How To Teach Mathematics To Homeschooled Children

by Ann Bowers

young boy learning to count on an abacus The current teaching of mathematics is often weak in traditional schools. Children are taught math facts and are expected to learn them through rote memory drills. Often children are expected to complete worksheets and textbook exercises, rather than engage in math projects in which math and science concepts are discovered and applied. This results in a lack of understanding of math concepts and leads to poor preparation for the study of math at the university level.

Why is math teaching so poor? Sometimes teachers do not understand math well so they rely on textbooks and drills. Some teachers and parents believe that math is merely the memorization of calculation rules and basic facts. Teachers and parents often had no opportunities to explore math and learn concepts through real-life experiences. Poor grades or negative comments may have made math something to be avoided. Also, children who don’t master the basics fall quickly behind and give up trying to learn math. It’s very important that children are assessed regularly to make sure that they are mastering what is being taught and can use it appropriately.

First of all, Why study math?

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Is Your Child Ready for Music Lessons?

by Stacey Schifferdecker

young girl playing saxaphone Childhood moves at a much faster pace now than it did when we were kids, and music lessons are just one example. While we may have started piano lessons in late elementary school, kids now toddle up to the piano bench for lessons when they are still in preschool. When is the right age for music lessons and are condemning your child to a lifetime of musical mediocrity if you start too late?

Actually, there is no right and perfect age when children should start music lessons. One child might be ready at five, and another child not until 11. Instead of looking at your child’s age, you need to look at his physical development and mental development.

Physical Development

Your child needs to have developed certain gross and fine motor skills, depending on what instrument he is playing. In fact, your child’s age and physical development play a big role in instrument choice. For children younger than age 10, the only real choices are piano and violin (because violins come in smaller sizes for younger children). Woodwinds (clarinet, saxophone) and brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, tuba) are not sized down for smaller children, so most children under 10 years old will not physically be able to play these instruments.

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Back to School - Are You Starting A New School This Year?

little girl, a little nervious perhaps, heading to school Many children have already started school, some, like my kids start next week right after Labor Day. Many kids too will be starting a new school. You may have great reasons for moving — a much better job, better schools, closer to family, etc. But whatever your reason, moving is almost always hard on your children. In fact, Cincinnati pediatrician Dr. Mona Mansour found in a study that children who change schools frequently are more likely to have both academic and behavioral issues. Fortunately, you can help your children adjust to their new schools and make the transition easier. Here are a few ideas.