Math the fun way

Rebecca:

I was wondering what ages can use it? Is middle school too old for this. I checked it out and have a few students that have trouble with multiplying. Thanks.

I just ordered it, myself the other day, and I do plan to use it with middle school students. At first glance, I thought that it did look kind of babyish, but on the other hand, nothing else has worked so far. I’ve been using math charts and calculators for the last few years, and I’m finding that it takes too much time, because they’re so dependent upon them for every step of every process (advanced mult., division, fractions etc.).

I’ve had quite a few kids over the years who desperately want to learn their times tables. I don’t really think they’ll care how silly it is as long as we work with it behind closed doors. And I think if we agree with them that it’s silly (never use the word babyish), they’ll go for it.

Marilyn

I was working with a 13yo boy at a local elementary school and found out he was still trying to learn the 3-times table. Brought in my Math Facts the Fun Way kit for multiplication for the sped teacher to try. It worked so well, she asked for my addition kit too, and then ordered multiple sets of both to use next year for all of her students. I think she had been using Touch Point before that. She said retention was very good with MFFW — all she had to do was remind the children of the story. Also, I think she was happy to have a way to teach division.

Mary

Cool!!! Nice to hear. I had quite a few kids that “can not” multiply. I too am tired of math charts and calculators, maybe I can get my principal to order it. Just remember not to use the phrase “babyish” in front of my students!!!! What should I order?

The website has different packages including, I think, packs for teachers. For multiplication you would want the multiplication book (has the stories in it) and a workbook for each child. I would also get at least one set of the multiplication cards and division cards (flash cards). The children can make their own flash cards too, but you would want at least one master set.

Website is http://www.citycreek.com

that a teacher would need only one copy of the book. You don’t need a copy of the book for each child. You would, however, want a consumable workbook for each child.

Mary

Thank you Mary. I will let you know what comes of it…..
Rebecca

Mary:

MaryMN wrote:
>
> The website has different packages including, I think, packs
> for teachers. For multiplication you would want the
> multiplication book (has the stories in it) and a workbook
> for each child. I would also get at least one set of the
> multiplication cards and division cards (flash cards). The
> children can make their own flash cards too, but you would
> want at least one master set.
>
> Website is http://www.citycreek.com

I ordered the whole teacher’s kit, but was under the impression that the workbook was reproducible, so I only ordered the one with the kit. I hope that’s ok. I am really looking forward to working with this kit. I only hear good things about it!

Marilyn

I checked the website and the workbook is listed as reproducible. They’ve changed the website since I last visited, and maybe they added that information (or maybe I didn’t notice it last time).

Mary

I have used it with middle schoolers and it is amazing to see them light up when they can finally memorize what has evaded them forever. I also bought the addition stories…I am trying them with younger children, I asked one of my 8th grade students who is still struggling with addition facts if she wanted to try it and she didn’t want to because she felt she would get the stories mixed up. I have noticed that sometimes students will have a hard time in reversing the stories in regard to division, they can get the picture in multipliction but they have a hard time in division.

Mary,

I want to thank you for sending me in the NLD direction-you were right. I wanted to know if you thought it would be a good idea for my NLD daughter ??Step is too hard to type all the time and I never SAY it so why should I type it. We have used the multiplication rock video but she needs more follow through that does not involve her having to sing to herself to take a test at school.

The stories should be easy for her to remember.

Mary

Thanks again. Just finished Sue Thompson’s book while watching (!) football/cheerleading practice.