Math 4 Student Manipulatives Packet 4th Edition

We are pleased to be able to distribute BJU Press curriculum to our customers. Published by a Christian university located in South Carolina, BJU Press produces and markets curriculum materials for Christian schools as well as home schools. Probably the most homeschool-friendly full-curriculum supplier, they have not only accommodated homeschoolers, but have continually worked to make their materials better suited to the homeschooling family. Many of their courses now contain manuals written specifically for the home school setting, and visuals and supplemental materials have been "pared down" from the bulkier visuals still used in classrooms. While other curriculum suppliers initially frowned on distributing teacher materials to homeschoolers, and provided only expensive classroom versions, Bob Jones quickly embraced homeschoolers, readily allowing them access to teacher's editions and, eventually, producing less expensive spiral-bound or paperbound versions to save money for homeschooling families. One of the strengths of the Bob Jones program is the teaching of concepts, rather than the rote how-to-solve-it approach. Also, Christian principles and character traits are assumed and integrated throughout the program. Each level is themed, providing a motivational learning context. Lessons are "spiraled", meaning topics are reviewed throughout each level, delving a little deeper each time. Lesson exercises consist mainly of practice for that lesson, not a review of previous lessons or chapters. However, topics are not covered, then left forever; they reappear in more complexity throughout the course, allowing for more practice. We have long been fans of Bob Jones curriculum materials, having used courses in almost every subject area for one child or another through the years. In our particular situation (seven children, Mom and Dad sharing in teaching as well as in running Rainbow Resource Center), a well-constructed, teacher-ready course can be a God-send. Although we have used a variety of methods and curriculums in our homeschool through the years (and continue to do so), we strongly feel that the Bob Jones materials we have used have helped to produce excellent, college-ready students. Unless you have a particularly strong aversion to textbooks of any kind, at any level, we highly recommend these materials to you.

Focusing on teaching concepts rather than just memorizing, the elementary levels of BJU Math are taught at the concrete level through hands-on activities and manipulatives, then progress to semi-concrete and abstract instruction as the course progresses. The Student Worktexts are particularly well done – colorful, good variety of skills, and on-grade-level. The consumable Student Worktexts are available through 5^th grade, a real bonus for students who like colorful pages and are not ready to transfer work to their own paper. Beginning in Grade 6, the softcover Student Text offers minimal writing space, so students will need a notebook or paper to complete the lessons.  
BJU Press Math is teacher-centered and works well for one-on-one instruction. Teacher Editions have complete lesson plans and answers to text problems. For those using BJU Math as their math curriculum, they are worth the investment, as they provide the one-on-one instruction, manipulative instruction, and offer many suggestions for presenting and enriching the concepts covered in each lesson. Additional resources are available at various grade levels including a Test Book and Test Key, Reviews and Reviews Key, and Paper Manipulatives. See individual grades for more information. At each level, the Homeschool Kit includes the required components for the year. 

Math 4 builds on the concepts taught in Grade 3, and deepens the student’s understanding of multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, geometry, and pre-algebra, including positive and negative numbers and coordinate graphs with ordered pairs. Manipulatives are integral. The 4^th edition incorporates STEAM activities into each chapter and is the edition that aligns with the online Video Courses from BJU.  A limited number of 3^rd and 2^nd edition materials are available. The Homeschool Kit includes the Teacher Edition, Student Worktext, Activities, Activities Answer Key, Tests, Tests Answer Key, and the Student Manipulatives Packet. 

The Teacher Edition is necessary for success as the course is designed for a teacher to present the information to the student. The Teacher's Editions use manipulatives to build on the foundations of multiplication and division, place value, geometry, fractions, decimals, and measurement by providing all the instructions for lessons and activities. It also includes reduced student worktext pages with answers and guidance for the STEAM activities.

The colorful and consumable Student Worktext demonstrates math concepts and includes space to work out problems. Along with lesson problems, it includes chapter and cumulative reviews.

The consumable Student Activities Book provides more practice with daily lesson concepts and reviews of previously learned material. Answers are found in the separate Activities Answer Key.

Manipulative Packet contains manipulatives for the student to use in the lessons. There are geometric shapes, rulers, a clock, a thermometer, number cards, fraction kit, money kit, place value kits and mats, measurement flashcards, and multiplication/division fact family study cards. All the items are perforated for easy preparation. Some families may wish to purchase plastic manipulatives for easier handling and durability.

The non-reproducible Assessment Book provides one test for each chapter. A separate Assessment Key is sold separately.

An ocean theme with Captain Bailey and his pet seagull Clipper enhances real-life math applications, problem-solving, and estimation. Additionally, the course focuses on biblical worldview shaping throughout by identifying five recurring themes: (1) math shows that our world is designed; (2) math helps people do work; (3) math helps us meet others’ needs; (4) math helps us make wise choices; (5) math has limits. This course builds on concepts from Math 3 and leads into Math 5. Incorporates STEAM activities in each chapter.