Thursday, March 17, 2011
Resources for Teaching Geometry
I've always been against teaching toward the state tests. This year I am making an exception. I took a peek at the sample tests from the state and decided I am going to take two weeks to groom the kids for that ugly test!
The Math test revolves around the metric system and geometry. My kids know precious little about either one! I am not a lover of Math and I cannot wrap my mind around geometry so we are in a pretty pickle! I don't understand why I can't find nay geometry classes for homeschoolers. Are we all geometrically challenged? Goodness, I hope not! I would like to think that some of you out there understand all the shapes and angles and areas and pi and radii and circumference and deci and decka and whoever else wants to join the crowd!
So anyway, in an attempt to better our understanding of such things I went to our local homeschool store and bought what is called in shorthand, "Key To's". I am just not as impressed with them as I thought I would be. Tink finds them almost impossible to understand, but then again, she does have the processing disorder so maybe I shouldn't evaluate a text on what is understandable and comprehendable to her. Here's the kicker though, it isn't any clearer to me either!
So back out for more resources. Here is what I found! Geometry books from Straight Forward Math! I love them! They are so easy to understand and use. Even Tink is understanding these books! I really can't recommend them enough. The pages have just a few problems on them. They are not crowded and overwhelming. The pages are white, not gray like the Key To's. The page color makes a difference to children with learning differences. Some kids cant look at black on white and need overlays to tone it down. Tink needs the white. The grayish paper makes her feel cluttered!
Everything in these Straight Forward Math books is explained clearly and simply. State testing for my kids is scheduled to begin on March 28. We have spent all of this past week doing Geometry and Math. It's really been a fun thing in the long run. The charter school is out for break this week and next week. As a result, we have been able to spend some valuable time pouring over the books without interruption. I have high hopes that Peter, at least, is going to score higher as a result of these two weeks of study.
I also found another book that I think is wonderful. It's entitled, "Everything You Need to Know About Math Homework. I use this as a tutor and a homeschool mom. Check it out. I purchased all the books mentioned here (except the Key To's) used for cheap prices at our local homeschool store.
How do you teach Geometry? Do you have any good resources to share? I'd love to hear about it.
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I'll have to check that Straight Forward book out, thanks! The price is certainly good. We just covered a section of Geometry in my son's 8th grade Rod & Staff math book. Geometry is a pain, especially Plain Geometry with the 3D shapes. Oye, trying to get the surface area of every side made me go cross-eyed. I definitely could have used some models to help. As it was we folded paper and/or blocked out areas to try not to miss each side.
ReplyDeleteRod & Staff did a pretty good job of explaining it. I was able to help without too many problems. Tenth grade will be all geometry! Ugh. We will be using CLE for the first time next year - Algebra I.
The one thing that would have helped me would be to have models of the various shapes. Unless you are spatially orientated, it's tough to turn the shapes around in your mind.
We use the plastic laminated math charts from CLE as a quick reference and to memorize formulas. They are double sided and packed with everything you need. Geometry is on the Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate charts. These a very, very big help. It keeps us from having to page back to each chapter for the formulas, or from having to make our own charts.
I actually bought the models in three D at Learning Palacwe. It makes a big diff when the kids can see the shape and feel it and actually literally count the sides as they turn it around in their hands. I so agree. Models are a must.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'll look there tonight.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the geometry lessons here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mathlearningcenter.org/resources/materials/grade-five/supplements
All free. And fun. ;)