Sent in by Gwen P.
I want to start teaching my 4-yr-old about money but want some manipulatives (other than the real thing) to help guide the discussion. I know that both Crown Financial Ministries and Dave Ramsey have stuff I could purchase on teaching kids about money, but I'm looking for input/feedback on these two choices, and would welcome input on anything else you use.
Also, math programs: Singapore Math, Math U See, and Saxon Math......your thoughts?
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I am not familiar with the money programs you mention so I look forward to hearing what others might say. I used real coins, and probably would have used game money like monopoly. Also used an off the rack work book with pictures of money. Seems to work ok in conjunction with money work in our regular math and life experience/teachable moments.
ReplyDeleteFor Math we have been using Math U See. I really like it alot, wish I had been taught math this way. Also like the dvd lessons with "mr. math" that are part of it. Kids seem to be learning well and I like the emphasis from the lowest level on them learning process not just facts and being able to explain/teach it back. The negative that might be there is that topic are taught sequentually not in the normal a little of all the different functions at once with increasing complexity over time. I don't mind this, in fact I like it, makes more sense to me and he is subtly teaching skills that prepare you for the next step. The only place it mattered was taking the 3rd grade standard achievement test, hadn't had division or fractions yet. We just did a little intro so she wouldn't freak and factored that into our understanding of her scores.
I did Saxon math for two years and I really don't like it. I had gotten the workbook, worksheets, textbook etc., for free so I used it. Now I use different math curriculums including BJU and I like it a lot better. Math U See is fun for the kids, and I like it as a supplement since we use Fridays for supplemental teaching days. Don't know anything about Singapore math though. Sorry, Hope this helps, Debbie C.
ReplyDeleteAs far as teaching about money: I found a game called Allowance that the kids loved to play. They had to "spend" or "save" or "earn" money depending on the block they landed on. If they didn't have exact change, they had to go to the "bank" and exchange. We also set up fake "garage sales" and "stores" in the house where they had to add, make change etc. When going out to the store, they would figure out how much something would cost, and the older kids would figure in the percentage for tax. They learned quick about money. Hope these help.
ReplyDeleteYou might also find some good money resources here.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.usmint.gov/kids/teachers/siteInformation/
It is the children's part of the US Mint website, have only used it a little bit but like what I have used, it may take some time hunting around in the games section (divided by age) or the teaching resources section to find what you want. My good friend Ed Moy is the current Director of the Mint. So I want to direct people to support the mint and the resources he is trying to help get developed there.
We've used Saxon from the beginning, but have considered switching. It's very strong in getting the basics down solid. You practice what you've learned, and build on it.
ReplyDeleteThe downside -- for those bright in math, it can be repetitive and therefore burdensome. I've just modified it, and we skip over a good amount of stuff, depending on what the child can handle. My oldest can skip a lot. My youngest needs the repetition of every lesson.
It's teacher-intensive for you younger years, but very independent for the older years.