Miquoan Math where to start?

[paulcindy]

I have a 10 yo daughter who loves math, but TT 5 is not really cutting it for her right now. I think that Miquon may help her to "see" how math works and make it click.

She understands all addition, subtraction, carrying, borrowing no problem. She can do multiplication but forgets her times tables. We have not gotten to division.

Is she to old for these books?

I have NO idea, if I were to use these, which book she should start in. I want her to understand math and WHY. We have the cuisenare rods.

Do you recommend these books? And whic level should I start with her?

Oh, and I am terrible at explaining math, because I am really bad at Math. So is this going to be difficult for me?

Thanks in advance.

[Lori D.]

I have a 10 yo daughter who loves math, but TT 5 is not really cutting it for her right now. I think that Miquon may help her to "see" how math works and make it click.

She understands all addition, subtraction, carrying, borrowing no problem. She can do multiplication but forgets her times tables. We have not gotten to division.

Is she to old for these books? have NO idea, if I were to use these, which book she should start in. I want her to understand math and WHY. We have the cuisenare rods.

Do you recommend these books? And which level should I start with her?

Oh, and I am terrible at explaining math, because I am really bad at Math. So is this going to be difficult for me? Thanks in advance.



Much as I love Miquon and often recommend it, I don't think Miquon would fit the bill in your situation for 2 reasons:

1. Sounds like your daughter would be beyond many of the concepts covered in Miquon.
2. Your description of "terrible at explaining math" -- Miquon's teacher guide is very open-ended and would most likely NOT provide you with the specifics you would want for explaining math.

However, if you wanted to take a break from TT5 for awhile and use something else as a supplement, then your daughter might enjoy the discovery approach of Miquon. Most likely she would just be using the last 3 workbooks of the 6 workbook series (part of "blue"; then parts of "green", a lot of "yellow", most of "purple") -- although all 6 workbooks contain pages covering topics such as division, fractions, graphing, etc. I used Miquon as an occasional supplement up through 4th grade -- if you have a student doing 5th grade math (TT5), you probably would do better to go with something else.

For help in teaching Miquon, check out the Yahoo group specifically on using Miquon: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/miquon-key/


Other ideas for a break from TT5:

1. Math-U-See -- the old Intermediate (which covers gr. 4,5,6 math topics)
- teacher guide/teaching videos only available used (so cheap!)
- student workbook still available from the website (see bottom of the order form on website)
- covers a wide variety of math topics
- video of Steve Demme teaching each math concept (a big help if you struggle to teach math!)
- uses rods (visual and kinesthetic learning styles)
- great job of explaining the "why it works"


2. Singapore
Not as visual, but really teaches students to think mathematically, especially in how to work word problems. I'd suggest backing up and starting with Singapore Primary 3A and 3B, as Singapore runs a bit advanced, and the 3 level is where you first learn their great "bar" technique for seeing how to figure out word problems. Downside: not sure this will have as much teaching support as you might want, although I believe that they've come out with more teacher guides than when we used Singapore some years ago.


3. Various supplements
Generally a 10yo is in 4th grade, so if your 10yo is doing TT5, she may have just "hit a wall" -- run into concepts a little beyond her math maturity level at the moment. Taking a break and working on some short supplements of various types might help, and since you mentioned cuisenaire rods and that she might really connect with a manipulative. Some booklets available through www.rainbowresource.com:

- various cuisenaire rod manipulative booklets
http://rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?sid=1234760431-611185&subject=10&category=2351
- Exploring With Pattern Blocks (gr. 4-8)
- Pattern Blocks (Active Learning Series) (gr. 4-6)
- Fractions With Tangrams (gr. 3-6)
- Geometry and Fractions With Tangrams (gr. 3-6)
- Mathlink Cube Activity Book (gr. 3-6)
- Dot Paper Geometry With Geoboard (gr. 3-6)
- Complete Book of Math (gr. 3-4)


BEST of luck in finding the best math for your family for this time frame! Warmest regards, Lori D.

[mamaof2andtwins]

I would agree that if you are "terrible at explaining math" you might struggle a lot with the teaching of Miquon. A lot of teaching this curriculum is understanding the author's philosophy and really buying into it. I do fine teaching math, and found teaching Miquon to be a challenge. I didn't like how there are no answers in the TM. I wrote many of them in myself, but I had to do the same work as the children.

This program may not fit the bill for you. If she forgets her times tables I would encourage you to check out multiplication games (on-line) to add to the day. Also, I use the Math Is Fun multiplication trainer for my daughter who struggles with her facts but does well with concepts.

Multiplication Trainer (http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/math-trainer-multiply.html)

Best wishes,
Jennie

[birchbark]

Math Mammoth might be a good option for you too.

And Times Tales is awesome for learning multiplication tables!