Progress Report 2009, conducted by Brian Ray, Ph.D., president of the non-profit National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), showed that homeschoolers are, in fact, doing a good job of teaching this sometimes difficult subject. On average, homeschooled students scored in the 84th percentile in math on standardized tests compared to their public school peers, who only scored in the 50th percentile. But even with this glowing report, homeschoolers may be searching for help. That’s why finding math resources to supplement a student’s learning is a godsend. Living Math offers just that.
While researching a new math curriculum, I came across this website. What I found was a wonderful library of creative ideas and suggestions for making math come alive. I especially love the recommended reading lists. If you follow the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling, or simply like the idea of using living books to bring your child’s learning to life, then you’ll probably love this list too.
Living Math does offer some paid-for curriculum and is in the process of releasing new curriculum, but developer Julie Brennan, fellow homeschooler and CPA, offers an abundance of FREE information—articles, games, books, websites, etc.—to help you breathe life into your children’s math.
So take a look at the Living Math website and see if you are as inspired as I was. Happy homeschooling!
You’re absolutely right… here’s more examples.
Elizabeth has been accepted to four different universities and is having problems choosing which one she prefers. The decision is made even more difficult because Elizabeth is just 15 years old.
Michael took his SAT test last Saturday. He scored 1560 out of 1600 including a perfect 800 in math. He’s looking forward to finishing his schooling as he will be attending Harvard in the fall.
George has been invited to his local college to compete for five scholarships they are awarding amounting to full tuition for four years – about $100,000 each. The scholarships are awarded based on academic ability and the competition is stiff every year. He’s expected to finish first and have his schooling paid for.
What do all of these children have in common? All have been home schooled.