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I was a bit skeptical after my first look at this curriculum. It reminded me a bit of the "new math" that I was subjected to in school. But after poring over the materials longer, I am convinced that ShillerMath is a sound program that will build a solid math foundation leading to a better understanding of math concepts later in life.

Getting Started:

Beginning the program is easy and painless.

First step is to read the Parent Guide, which is a 15 page booklet that provides crucial tips for using the program. Then, get out Activity Book 1, and dig in with your child. You take out the manipulatives as you need them. It's as simple as that and your journey to opening up the world of mathematics for you child has begun.

The Activity Books:

The Activity Books are for both the parent and the child to use together and are the guides for the program. The words for the parent to say are in quotes. Words not in quotes are instructions to the parent, and words or numbers in parenthesis are the answer to a question. This is a learn at your own pace program. There is no set schedule for the lessons, but the average time spent is 15 to 30 minutes a day depending on the age of the child.

The program will be used for several years and covers every important topic a child aged 4 to 7 needs to know, covering pre-kindergarten to second or third grade. The ShillerMath incremental spiral methed uses bite-sized activities to cover topics clearly and thoroughly at each age.

• Activity Book 1 - for ages 4-5
• Activity Book 2 - for ages 5-6
• Activity Book 3 - for ages 6-7
• 3-ring binder
• 48 page addition pad
• 48 page multiplicatio pad
• 48 page 0-99 number grid pad
• 48 page 1-100 number grid pad
• 48 page counting pad
• Review test sheet
• Completed work sheet

The Manipulatives:

This kit includes high-quality materials to use with the activity books to promote multi-sensory learning and keep the child's interest. Working on the work area (27" x 36" mat), children use the manipulatives to explore the concepts presented. Using the work area helps with concentration by keeping distractions to a minimum. Another important aspect for insuring a pleasant and effective math session, is "one activity at a time." After an activity is finished, materials are returned to their original place before beginning the next activity. I believe this will also be the beginning of good organizational skills and study habits.

• 12" ruler
• Balance
• 16 Thousand cubes (unassembled, paper)
• Operator set (+, -, +, etc.)
• Wooden tray for number cards
• Wooden tray for decimal material
• 100 Unit cubes, 27 Ten rods, 27 Hundred flats, 1 Thousand cube
• Number card sets: 1-10, 10-90, 100-900, 1000-9000
• Number tiles (1, 10, 100, 1000)
• Foam ball
• Bag with tie string
• Geared clock
• Plastic US coins (20 pennies, 10 nickles, 10 dimes, 4 quarters)
• 8 crayons
• 2 dice
• 1-cup and 2-cup measuring cups
• CD with 25 ShillerMath songs
• Mirror
• 27" x 36" place mat
• 10 each of: squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, diamonds, hexagons, parallelograms, hearts
• Set of dominos

Bottom Line:

ShillerMath comes with a 30-day unconditional guarantee; but if you want a hands-on approach to mathematics, I don't think you'll be disappointed. It's an investment at the beginning, but it will be used for several years and can be used with more than one child at the same time. It is perfect for the homeschooling lifestyle.

I have always loved math and made it a point to pass this love on to my children. ShillerMath can help you succeed in this task.

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