Math Practice

Though I like to bring new content in an imaginative, creative way, for some subjects nothing can take the place of practice, practice, practice.

Math is one of these subjects. I think that it is important to bring new math concepts in a fun, engaging way but when it comes down to it, students really need to practice math in order to master it.

Because of this, I’m always on the lookout for resources that I can draw from to create math practice for my students. Here are a couple that I’ve found.

Math Drills website — I’m using some problems from the worksheets on this website to create decimal practice sheets for my students for daily practice during our current block. Simple, straightforward, nothing fancy or exciting, but gives the practice that’s needed.

Key to Fractions — The Key to . . . series is great. Another simple, straightforward resource. I have even used the books to inspire my main lesson block teaching. Concepts are laid out in a step by step manner that makes complete sense. Students could pick up these books and learn fractions, decimals, etc. without any help at all. I had all of the students in my last class complete the fractions books and for this class I’m recommending it for summer work for students who need extra help.

Saxon Math — I love the way these textbooks are set up. These are traditional textbooks that include lesson sets of 30 problems. What is unique about them is that each lesson set retains problems with concepts from the previous lessons. Though I disagree with the approach on some concepts, there is nothing like Saxon for making sure you’ve covered math in a comprehensive, thorough way. My hope is to start using these textbooks for weekly assignments starting in sixth grade. Using the Key to . . . books for new concepts and the Saxon books for review is a perfect approach.