I would like to know if there is a special notebook used for the multiplication tables or a printable grid large enough for a young child whose handwriting is still large?
Also, if you had already been using a different program to introduce math, but would like to transition to this handbook, how would you approach this with your dc? I can probably figure it out with my youngest (7) but my 6th grader may find it overwhelming. He’s not crazy about change, even if it’s better for him, but I think how place value is described in the handbook would help him and using the tables for multiplication.
I may have more questions, but I can’t think right now. Thanks in advance.
I think I may need to read a bit more, gather some simple supplies and just start over, to a degree, with my dc. My youngest could actually do without writing out problems for awhile, we’re going to do that this morning, instead of his reg. math text..then I’ll incorporate some writing once he’s mastered some concepts by memory. My other ds really needs a different way of “seeing” multiplication. He has some facts memorized and he understands the concept of “it’s a faster way of adding” “skip counting” but something is not sticking. I think he does need some time manipulating the numbers/facts and “seeing” it in a different way than MUS is right now. I love how Mr. Demme describes certain concepts but this child has such issues with the abstract. CM seems to be introducing it in a different way…what does she say?? Using the manipulatives freely to add, subtract, multiply, divide mentally without the aid of manipulatives before his is to the work on paper.
My ds who struggles with math seems to be hung up on what the numbers/digits on paper represent…they’re too abstract. He does well, at times, but something is missing in his understanding. He seems to need more time working with “live” objects, LOL.
I have two different resources for purchasing very inexpensive gridded math notebooks that are kid-friendly and they are in this post on specifics of writing in a CM math education. They are 2.5 squares/inch and 3 squares/inch. I’ll try to get a picture up of one of my child’s multiplication tables or post something in more depth regarding multiplication tables. You are right about her methods, just as we use oral narration before written, so writing is used sparingly in arithmetic so the laborious act doesn’t take on more significance than the ideas and habits to be fostered in the early years.
For some reason, this ds of mine who is somewhat controlling, OCD-ish, creative, dramatic, “artsy” has a difficult time with the order of operation, sequencing, and the abstract. Orally, just like with oral narrations, he seems to be able to manage word problems and/or simple drills, but, when he hits the paper it just doesn’t make sense. Then sometimes it’s the other way around; on paper he does fine but during real life applications he struggles (I have to say that he is making progress, but it has been slow going, and when I think we have overcome a topic, it’s back to the drawing board).
The concept of 2 10’s will sometimes cause him to pause (when he is grabbing the MUS blocks) or 20, 3 times. Just the idea of grabbing 2 10’s three times can cause great confusion.
Anyhow, I appreciate your guidance, and the handbook, I’ve finally been able to read and digest:) I’m starting to understand, I think, that the tables (notebooks) would be akin to a Book of Centuries; you only add who you’ve studied and/or mastered. And at that time the numbers/sums should be familiar, like old friends. I wish I had understood this before. It wouldn’t be so bad to not completely understand if your child is “math-minded” then most CM-friendly texts would do, but that is clearly not the case with my ds.
Thanks again!
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