After the kids spent a day with my dad earlier this year, he told me that my son needed to learn his multiplication tables. We have practiced that before, but ramped up the review and memorization right before we received this Mastering 5th Grade Math - Volume 1 - Essentials of Fractions DVD to review. I'm so glad that he brought that to my attention. Joseph likes math, but how it is presented makes a difference.
The first two lessons of Mastering 5th Grade Math - Volume 1 - Essentials of Fractions worked through factors of numbers. Joseph was much more prepared for finding factors for numbers by being able to recall his multiplication facts. The second lesson ended with this fact: "It all boils down to knowing your multiplication tables." Ahem.
The second disk in the package includes worksheets and digital files accessible on a computer as well as a digital copy of the same videos in the first DVD. The 16 video lessons provide a comprehensive study of fractions. Each episode was approximately 5-10 minutes and kept my son's attention. The step by step method is key to this program, both in the video and then practiced with the worksheets. Note-- the worksheets are provided in color. I chose to print most of them in black and white so my low color ink wouldn't just make them look like a faded rainbow. So imagine it in color or try out one of the free samples on their website to see it more clearly.
The program is designed to first view the program then complete and check the corresponding worksheets. My son didn't realize that at first and he watched several episodes in a row the first day that he tried it. I was happy to see him enjoying learning math. Once I printed the worksheets, he was able to sit and complete a section at a time without it being overwhelming. He did watch some of the lessons more than one time each. Two or three pages of worksheets accompanied each lesson, and the answers were provided in the same format.
The program is designed to first view the program then complete and check the corresponding worksheets. My son didn't realize that at first and he watched several episodes in a row the first day that he tried it. I was happy to see him enjoying learning math. Once I printed the worksheets, he was able to sit and complete a section at a time without it being overwhelming. He did watch some of the lessons more than one time each. Two or three pages of worksheets accompanied each lesson, and the answers were provided in the same format.
He can watch the lessons over and over as many times as he needs to review them. At first he watched all of the lessons, then we worked together through the worksheets for mastery. When he was not easily able to complete the worksheets, I had him rewatch the corresponding lessons then try again.
Though he did use a scratch sheet to work out his problems, that could also be done on the back of each printed worksheet. Beyond a pencil, an eraser, printed worksheets, and a way to view the DVD, no other materials were required to complete this course.
Other than occasional help to work through a problem, he did not require much assistance from me with these lessons.
Though I watch for their mistakes, we don't always grade work. Joseph asked for me to fill in the blanks on these worksheets and smiled at the additional recognition when he got the entire page correct. He completed this entire DVD in less than the 6 weeks that we had it to review. This was a nice change of pace for him, and I will consider other titles from ScienceandMath.com in the future.
ScienceandMath.com/ is also on Facebook.
Recommended for grades 4-6, this was a great fit for my fourth grade son. The disks/DVD version is currently available for $15.99 or as a download for $14.99.
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