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*Lindsey*
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| Posted: Nov 24 2009 at 7:26pm | IP Logged
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DS has been working in the MCP math workbook. Lately, he's been complaining a lot. "This is stupid!" "I hate math!" and so on.
I read the Cathy Duffy review on Working without Text and am considering this approach-and purchasing the 3Rs book.
However, I am concerned because time isn't something I have a lot of. (I know you all understand that!) Using a textbook is nice b/c I don't have to think too far ahead or take a lot of time to plan.
How much more time would this new approach take to plan and gather materials for? Is it feasible for a mom with 5 little kids?
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Lindsey
Mama to DS (11), DD(9), twin dds(7), DD (5), DS (4), DS (3), and 5 angels in heaven.
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Sarah M
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| Posted: Nov 24 2009 at 10:15pm | IP Logged
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I'm all for ditching the textbook, Lindsey. 
Six year olds should normally enjoy learning, so I'd take a second look at your math program if your child isn't enjoying it.
We are using the 3 R's book around here (you do mean Ruth Beechick's 3 R's book, right?) for math and it is absolutely not time consuming at all. I spend about 10 minutes at the beginning of each week flipping through The Three R's book to see what's next. Then I make a quick list of activities that might support those skills. I use materials I already have around the house (popsicle sticks, cheerios, m&m's, counters, etc), and it is really not hard to come up with ideas. She gives suggestions, but most are really simple enough to come up with yourself (for example, to teach simple addition, you can have your child roll two dice and figure out the sum... that kind of thing). And playing board games (any board games- not just "math" ones) are, according to both Cathy Duffy and Ruth Beechick and a whole host of other educator-types, the best way of all to learn various math skills.
I bet you'll be surprised at how much math you don't need to do with a 6yo, according to the 3 R's guidelines. Almost everything on the Kindergarten & First Grade lists can be easily attained from real life, without any formal sit-down-math-lessons at all.
If you PM me your email address, I'll happily send you the lists of math skills for grades K & 1, so you can see what you're up against.
I will say that embracing the Ruth Beechick's 3 R's book has completely simplified our homeschool. I'm spending way less time planning/preparing now than I ever have, and we are making more progress this way. It's been a perfect fit for us. So I wouldn't go into it worrying that it's going to take a lot of your time. In my experience, that's not been the case.
What a beautiful, busy family you must have, Lindsey-- all those sweet little girls and a big brother to keep it interesting! 
Have a very blessed Thanksgiving!
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Mary G
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| Posted: Nov 25 2009 at 5:25am | IP Logged
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At 6 just get lots of math manipulatives, otherwise known as games: dominoes, Wedgits, tangram like toys ... toy cash register ... and just let him learn that numbers and all things math are fun and helpful. Let him cook with you and do the fractions: "I only have a 1/4 cup but I need 1/2 a cup, how many should I put in" ... or "I have 4 eggs and I need 2, how many will that leave us for Dad's breakfast?" ... stuff like that.
We do SUCH a disservice to our kids by giving them textbooks too young (altho it makes us moms sure we're giving them everything). Another thought would be to take him to your local bookstore (or even Walmart/Target) and have him pick a math workbook that interests him ... mazes, time problems, money whatever.
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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Paula in MN
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| Posted: Nov 25 2009 at 5:41am | IP Logged
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Yes, ditch the book! Don't forget math bingo!
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 Paula
A Catholic Harvest
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Nov 25 2009 at 8:01am | IP Logged
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Ditch!!!!
And live and love the numbers for a while!!!
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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JuliaT
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| Posted: Nov 25 2009 at 12:22pm | IP Logged
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I'll join the chorus! Doing math the living way is so much fun and more interesting than a regular diet of worksheets and drill.
We have spent our week going through David Adler's books on fractions. We have had a blast! The materials needed were paper plates and crayons. Easy peasy! Even my 6 yr. old enjoyed this activity.
Doing math without a workbook does not have to be hard or time consuming. For us, it has simplified our math time a great deal.
Blessings,
Julia
mom of 3 (10,8,6)
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: Nov 25 2009 at 12:34pm | IP Logged
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Definitely ditch!
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Theresa
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MaryM
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| Posted: Nov 25 2009 at 12:54pm | IP Logged
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I'm linking the Working Without Text article (Cathy Duffy) and The Three R's book (Ruth Beechick) that Lindsey referenced above.
 to this approach. This is very much the type of "living and loving math" kind lifestyle that we would like to see more of in posts in this forum.
And let's address the specifics of this question a little more:
*Lindsey* wrote:
| How much more time would this new approach take to plan and gather materials for? Is it feasible for a mom with 5 little kids? |
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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Angie Mc
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| Posted: Nov 25 2009 at 1:46pm | IP Logged
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MaryM wrote:
And let's address the specifics of this question a little more:
*Lindsey* wrote:
| How much more time would this new approach take to plan and gather materials for? Is it feasible for a mom with 5 little kids? |
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This approach frees up our family time. We do no formal math until around age 8, and even then, it is very light and at our own pace. Up front, it takes time to find a few resources that fit the budget and are enjoyable. Then it takes some time and effort to figure out how to make the material available, attractive, and organized. Then it takes time to develop the habit of using the material as well as *seeing* math opportunities around us. Sooooooooooooo...it can take some work upfront but once you get your environment set up and have developed a few habits, its the gift that keeps on giving!
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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4Real Forums : Living and Loving Numbers
Topic: Ditch the textbook?
