in-context math instead of traditional abstract

[Student Mommie]

In sitting back and reflecting on our HS experience and how I can fix things, I noticed something interesting.  My 7ds has such a hard time with math.  Even with manipulatives, forget about it, he has very inconsistent understanding.  BUT he can do word problems.  I think word problems are a strength for him!   I mean not that we've done hard word problems, we are in CLE 102, but still, it's clear this is a relative strength.  I think the problem for him is the abstract math.  Is there a step-by-step workbook full math curriculum that is real-world math instead of abstract?  I'm not sure how it would work for aspects of math that have to be abstract (like place value which is such a bear for him).

[Arcadia]

Have you tried money as in actual dollar bills and coins for place value? My kids would make a dollar with their pocket money in coins and exchange with me for dollar bills. Then exchange five $1 bills for a $5 bill and so on.

 

Try any consumer math books in the library for in-context math. When it comes to fractions, my boys weren't interested in manipulatives but love cutting up cakes and pizzas for sharing equally among friends.

[kiana]

In sitting back and reflecting on our HS experience and how I can fix things, I noticed something interesting.  My 7ds has such a hard time with math.  Even with manipulatives, forget about it, he has very inconsistent understanding.  BUT he can do word problems.  I think word problems are a strength for him!   I mean not that we've done hard word problems, we are in CLE 102, but still, it's clear this is a relative strength.  I think the problem for him is the abstract math.  Is there a step-by-step workbook full math curriculum that is real-world math instead of abstract?  I'm not sure how it would work for aspects of math that have to be abstract (like place value which is such a bear for him).

 

You might consider using problems from Ray's Arithmetic -- available free online. 

[stripe]

This program from NCERT in India (http://www.ncert.nic.in/ncerts/textbook/textbook.htm ), available for free for download, also at http://ncertbooks.prashanthellina.com/ , contain lots of real life problems. They obviously depict typical Indian things, places, and lifestyles, but they are an interesting alternative, at least for supplements. I think they've tried quite hard to show math as relevant to every day life.

For place value, I remember problems about a jewelry seller, and beads are sold in rings of ten. So they do cover taht sort of thing.

I think y1 is more kindergartenish, but the sequence is a bit different (telling time is initially NOT about clocks, and this part comes later than in most US programs); look at both grade level and the year above, to get ideas.

[Farrar]

Primary Challenge Math?

Process Skills in Problem Solving?

 

I'm using a bit of one of the NCERT books right now and liking it a lot, though we never used the younger ones.

[Crimson Wife]

It may be a developmental thing. My DS was able to solve word problems before he could solve symbolic equations so when we first started I had to sit there and make up word problems for him.

 

In terms of visualizing place value, I really love the Digi-Blocks set that my retired teacher MIL gave me: http://digiblock.com/store/products/base-10-math-blocks-of-100/

[sdobis]

What about Life of Fred? The whole book is one big story about Fred and his antics. I think it's great for kids that need a story to understand what is usually taught in an abstract way.

[quietchapel]

It's not workbook, but strayer upton is full of concrete, realistic word problems

[OneStepAtATime]

Agree with sdobis that Life of Fred might work well.  Also, living math books.  Maybe something from this list...

 

http://www.homeschoolmath.net/curriculum_reviews/math_readers.php