Home school Math Strands and Skills

When I approach a subject area in order to design my home school math curriculum, I like to view the
"Big Picture".

I like to think in terms of "...generally.. the primary curriculum should look like this... In early high school... I should be heading in this direction..." and so on.

The divisions I list are not to be set in concrete. Remember the uniqueness of each child and family? Well, take that in consideration when you look at the divisions below. They are written to give you an overall perspective - not tying every loose end.

I have not included the reading of classic math books below.

Start by reading Math Story Books to your children.

Years 1-6

Working Mathematically
As children interact in the real world, with real life problems, they will be Working Mathematically using each of the five content strands below.

Number
Number refers to the development of number sense and confidence and competence in using concrete,mental, written and calculator techniques for solving problems. After children have gained a firm understanding of basic concepts such as place value, and developed strategies for using all operations with 2 and 3 digit numbers, formal written algorithms are introduced.This includes the substrands of :

• Whole Numbers
• Addition and Subtraction
• Multiplication and Division
• Fractions
• Decimals
• Integers
• Percentages
• Chance and Probability

Patterns and Algebra
Patterns and Algebra give the child the ability to develop algebraic thinking. It emphasizes number patterns and how numbers relate to each other. It encourages the child toreplicate, complete, continue, describe, generalise and create repeating patterns and number patterns that increase or decrease. These number patterns can be formed using rhythmic or skip counting and can be used across the curriculum. In the late primary years, letters can represent numbers. Also, linear graphs and relationships can be introduced - practical work with mapping skills.

Data
Data is important so that children can develop the ability to understand, interpret and analyze information displayed in a variety of graphs. It also includes transferring their findings into graphs.

Measurement
In the Measurement strand, the child compares, identifies and orders objects by the use of informal and formal units, selecting appropriate measuring tools to calculate length, weight, area and volume.The five substrands of Measurement are:

• Length (including perimeter)
• Area (and surface area)
• Volume and Capacity
• Mass
• Time.

Space and Geometry
In Space and Geometry, the child studies a variety of spatial forms and describes their shape, size, pattern, position and movement. In this strand, the child recognizes, visualizes, draws shapes and describes the features and properties of three-dimensional objects and two-dimensional shapes in static and dynamic situations. In the later primary years, the properties of solids, angles and geometrical figures is also part of the curriculum.

Many of the above skills can happen in real life learning - baking, shopping, sewing, budgeting, banking, measuring, reading and making maps and graphs. Make maths a part of your conversations through the day and you will find you have included a heap of these skills without needing to slave through endless examples.

Also, some Math CDs are useful to use maths to find clues or solve problems. If I would pick two of the Best math software which we have loved using for problem solving it would be:

ClueFinders Math Adventures Ages 9-12 - $ 6.99 Retail Price: 29.99 You Save: $23.00 From: PlanetCDROM.com

Carmen Sandiego Math Detective - $ 6.99 Retail Price: 29.99 You Save: $23.00 From: PlanetCDROM.com

Years 7-9

Generally, in these years, children are continuing to apply the basic skills which they have learned in the primary years and are applying these skills to more abstract knowledge in the form of Algebra 1 and 2 and Geometry.

The way in which you continue with math at this point is often dependent on the textbook or curriculum you want to use. Some texts will use a more spiral approach in which they touch all strands (Number,Patterns and Algebra, Data, Measurement, Space and Geometry) each year, building knowledge upon prior knowledge. Other texts will focus more specifically on a strand of knowledge and develop understanding in this field. (e.g. Algebra 1; Algebra 2; Geometry..)

In these years children are making connections between various operations, making judgements on applying their mathematical skills, so it is important that they have had a solid foundation on which to build these new skills.

Years 10-12

Completing further maths and the type of maths your child may do, will be dependent on the goals you have for your child and the field in which they are heading. If they are heading in a scientific field, yes, your child will be needing further math! In these years, your child may be ready for Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus.... and beyond.

 

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Homeschool Math Curriculum Description and Reviews

• Math-U-See
• Singapore Math
• Life of Fred
• Teaching Textbooks

Have you used this curriculum? Add your review.  

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