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Math
Monsters
Math Monsters
One
of the finest educational video series we have ever seen, Math Monsters sets and
then raises the bars for every other educational series.
The series features a group of math symbols who double as character hosts
for the videos. Each lesson, from
addition to geometric concepts and everything in between is presented with real
life examples for using math to solve everyday situations.
Stories drive each lesson home as the group comes up with mathematical
methods to reach solutions. The
entire tone of the series is positive, supportive and upbeat.
There are guidebooks with each video that provide previews for educators
as well as post viewing exercises. There
are also pause points in each video where parents or teachers can ask children
to discuss the solution before they see it on the screen.
This is a superb method for supporting the lesson.
As each tape ended, parents and kids told us that they enjoyed this kind
of math and were anxious to see another.
Recommended
Age: 5 to 8
Price: $395.00 for series
Practice
& Learn Book Series - Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Just
about every student can use a little reinforcement of lessons learned in school.
The Practice and Learn series of books is designed with that in mind.
Based on widely acknowledge levels of grade curriculum, each books is
filled with practice sheets on a variety of subjects from math and reading to
writing, science, grammar and more. The
idea behind the books is that mastery of subjects follows a steady diet of
exposure to class lessons and exercise drills.
If a parent chooses to use these books at home for either additional
skill building or if they are involved in home schooling they will appreciate
having these worksheets at their disposal.
Teachers in particular really took a shine to these books, many of them
telling us that they had been relying for years on books with worksheets like
these. They told us that they
welcomed having so much material at their fingertips in one place.
Each book is broken down by category for easy reference.
The pages are full sized so students don't need to squint or size down
their writing. This is a terrific
series of academically supportive material
Recommended
Age: 5 thru 11
Price: $14.95 each
Practice
& Learn - What Every Child 8 to 12 Needs to Know
Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
There is so much material packed into this 608 page book, that you'll need two hands to carry it. Its hefty weight notwithstanding, this is ideal for teachers both in school and at home. If you are home schooling your child or considering it, this book should be on your library shelf. Broken out by age there are no stones unturned here. There are practice sheets on subjects from all the core educational groups for this age, Grammar, Reading and Math. Each section has worksheets that can be used to reinforce lessons. This comprehensive worksheet book is an essential resource for teachers who told us that they expected they would find ways to work lesson plans around the numerous ideas included. There is also an easy to use Answer key at the end of the book.
Recommended Age: 8 thru 12 Price: $19.95 each
GeoSafari
Motorized Solar System
Educational Insights
If
your child or your student doesn't get jazzed about the planets and the solar
system we live in after seeing this educational toy in action, then you might
want to have them consider switching to earth science.
The kit goes together quickly and then the fun begins.
Lower the lights, flip the switch and the sun flares to life shining on
all of the planets which you position exactly as they are aligned in the
universe. The enclosed booklet
provides you with a chart that target's each planet's location during the year.
The motorized rotation of the planets around the sun brings the entire
demonstration to life. Using a
glowing light also serves as a great demonstration tool for showing how eclipses
work. The alternate constellation dome projects the stars on your
ceiling, which adds to all that they can learn from this system.
Recommended
Age: 6 and Up
Price: $39.95
Brain
Teasers
Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
This
book is chock full of challenging puzzles, and brainteasers that will really
have your children stretching their mental muscles.
The games are fun, often based on school curriculum, but often just logic
posers that require some real thinking skills. If your child loves testing their own abilities then they
will really enjoy these games. If
you are a teacher looking for classroom fun this is a great resource.
From math to word games and much more the creative approach to thinking
is celebrated throughout.
Recommended
Age: 8 to 10
Price: $12.95
Science
Fair Project Book
Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
This
book is a superb resource for your child when it comes time to buckle down and
design their next science fair project. This
book does have suggestions, but it is much more.
The authors have created a workbook to help germinate the idea and then
guide your child through the process. There
are ideas for narrowing the topic search, carrying out the research, writing the
report, designing the display and even tips for giving a great oral
presentation. If you and your child have never been through the science
fair experience and you are concerned about how you can help them through, this
book is a great starting point that you'll be glad you found.
Recommended
Age: 8 to 12
Price: $14.95
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Last Update: April 12, 2001
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