Here are a few vids I've made while playing around at Haiku School with 1st and 2nd graders using base ten blocks.
We do math that is supposedly advanced for their age. Most of the time the kids don't seem to notice. We fool around with problem solving and algebra, Pythagorean Theorem and addition, multiplication and division. All it is is counting. No concept is beyond the child if presented at the child's level.
Teachers and teachers aides are always amazed at what I take for granted. Several teachers aides commented that they were doing the same thing at the local community college while they attempted to get their teaching degrees. Many of them are being held up because of the math. "Why don't they teach it this way?" is a common question.
I'll get into that some other time. I am building a six hour Audio Course that will cover that (briefly) and a whole lot more. Should be done this summer. To start off here is a rant. Fed up with teachers who tell me kids can't do simple algebra. Teachers can't do simple algebra, not the kids.
Then here is a CLASSIC lesson with first graders. We learn addends for 10 and nine and the nines multiplication table to boot.
Here is another lesson with is a lesson with 1st graders factoring polynomials but what we are really doing is learning addends and multiplication:
As one teacher put it when they get back to the stuff they are doing for "grade level" they ace it. Also In the 1st grade class I go to for an hour a week they blew away their piers on the standardized tests. Especially in "algebraic thinking" but also in general computation. These scores are confidential or I'd share them. Here is more:
I've been fooling with this for 23 years now. I have heard every excuse in the book from teachers as to why they can't do this their classrooms. This post is about removing excuses. ANYBODY can do this. I can train you. You can train yourself. I am working on courses that you can buy for a few bucks to help you implement this in classrooms or in your home or homeschool.
Meantime get a password for 24 bucks and start watching some vids and reading pages that interest you in your spare time. (That's a bit of a joke, my mom was a classroom teacher I know you don't have a lot of spare time.) Once you figure out how AWESOME this is you'll find the time.
Here are second graders doing slightly more advanced play. They are making square polynomials and you can hear the excitement in the room. It's fun. They know they are doing stuff that's supposed to be "hard." In kid culture algebra is hard, but they often ask for it by name.
Here is a lesson on square numbers:
We are getting ready for Pythagoras. Before you dive into more complex concepts it's good to get them used to the elements they will be faced with before hand...like squares and square root. Very important to know what the symbols mean.
And just for fun I took a trip down the radical path. Why. Because you can.
The we played with Pythagoras. The thing to remember is all we are doing is using our counting skills.
The classes with the first graders are about an hour long and 90 minutes with the second graders. I don't expect you to watch all these vids in one sitting but here they all are in one place. You can share them with teachers you know and they can get to them as time permits. Any young ambitions teacher that would like to turn these into lesson plans are welcome to do it...
It is hard to film and teach all at the same time, plus I am hampered by rules about filming children and etc. So I don't make many vids. Hopefully there will e another post like this before summer with a bunch more fun vids for you to watch.
95% of the time we have a great time. Once in a great while things can get rough. I had a Monday morning class with a substitute teacher where the second graders were having a hard time due to lack of sleep
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Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Dboyz Playing Multiplication Minus Manipulatives.
Here are a couple of vids and links to more on multiplication, and tips on how to make it painless and maybe even fun. Spending a year doing worksheets over and over again is SO LAST CENTURY.
The idea is to mix it up, let fractions teach multiplication, let algebra teach multiplication, as well as story problems...and as in these to vids even when you are doing multiplication keep the drill work to a minimum play with blocks, make squares and rectangles. You can hear them say it's fun when I do the writing because they just have to say the answer. At this age writing is work...too many kids get turned off right here because you make it work. Multiplication makes math easy because it makes counting FAST. So right when they should be getting to the point where the math gets easier and easier because they can count fast, it's turned into work and no fun and boring memorization instead of a gateway to being able to do more complex and bigger problems. Remember math isn't just computation. Computation is how we DO math...but it's not the math.
Base ten blcoks and manipulatives can help make math fun if you use them correctly and you have the right kind of blocks. It's all about SPEED. Counting out lots of cubes or pieces takes too long.
Here we are practicing multi-digit multiplication. Unspoken is a lesson on place value and the names of numbers. Hear the "OH!" from the younger boy?
"They give it to you hard in school."
This way is "Easier than blinking."
The idea is to make it fun and if this is your first time to the blog these two have spent HOURS AND HOURS with blocks before we go here. Here is a page showing them learning some multiplication using base ten blocks.
Notice I do all the writing even though the older boy wants to do some...if we weren't on vid I might have let him do some but it slows things down when I'm trying to make a vid. and youtubers have no attention span. Writing on the whiteboard is fun. Writing in a workbook is not as much fun. You can see I also draw pictures and do a fast lesson on division with it. When it's bigger it's just more multiplication tables. "Doesn't matter it's easy.
This is a long vid:
YOU write for them and it goes fast and easy. You can have them practice writing but I want them to practice math facts NOT making symbols. Writing slows everything down at this age and makes the books NO fun. Like I have said before be careful with worksheets. They usually take the fun out of math. This is also a great way to spend "quality time" with your kids...
Myth is because they can't write they can't do math...false. That's like saying because they can't write they can't speak English.
When you get right down to it it all we are doing is counting. Adding and multiplication is just counting quickly.
You also see multiplication and division go together...
I also give them exposure to the cubes. They have seen the square numbers before and it's good to now 1728 is a cube and so is 343 and so on...later they will recognize square numbers and cubes when they see them because they have been exposed to them.
I can't stress enough before you do what I'm doing in those vids you play with blocks and draw pictures! These boys have played with blocks for YEARS. Once they do they won't need blocks or symbols either. There are plenty of posts where they do math "in their heads."
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Spring Sale
SPRING SALE IS OFFICIALLY OVER.
Here are the sale prices. This a real sale but there is one small catch: no cash refunds so make sure you know what you are ordering. The process is simple: look over this price list and pick what you want. Email me. I will send you a paypal invoice that you can pay with any credit card. If you use paypal there are other options too. Shipping is free to the USA only. And it has gone up to International Destinations. But with the sale it's almost like getting free shipping. Almost. Australia is ridiculously pricey.
If you do the math you will find that the Deluxe Curriculum Starter Kit comes to 500.00 at the sale prices. Told you it was a good deal.
Anyhow here is contact info:
http://www.crewtonramoneshouseofmath.com/contact.html
I get plenty of spam already even with these precautions. The idea with the 300 books is perhaps you get together with some people and order as a group and get even better prices...that way a set of Smiley face books is only 50 bucks, or a set of level 1 is only 50 bucks...but you need to order 6 sets (300 books) so for example one person could order smiley face and level 1 that 100 books another person level 1 and 2 that's another 100 books, and another person could order level 2 and 3 for a total of 300 books and you get the discount...get it? Maybe 6 people order one set of books each. Or two people get 150 books each...or whatever.
Here are my ordering pages with vids on kits and books:
Kits:
http://www.crewtonramoneshouseofmath.com/product-exchange.html
BOOKS:
http://www.crewtonramoneshouseofmath.com/Mortensen-Math-Books.html
This is a great deal:
Combo Kit Reg $91.00 SALE: $65.00
Multiple Tens Kit Reg $42.00 SALE: $30.00
So now you can get both for 95 bucks!!! And it INCLUDES shipping to the USA.
And when you order thru me you get an annual password on orders over 50 bucks...if you guys go in on a case everybody gets a password. If you order something small I still give you a password just not an annual password.
You may note not everything is on sale but pert near. Good time to get the last of the VHS tapes, you can turn them into DVD's for personal use yourself....just don't try and sell them.
MORTENSEN MATH
SPRING SALE 2013
MAR 30 - JUN 29, 2013
SPRING SALE IS OFFICIALLY OVER.
SPRING SALE 2013 MAR 30 - JUN 29 PRICE LIST:
SHIPPING IS FREE TO CONTINENTAL USA destinations.
SPRING SALE 2013 MAR 30 - JUN29
Dear Friend of Mortensen Math, Thank you for contacting us today!
Let me know what you want to order for sure and instruct me to send you an email invoice.
Follow the LINK in the eInvoice to pay through PayPal. You don't have to be a member to pay with a card online there.
Our Sale Prices may not be "up" on our Website yet but will be soon.
When you decide what you want to order send us an email with details and then watch for an "email eINVOICE" from us through PayPal. Use the LINK in the email to go to PP and pay. You don't have to be a member of PayPal. Can still pay with a card online.
For help deciding what you might need for your particular student(s) feel free to email or call with further questions. EMAIL IS GREAT because we can thoughtfully respond in better detail!
WE WILL BE OFFERING LIVE CHAT SOON!
NOTE: If you order a case (300 bks - mixture ok) of Bks - receive QVP (Quantity Volume Pricing)
Reg QVP case price for Bks = $1.75 per bk @ $525 per case. SALE: $1.00 per bk; $300 per case (300 bks)
No additional special Discounts apply.
This is a very good deal.
PRINTED PUBLICATIONS SALE - BOOKS & MANUALS
A "STRAND" of books is a particular area of "math discipline" or "isolation of difficulty" (Montessori term) or a particular group of "math concepts" such as:
Smiley Face Bks (50 bks) with the following "strands": Reg $157.50 SALE: $75.00
Smiley Face Counting
Smiley Face Addition
Smiley Face Subtraction
Smiley Face Multiplication
Smiley Face Division
"Facts Mastery" Bks:
Addition Facts Mastery (time tests, rote practice of facts) (10 bks) Reg $31.50 SALE: $15.00
Multiplication Facts Mastery (same) (10 bks) Reg $31.50 SALE: $15.00
"Level" Books with 5 "strands" per (most) Levels
The "strands" are: (10 bks in each "strand")
Algebra, Arithmetic, Measurement, Problem Solving & Calculus
The "Levels" are 50 bks per (most) Levels:
L1 Bks (50 Bks) Reg $157.50 SALE: $ 75.00
L2 Bks (50 Bks) Reg $157.50 SALE: $ 75.00
L3 Bks (50 Bks) Reg $157.50 SALE: $ 75.00
L4 Bks (30 Bks): Algebra, Problem Solving, Calculus (also Measurement Level 4 will be available soon):
Reg $94.50 SALE: $ 45.00
L5 Bks (10 Bks): Calculus: Reg $31.50 SALE: $ 15.00
Chemistry Level 1 Bks Reg $31.50 SALE: $15.00
There are 4+ Manuals available currently, and more to be available this year:
Manual Level 1 Reg $16.10 - NOT AVAILABLE FOR A FEW WKS - CURRENTLY ON BACKORDER. SALE: $10.00
Algebra Level 1 Guidebook REG $32.20 SALE: $16.00
Manual Level 2 REG $32.20 SALE: $16.00
Manual Level 3 REG $48.30 SALE: $24.00
Getting Started Manual REG $13.80 SALE: $5.00
Games & Activities Manual REG $13.80 SALE: $8.00
ANSWER KEYS ARE AVAILABLE BUT NOT ON SALE
KITS ON SALE
Combo Kit Reg $91.00 SALE: $65.00
Curriculum Starter Kit Reg $350.00 SALE: $300.00
Fractions Kit Reg $105.00 SALE: $75.00
Triangle Tray Kit Reg $9.80 SALE: $5.00
Numeral Identification Kit Reg $28.80 SALE: $20.00
Number Picture Fun Kit Reg $56.00 SALE: $45.00
Addition Subtraction Kit Reg $28.00 SALE: $20.00
Having A Party Kit Reg $91.00 SALE: $40.00 (includes a VHS tape and we will also Backorder a DVD for you to be sent separately as soon as available before FALL)
Want To Be A Ten Kit Reg $91.00 SALE: $40.00 (includes a VHS tape and we will also Backorder a DVD for you to be sent separately as soon as available before FALL)
Newton Deluxe Kit Reg $151.20 SALE: $99.00 (includes a VHS tape and we will also backorder a DVD for you to be sent separately as soon as available before FALL)
Algebra Kit Reg $150.00 SALE: $99.00 (includes a DVD)
Multiple Tens Kit Reg $42.00 SALE: $30.00
SKIP COUNT KIT - COLORING BKS # 2-9 + SKIP COUNT AUDIO TAPE (CASSETTE TAPE) + A SKIP COUNT AUDIO CD
REG $48.00 SALE: $30.00
SKIP COUNT AUDIO CD ONLY REG: $18.00 SALE: $10.00
ALL VHS TAPES ORDERED STANDALONE: $4.50 (NO ALGEBRA VHS AVAIL)
TITLES:
EXPLORE AND DISCOVER
PRE-SCHOOL
HAVING A PARTY
WANT TO BE A TEN
NEWTON
ALGEBRA DVD STAND ALONE REG $30.00 SALE: $20.00
Mortensen Math World Headquarters
1+800+644+COUNTEZ! [1+800-644-2686]
MortensenMath@icloud.com
Hrs: M - Sat 7am - 7pm PDT/PST - Los Angeles Time
Web: http://www.mortensenmathdirect.com
No cash refunds. Credit exchange only with RMA#.
Call or Email 1st for RMA: 1+800+644+COUNTEZ! (1+800-644-2686) Email: MortensenMath@iCloud.com
NEW Customer Service Hrs: M - Sat 7am - 3pm PDT/PST - Los Angeles Time
Again this is a real, actual sale not a make pretend sale. Take advantage of it.