Marla B.

A few months ago, my 8 yo. dd went to a class on computers and at the
beginning the teacher quizzed the kids on their math knowledge. Being
the only unschooled family (all the other kids are homeschooled with
regular work, etc.), my dd felt behind the others in this area. Now
she keeps bringing it up and says that she wants to know why X and Y
are part of math, when it is about numbers not letters. She also
feels that she isn't as smart as the other kids who could answer the
questions.

Up to now, our math has just been answering her questions and through
monetary purchases, sewing patterns, and cooking. We have never used
a math book, etc. However, I don't know how to teach variables
without using a math book. We have much of the Math-U-See series,
which I won in a raffle, but we've only used the manipulatives.

I also have tremendous math anxiety, as shown to me by Pam G. at last
year's conference. Opening the Math-U-See book and seeing triangles
and lengthy problems practically brought me to my knees - lol (never
mind that I made it through College Calculus II. I look at my old
books and am completely clueless - lol).

DD wants to be a vet and if she continues on that path, math is in our
future.

How do I know how to teach, what to teach, etc.?

Thanks!

Marla Mom to Amy (8 yo.) and Lily (3.5 yo.)

caradove

Hello there!

My children, 11,9,5.5,4yo all love Cyberchase on PBS Kids. After
watching it every day we looked on PBSKids.org <www.pbskids.org> and
the games and activities on the Cyberchase pages are great! It is
starting on TV right as I type! My hubby is singing the theme song lol!
There are fractions, basic algebra, compass points patterns and tons
more, all in fun colourful games. Mostly my 5.5yo dd and 4yo dd play
these days.
If I think of any other fun math stuff they do I will post it.
Cara




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