All Things Math

Didn't mean to take such a break from posting. Time got away from me. 

I know I've done math posts before, but now is time for a gigantic post about non-traditional math. First off: Math is not boring! Many traditional programs are boring, but math is an awesome subject and deserves treatment as such.

Now, some resources for elementary kids:

Beast Academy -  this is a hard math program, currently available for 3rd-5th graders, with 2nd grade written soon. They teach concepts and expect kids to be able to figure out the application pretty independently. Some of the questions are things that I have to think about, and can really stump a kid. But it is fantastic, with guides written in colorful graphic novel style, engaging and sometimes unusual math, and an introduction to having to combine arithmetic, logic, and problem solving. This is put out by the Art of Problem Solving company, which also has highly conceptual-proof-heavy books from pre-algebra up.

Books by Ed Zaccaro - These often focus on problem-solving skills, have some cartoonish drawings, and gently lead kids through adding more complex skills to their skill set. I suggest Primary Grade Challenge Math as a first book to try, probably best for someone who has at least 2nd-3rd grade skills.

Time-Life I Love Math series - these are out of print, but easy to find used. Each book has a wide range of skills, maybe Kindy-3rd grade, so they are worth revisiting. The math is typically either in story format or hands-on. 

MathStart books by Stuart J. Murphy - These cover a wide range of topics, with the vast majority being pre-K through 1st grade. Short books that each introduce one concept, from matching pairs to multiplication. These are great, engaging books, but I do suggest getting them from the library, as their usefulness is short-lived.

Sir Cumference books - most of these focus on geometry topics (naturally, with that name!) though a few go outside of that scope. Primarily at a 2nd-4th grade level, these can be great independent reads, or you could base entire math units around each book.

Murderous Maths - Awesome and hilarious. Most of these are written for ages 8+ (and I mean that +, as some venture into high school topics). Awesome Arithmetricks would be where to start for elementary kids. These just didn't work as read aloud material for us, so maybe waiting until your child can read independently and comfortable is a prereq.

Hands On Equations - teaches how to solve algebraic equations, broken down so elementary kids can easily understand. Best done before a child hits pre-algebra, and can be started with 1st graders. I know there's an app version, but that rather defeats the concept of "hands on" equations, and I believe the physical manipulating of the pieces matters here, especially if starting with younger kids.

Dragonbox apps - And immediately, here's the contradiction to recommending Hands On Equations only in tactile format. Dragonbox 5+ and 12+ are great apps that teach algebraic concepts in game format. It's entirely possible that your child won't even realize it is a math app. For younger kids, there is Dragonbox Numbers, which is basically games with C-rod-like creatures that help teach number sense and addition/subtraction. And for the older set, there's Dragonbox Elements to introduce geometry.

Math for Smarty Pants and I Hate Mathematics! - two very different titles for two fairly similar books by the same author and publisher. Kids should have at least basic number sense, addition, and subtraction down before starting to read these. These are classic books covering many unconventional topics, written with kids who believe they dislike math in mind, but appealing to kids who already know they like math as well.

Sideways Arithmetic From Wayside School - Another classic. Nothing is normal at Wayside School, including a math class that requires spelling books. Throughout this book, there are math and logic problems for kids to do themselves, with silly stories to engage. Most of this book involves multi-digit addition and logic problems, with a good bit of puzzling. There is one short section that involves multi-digit multiplication, which can be completed or skipped depending on the abilities of your child. Kids who really enjoy puzzling can do on their own, but we have had a lot of fun figuring these out together on the whiteboard.

Zeus on the Loose - a fast-paced card game that involves adding, subtracting, and rounding as everyone tries to be the one holding the Zeus statue when the count reaches 100.

Toss Up! - great for beginning probability, the only actual math skill needed is counting and adding within 100. We used an abacus for each person to keep score before paper-and-pencil adding was solid.

Yahtzee - is there anyone who doesn't know this game? Adding, multiplication, and probability all wrapped into one game.

Oh, and if you are going to play a bunch of dice games with young kids, I highly recommend a dice tray and dice cup, both lined with felt. It really is sanity saving.

Sleeping Queens - ok, so there's very little actual math here, just adding multiples of 5 to no more than a total of 50. But it's a fun game on it's own.

Highlights MathMania - each issue is full of math puzzles. Some are straightforward arithmetic, some are logic puzzles, some are spatial awareness. There's a good variety of types of puzzles and levels in each one, mostly ranging from 1st-3rd grade. Homeschool Buyers Co-op often has deals on these.

Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Math - exactly what it sounds like, this is a colorful reference book to many math topics. Covers elementary through at least junior high.

Rat A Tat Cat - enjoyable game for longer than the math provides any challenge, involves adding four single-digit numbers and some logic.

Math Dice and Math Dice Jr - I wish there was a bridge in between these two. The Jr version involves only very simple addition and subtraction, and the standard version is meant to include multiplication, division, and exponents. Definitely much more "this is a math game" than "this is a game that involves math" than most things on this list, probably best for kids who already enjoy math and want to play with it more.

Zometool - We underuse this, and I really need to get it out again. This is a unique building toy, and you can get lesson plans for math, science, and art. The spatial work can be a real challenge. If you want a huge investment, you can purchase the mega-kit on Homeschool Buyers Co-op; it comes with the storage case but the pieces aren't arranged in it yet, apparently resulting in a major discount.

Logic Links - a simple one-person setup, you place colored chips on a card trying to follow the rules laid out on the card. 

Any logic-based game - Solid logic skills are needed for math, especially as you move up in level. Any game that strengthens logic is useful - Connect 4, Qwirkle, Forbidden Island, Gobblet Gobblers, Chess...

Library books - 510 is the Dewey decimal call number for math books. Just go poke around. I've been amazed how many great books we've found!

And an honorable mention to some things I haven't personally used yet, but have heard great things about:
Prime Climb
Muggins and Knockout
Secrets of Mental Math
Short-Cut Math
The Book of Think
The Number Devil