When this chart arrived at my desk I was immediately impressed. This large 36" by 36" poster is printed on heavy paper. The numbers 1-20 are in their own individual box which is 6.75" by 8" making them very clear to see. It is printed in matte finish, but not laminated. Each number has illustrations and a line of rhyming verse about the number represented beneath it. The poster is intended to target the right brained learner but should be fun to help any child memorize the number shapes. What a fun addition to any homeschool!
I think as parent-teachers, we recognize that not everyone "gets math." Whether the struggle lies in the memorization of facts or inability to analyze the data, many children (and adults!) exert great effort with little result. Could it be that they learn differently? Much research conducted in the past several years has analyzed the differences in right and left-brain learners. Many of the popular math curricula options today are geared towards the left-brain learner- those who thrive through sequential, detailed, and instruction. However, what happens to our children who learn differently? Children who see the whole picture rather than bite-size pieces; and respond to color, patterns, or pictures? Entirely capable of learning, children who are right brain learners often fall through the cracks or receive unwarranted labels
Right-Brained Math meets the needs of the visual spatial learner, right brain learner, or other children who struggle to understand the typical left- brain focused math programs. While each book in the series is a stand-alone resource, there is great value in reviewing books to ensure children have a solid foundation.
First in the series, Addition and Subtraction Volume 1 begins with background information to help you understand the right brain learner. As a left-brain learner, I found this to be one of the most valuable aspects of the series. I experienced many "AHA!" moments as I read the information, which greatly enhanced my understanding of the right brained learners in my family. The author provides background understanding of teaching children of various ages from preschool through fourth grade before expanding on principles for teaching the right-brain learner. Topics in this book include learning numbers, understanding the meaning of numbers, transitioning from visual to symbolic and mastering computation to 10. Loosely scripted, each topical area includes goals, manipulative lists, activity/game instructions, and reproducible activity pages. Answer Keys and Classroom Records are included. Suggested hands-on manipulatives utilize commonly found items.This pioneering teaching resource would make an excellent companion to the Life of Fred elementary series or mastery-based instruction for struggling math students. Dedicated teaching time is necessary for success and may take 30-45 minutes per day depending on your student. Reproducible for instructional use in a single classroom or homeschool.
Numerous supplemental resources are available including color-coded charts, math games and teaching cards. While these are designed to support the Right-Brained Math books, they may be helpful to children using other programs. See individual descriptions for more details. ~Deanne
