I often hear homeschool moms say they are intimidated by teaching math to their children and I know that feeling myself, so I was excited to learn about Math Refresher for Adults from Math Essentials.
When my book arrived on my doorstep I was a little apprehensive. I really was going to have to sit and work math problems just like I make my kids work theirs. Was I ready? I opened my package and was pleasantly surprised.
I opened the book to find a straight forward, easy to follow format. Each lesson is a one to two page spread and begins with a few refresher problems, then presents the concept with sample problems. These are followed by exercises that use the concept introduced. Helpful tips are often included, as well as space for you to make notes and do some figuring. At the end of each lesson you are given a word problem.
This Math Refresher begins with the most basic concepts and moves systematically through higher level math like Pre-algebra, Algebra and beyond. Some of the concepts covered are:
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Whole Numbers
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Decimals
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Fractions
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Exponents
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Charts & Graphs
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Ratios and Proportions
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Square Roots
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Geometry
- Word Problems
You could use this as a consumable workbook, but I chose to follow the advice in the introduction and copy problems onto a notebook page as I worked them. It was easier and more beneficial to me to write out the problem and my work. There are video tutorials available, too. I found this very helpful since I am a visual learner. These videos coordinate with their math workbooks (see my review on Math Essentials No-Nonsense Algebra)
While I chose to begin with practicing the basic math operations, you do not need to start at the beginning. Each lesson stands on its own and it can be used as a reference book, just find the section that covers the math concept in which you need practice or the section the covers whatever it is you need/want to learn.
I found an added bonus when using Math Refresher for Adults. Instead of hiding away and checking my own answers, I asked my 6th grade daughter to do my grading. She thinks it’s pretty cool to be given the answer key (at the back of the book) and grade mom’s math pages! It not only challenges me to do my best work, it also gives her a bit of a refresher course, seeing my math lesson worked out on the page.
Math Essentials has given me another helpful tool for my high school aged children who will be taking standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT. This math refresher course is the perfect companion to help them sharpen up their most basic math skills, which will help them as they tackle more complicated problems on these tests.
I’ve always heard that it is important to keep the brain engaged and exercised with activities like crossword and number puzzles. I am working through this Math Refresher book in a similar fashion – a page a day, just to wake up my brain cells! I’ve surprised myself and my children, finding I am actually enjoying this!
This is perfect for home school parents (or any parent!) who wants to help their kids with math. Many of us either struggle with math or have been away from it so long we have forgotten most of it. If you need to brush up on your Math skills, I recommend checking out Math Refresher for Adults from Math Essentials. Now I have a go-to resource when my child comes to me, stumped. Instead of just saying, “I don’t know.” I can say, “I know how to find out!”
There are dozens of other Crew Review members sharing their experience using this resource. Check out what they have to say – just click on the image below:
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