By Mimi Rothschild
Math and science are not always the easiest subjects to learn, I wish they were because there are so many fascinating lessons to be learned in both subjects. While surfing the web I found this excellent list of strategies that will help your student improve in the areas of math and science. Each strategy includes articles or lesson plans so homeschooling parents can better understand how to apply them into their child’s homeschool curriculum. Below are the different methods scholars use to better understand math and science.
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Classification involves grouping items into one or more categories based on certain distinguishing characteristics. The categories are thoughtfully labeled so that the labels become descriptors for the members of the category. Comparison involves looking at two or more things or ideas and considering their similarities and differences. “Guess and Check” is a problem-solving strategy that students can use to solve mathematical problems by guessing the answer and then checking that the guess fits the conditions of the problem. Make a Table is a problem-solving strategy that students can use to solve mathematical word problems by writing the information in a more organized format. Eliminating Possibilities is a problem-solving strategy in which students remove possible answers until the correct answer remains. Using a Formula is a problem-solving strategy that students can use to find answers to math problems involving geometry, percents, measurement, or algebra. Finding a Pattern is a strategy in which students look for patterns in the data in order to solve the problem. Students look for items or numbers that are repeated, or a series of events that repeat. The “draw a picture” strategy is a problem-solving technique in which students make a visual representation of the problem. When a problem is too complex to solve in one step, it often helps to divide it into simpler problems and solve each one separately. The process of “choosing the operation” involves deciding which mathematical operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) or combination of operations will be useful in solving a word problem. In this lesson students compare one number with another using manipulatives, write number sentences to show the comparisons, and then relate the number sentences to story problems. A hundreds chart is used to show the alternating pattern of odd and even numbers, and students are asked to extend the pattern to identify additional odd and even numbers. Metaphors and analogies are comparisons between unlike things that have some particular things in common. You can use metaphors and analogies to make new and unfamiliar concepts more meaningful to students by connecting what they already know to what they are learning. This lesson uses the technique of analogy to teach students about migration. Teach your students about “Theory” and “Evidence” and how those terms and concepts are useful in all subjects. In this lesson, students are asked to develop a theory about how a Magic 8-Ball works without taking the 8-ball apart. |
Manipulatives are physical objects that are used as teaching tools to engage students in the hands-on learning of mathematics. They can be used to introduce, practice, or remediate a concept. Students will review identifying and writing the number that is one more or one less than a given one or two-digit number and ten more or ten less than a given one- or two-digit number. Geometry is the study of two- and three-dimensional figures. It includes defining the different figures, as well as describing their location and movement in space. Geometry concepts can be used in subjects such as reading and social studies, as well as math. Number sense involves understanding numbers; knowing how to write and represent numbers in different ways; recognizing the quantity represented by numerals and other number forms; and discovering how a number relates to another number or group of numbers. In this game, students will apply a variety of mathematical concepts and skills to solve problems and use mathematical reasoning to determine whether a number fits a generalization. Estimation is an important aspect of quantitative thinking — and a critical life skill in a world in which we often need to make decisions on the basis of inexact or undefined information. Math students in middle school will use estimation to approximate values, angle, and area measurements of a triangle. Algebraic thinking involves finding and describing patterns, making generalizations about numbers, using symbols and models to represent patterns, quantitative relationships, and changes over time. The main purpose of collecting data is to answer questions whose answers are not immediately obvious. Learn some tips on how to use data collection in your classroom. When students decide how to display data and go through the steps to create that display, they learn which type of graphs are useful in displaying the different types of data, and the advantages and disadvantages of each display. Data analysis is the process of interpreting the meaning of the data we have collected, organized, and displayed in the form of a table, bar chart, line graph, or other representation. Writing about mathematics helps students articulate their thinking, and provides useful information for teachers about learning difficulties, incorrect assumptions, and student’s progress in communicating about mathematics. This lesson is an introduction to comparing fractions with like denominators and unlike numerators, for students with a basic understanding of fractions as part of a whole, numerators, and denominators. Students use math journals to complete the lesson. This is an introduction to comparing fractions with unlike denominators. Students will compare fractions represented by drawings or models with unlike denominators. Students will use multiplication and division to show equivalent fractions. |
By Mimi Rothschild
The MorningStar Academy is proud to announce that graduating senior Melissa Pettignano’s first book, entitled “Suzanne Lantana” is now available to the public. “Suzanne Lantana” “is about a young, full of life girl that has gone through many things a pre-teen would go through all the way up to being a teen. The biggest one is loosing her aunt Arlene T. Babakitis on Sept 11th 2001 in The World Trade Center. This book is a collection of short stories. Stories that have meanings and teachings for young girls who can relate. If not relate can understand.”
Melissa exemplifies the home school education to the fullest. Home schooling allows students to pursue their interests and encourages a love of learning. Melissa pursued her passion for writing and telling stories. Home schooling also allows parents to customize and tailor their children’s education to meet their learning styles. These are only two home schooling benefits, but they show why home schooling is statistically proven to provide a better education than public schooling.
Melissa is currently writing her second book and will be on a book tour this summer.
To find out more about Melissa Pettignano’s “Suzanne Lantana” or to buy it click here.
By Mimi Rothschild
What are your homeschoolers doing this summer? Going back in time? Sailing on the high seas? Hanging out with the three little pigs? Summer is the perfect time for homeschoolers to improve their readings skills and have a blast while doing it. We’ve compiled a comprehensive summer reading list for each Grace Academy grade so that your homeschoolers can improve their reading skills over the summer and have fun reading a variety of amazing stories. Encourage your homeschooler to read everyday and see their reading skills improve dramatically over the summer!
Homeschool parents should also check out our homeschool summer school program. Our summer school program helps homeschoolers grow their minds, gain credit toward a high school diploma, and surge ahead academically instead of developing lazy habits. Have a great summer!!!
By Mimi Rothschild
The Deseret News has some good news. Colleges are becoming friendlier towards homeschoolers. In the past, college admissions departments raised an eyebrow at the applications of homeschoolers. As homeschooling grows in popularity, these institutions of higher learning have begun not only considering homeschooled applicants, but seeking them out.
And with good reason! Homeschoolers have now been shown to excel at the college level in an age where colleges are scrambling to maintain academic standards.
Under UC Riverside’s new policy, home schoolers can apply by submitting a lengthy portfolio detailing their studies and other educational experiences.
A portfolio is a great way to prove to college admissions counselors that you’ve completed a legitimate homeschool program. Students at The MorningStar Academy can receive portfolios detailing their yearly progress. These can come in very handy when hunting for colleges.
By Mimi Rothschild
There are some questions that homeschoolers can never seem to get away from. The main reason is that people have the temptation to devolve into an hour-long debate rather than offering simple answers that cut to the quick. I’d like to share with you my personal fail-proof answers that will not only prevent drawn-out arguments of epic sociological import, but will help your detractors understand why you have chosen to homeschool. Here are the Big 3 questions I receive the most. I hope that you find the following information helpful.
Q. What about socialization?
A. Any readers of this blog should recognize this as a no-brainer. I think the best way to handle this one is to call attention to the fact that you don’t want your kids to be socialized to disobedience, rebellion, vulgarity, secular knowledge, and moral relativism. If that doesn’t work, try explaining that your kids get all the socialization they need in church groups, athletic organizations, and whatever activities in which your homeschoolers participate.
Q. What makes you think you can teach?
A. This question is somewhat understandable. After all, you don’t have a teaching degree. I’ve found that a good way to approach this question is by explaining that no one loves or cares for your child like you do. Sure, teachers are committed to their students, but they can’t meet every unique need of every child in the classroom. All kids have different learning styles and learning levels, how can we expect a mass-produced textbook education to triumph over a specialized home education? You can also point out the declining test scores of public school students, illustrating the widespread failure of well-educated teachers.
Q. Can a homeschooled child get into college?
A. Of course they can! Colleges are more accepting of homeschooled children than ever before. In fact, according to recent studies, colleges are actually beginning to seek out homeschoolers given their high performance on standardized tests and ability to learn autonomously. It’s just a different process.