Conventional Arithmetic with Spunky the Donkey (Gr. 1-2)

Spunky the Donkey Math is written for 1^st and 2^nd grade students and lays the foundation needed to progress in math. From the popular Amish publisher Schoolaid, this early elementary series was originally written for use in a one-room schoolhouse. This means less prep time, simple presentation of lessons, and independent work for the student. Lessons follow a consistent pattern so students learn quickly and can move along without much teacher help. Each lesson is divided into 3 sections:

• Class Preparation includes the portion to read through the night before or items to gather before the lesson.
• Class Time is also separated into 3 parts: daily practice, part A, and part B. Daily practice usually consists of a workbook page or other activity that can be done independently; Parts A and B are lesson presentations with accompanying workbook pages.
• Drills are done in the form of another workbook page or drill activity as suggested in the teacher book.

The Teacher's Manual offers a thorough explanation of the program in the front of the book and lesson preparation is fairly easy. You will want to make flashcards that are formatted according to the specifications found in the teacher edition. Other manipulatives utilized are a number line or number chart, money for counting, a clock for time practice, and a flannel board or wall chart, on which "Spunky the Donkey" will be used as a lesson visual. The “Spunky the Donkey” pattern is included in the Teacher’s Manual for you to copy and use with your lessons. Lessons are laid out in an easy-to-follow format and are scripted for those who need a little more help with concept explanations. Reduced student pages with answers are found throughout the Teacher’s Manual.  

Student Workbooks are consumable and non-reproducible with simple line drawings.

• Grade 1 covers writing numbers to 1000; single and double-digit addition and subtraction (without carrying or borrowing); addition and subtraction families to 10; more/less/after/before/between; counting change; counting by 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, 25s; time up to 5-minute increments; fractions of ½ and ¼; and measuring inches.
• Grade 2 reviews the first-grade concepts listed previously before introducing new concepts. These new concepts include addition up to 4-digit numbers; carrying and subtraction up to 3-digit numbers using borrowing; adding and subtracting by endings; money up to $10; circles/squares/triangles/rectangles; greater than/less than/equal to; reading a thermometer; feet and inches; pounds and ounces; multiplying and dividing by 2/5/10; Roman numerals; working with 1/3; and counting by 3s.

There are also sections in the grade 2 book labeled “oral”, which are exactly what they sound like—exercises to be done orally. Timed tests are found at the back of each student book and are to be done twice a week.

Test Booklets are also available for Grades 1-2. These optional, no-frill tests are given after every 26-28 lessons at the parent’s discretion. A separate Answer Key is available and includes the answers to both Grade 1 Learning Numbers with Spunky and Grade 2 Continuing Numbers with Spunky. Not reproducible.

There are 3 sets of flashcards referenced in the Teacher’s Manual with instructions for how to make them. For your convenience, these flashcards can also be purchased from Milestone Books. Numbers Flashcards are two-sided. These are for use beginning with Grade 1 for number recognition and the sequencing concepts after, before, between, more, and less. Adding & Subtracting by Endings Flashcards (which practice adding only the ones column) are for use with Grade 2. This concept is more old-fashioned but is a method for learning quick computation at this age level. The lesson in which each card is used is referenced at the bottom of the card. The Column Addition Flashcards are for practicing adding 3 single-digit numbers and are for use with referenced lessons in Grade 2.

This comprehensive math curriculum will fit nicely into the budget and cover concepts with plenty of practice. Word problems aren't found in great abundance, so you may want to supplement in this area. Let Spunky the Donkey guide your students through basic math skills!