It was thanks to a previous Schoolhouse Crew Review that we have known, used and appreciated the teaching style of Jason Gibson of ScienceandMath.com. We most recently reviewed the Amazing Science Vol. 1 DVD (and still have fun with the experiments). This time, we received Mastering 5th Grade Math Volume 1 Essentials of Fractions to review. This is a 2 disk set with the video lessons on one disk and printable worksheets, the answers and digital files of the lesson videos. Both are DVDs, one for a traditional DVD player, the other for use on the computer.
We started by watching a few lessons to get a feel for where the lessons began, how long they are and how the girls wanted to proceed. The lessons are short and begin with the very basics of fractions. Even though the girls (my 11 and 9 year old daughters, both working at roughly a 5th grade math level) have familiarity and limited experience working with fractions, we decided beginning at the beginning would be best. Knowing the vocabulary and becoming familiar with the teaching style of Mr. Gibson were important before moving into new material.
I printed the needed pages (generally 2-3 per lesson) from the 2nd disk and kept it all in a folder for the girls to have as they needed. They worked through the earlier lessons pretty quickly and have slowed down as the material is new to them. They are still working together, watching the lesson then working alone on their worksheets. We come together to go over the answers and discuss any problems. Sometimes we will put the lesson back on for review. Mr. Gibson is very thorough in the step-by-step process of teaching the lessons. It has made fractions very easy for my non-mathy girl to grasp. He is also very straightforward without too much repetition so my mathy girl is not bored.
I don’t always use the correct terminology when discussing math. I know how to do it, what each part’s function is, etc. but refer to the “top number” and “bottom number” quite a bit. The girls loved practicing their vocabulary — and correcting their mother — whenever we talked fractions. We bring math practice into the kitchen whenever we can. Recipes are perfect practice for playing with fractions. We also have a handy whiteboard to work out the math.
In looking at the volumes beyond Mastering 5th Grade Math vol. 1, volumes 2 and 3 continue working with fractions. We have actually started putting into practice some of what is taught in those volumes (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing). Volume 4 covers multiplication and long division. You can purchase the DVD sets individually ($15.99) or get them as a download ($14.99). You can get a bundle of all four volumes ($57.56 DVD set or $53 download).