Teach math in a non-traditional relaxed no fear way!

A Listmania! list by Alison "rhmmom" (VT)
(REAL NAME)   
The list author says: "I'm not really interested in my children being math "whizzes"...I want them to have a good understanding of everyday math...to be able to do mental math and not have to rely on a machine to do it for them. I want them to really understand the math concepts we use in our everyday lives. Math is really cool...who knew? Hopefully my kids will.

My new favorite math curriculum is Teaching Textbooks, which is not available on Amazon.

We do use a regular math curriculum in a relaxed way, but as with all subjects here, we choose to supplement with literature, games and life related activities. Often it is through these non-tradition ways that my children learn and retain mathematical concepts! This list contains mostly books, I also have a list of games that we play in our relaxed homeschool as well. Some of the books here are about life skills...after all, math IS a life skill with real application...isn't that the real point of teaching it in the first place?

I hope this list might inspire some to rethink traditional math teaching."
Everyday Math for Everyday Life: A Handbook for When It Just Doesn't Add Up
1.  Everyday Math for Everyday Life: A Handbook for When It Just Doesn't Add Up by Mark Ryan
The list author says:
  "Great book for real life math application...I like to look up different ways to introduce a new concept."
$18.01   Used & New from: $3.82
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)

Arithmetricks: 50 Easy Ways to Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide Without a Calculator
2.  Arithmetricks: 50 Easy Ways to Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide Without a Calculator by Edward H. Julius
The list author says:
  "Without a calculator, oh my!  This is a fun book...my kids enjoy knowing little tricks, and I've learned some things too!"
$10.17   Used & New from: $6.81
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)

Ten Sly Piranhas
3.  Ten Sly Piranhas by William Wise
The list author says:
  "Funny and cute...counting backwards from 10...you can adapt this to other concepts as well."
$5.99   Used & New from: $3.34
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

One Hungry Cat (Hello Math Reader. Level 3)
4.  One Hungry Cat (Hello Math Reader. Level 3) by Joanne Rocklin
The list author says:
  "The illustrations in this book make me laugh.  Great for introducing fractions, dividing and multiplication"
Used & New from: $0.01
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews) | 1 customer discussion

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The Grapes Of Math
5.  The Grapes Of Math by Greg Tang
The list author says:
  "Great book to sit and cozy-up on the couch with, laugh a bit and do some math...really!"
$6.99   Used & New from: $1.76
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)

Math-terpieces: The Art of Problem-Solving
6.  Math-terpieces: The Art of Problem-Solving by Greg Tang
The list author says:
  "math and art at the same time!"
$11.55   Used & New from: $1.93
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

Family Math
7.  Family Math by Jean Kerr Stenmark
The list author says:
  "my highest recommendation...many ideas to implement here!"
$17.18   Used & New from: $1.12
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

Measuring Penny
8.  Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy
The list author says:
  "Wonderful book...girl measures her dog in all kinds of ways"
$7.99   Used & New from: $3.37
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

Millions to Measure
9.  Millions to Measure by David M. Schwartz
The list author says:
  "Fun...great book on measuring and history of measuring"
$6.99   Used & New from: $2.99
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

Grandfather Tang's Story (Dragonfly Books)
10.  Grandfather Tang's Story (Dragonfly Books) by Ann Tompert
The list author says:
  "Nice book with tangrams included."
$6.99   Used & New from: $0.99
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)

Hannah's Collections
11.  Hannah's Collections by Marthe Jocelyn
The list author says:
  "This came in a kit from our library (see mother goose kit or what's the big idea)...in this story Hannah collects all kinds of things and organizes them in many ways (patterns, same vs different, big, small etc...)."
$7.95   Used & New from: $3.49
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

The Button Box (English)
12.  The Button Box (English) by Margarette S. Reid
The list author says:
  "Really love this book....great for how things can be organized, how are they the same or different.  Start your own button collection and start "classifying", discuss venn diagrams.  Also can then discuss taxonomy.  Right after we read this my son found a jar of buttons at a thrift shop.  Now he is hooked!"
$5.99   Used & New from: $2.13
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

Mrs. Fields Best Cookie Book Ever!: 130 Delicious Cookie and Dessert Recipes from the Kitchen of Mrs. Fields
13.  Mrs. Fields Best Cookie Book Ever!: 130 Delicious Cookie and Dessert Recipes from the Kitchen of Mrs. Fields by Debbie Fields
The list author says:
  "A huge benefit of homeschooling is that we are able to teach in a relaxed, loving atmosphere, real life skills that also promote family closeness.  Make cookies with your kids (or just cook with them).  Practical, useful, needed math that will serve them a lifetime!"
Used & New from: $0.01
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)

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Melissa & Doug Pirate's Bounty Floor - 100 Piece
14.  Melissa & Doug Pirate's Bounty Floor - 100 Piece by Melissa & Doug
The list author says:
  "Yes, my 6 yo son is "into" pirates....puzzles are fun, interactive (when you do them together) and spatial.  Talk about shapes, patterns, etc..."
$11.81   Used & New from: $5.40
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)

Crazy Machines: The Wacky Contraptions Game
15.  Crazy Machines: The Wacky Contraptions Game by Viva Media
The list author says:
  "I'm not a big fan of electronics, but this software is excellent.  Fun for the kids, problem solving and logic."
$6.99   Used & New from: $4.00
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (149 customer reviews) | 14 customer discussions

Let's Try It Out with Towers and Bridges : Hands-On Early-Learning Activities
16.  Let's Try It Out with Towers and Bridges : Hands-On Early-Learning Activities by Seymour Simon
The list author says:
  "This was another Big Idea kit from the library.  Build with blocks and other supplies, explore strategies used in civil engineering...What shapes increase the strength of structures?  Kids learn and can then implement in their everyday play."
Used & New from: $16.99
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? A Fast, Clear, and Fun Explanation of the Economics You Need For Success in Your Career, Business, and Investments (An Uncle Eric Book)
17.  Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? A Fast, Clear, and Fun Explanation of the Economics You Need For Success in Your Career, Business, and Investments (An Uncle Eric Book) by Rick Maybury
The list author says:
  "Title looks daunting...but this is a very practical life-skills type of book that will serve your children well."
Used & New from: $2.01
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)

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Mathematicians Are People, Too: Stories from the Lives of Great Mathematicians
18.  Mathematicians Are People, Too: Stories from the Lives of Great Mathematicians by Luetta Reimer
The list author says:
  "Math history!  Interesting and inspiring.  My husband also loved to listen as I read along."
$11.07   Used & New from: $5.50
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

The Mary Frances Sewing Book: Adventures Among the Thimble People
19.  The Mary Frances Sewing Book: Adventures Among the Thimble People by Jane Eayre Fryer
The list author says:
  "Any sewing books could be added here...the point is that sewing is a life-skill that requires math."
Used & New from: $1.25
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)

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Felt Wee Folk: Enchanting Projects
20.  Felt Wee Folk: Enchanting Projects by Salley Mavor
The list author says:
  "Oh, such lovely little projects that do require math and a lot more...reading and following directions, attention to detail, art, patience and fun!!"
$16.29   Used & New from: $8.03
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)

Buckles & Bobbins: A Beginning Sewing Book for Boys
21.  Buckles & Bobbins: A Beginning Sewing Book for Boys by JoAnn Gagnon
The list author says:
  "And another sewing book for boys...include this with button collecting and sorting"
$24.95   Used & New from: $19.95
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

The Librarian Who Measured the Earth
22.  The Librarian Who Measured the Earth by Kathryn Lasky
The list author says:
  "Wonderful picture book...math history.  After reading this look up Erastosthenes project on the web and do an experiment!"
$15.38   Used & New from: $8.01
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)

King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking: Delicious Recipes Using Nutritious Whole Grains (King Arthur Flour Cookbooks)
23.  King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking: Delicious Recipes Using Nutritious Whole Grains (King Arthur Flour Cookbooks) by King Arthur Flour
The list author says:
  "And yet another cook book.  I want my children, as grown-ups to be able to take care of themselves.  Again, bake together...teach them measuring skills, baking skills and just what is yeast and why does it work (math, science, life skills, nutrition)"
$18.99   Used & New from: $12.63
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (134 customer reviews) | 10 customer discussions

Woodworking with Your Kids: Over 30 Projects for All Ages
24.  Woodworking with Your Kids: Over 30 Projects for All Ages by Richard Starr
The list author says:
  "As with sewing and cooking, building things together with your kids will teach them valuable life skills and math that sticks! Look for project books that suit your needs...I particularly like bird feeders and  houses....kids learn math while building, then learn about birds and develop a love that lasts a lifetime!"
Used & New from: $1.82
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)

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Follow the Line
25.  Follow the Line by Laura Ljungkvist
The list author says:
  "This is a cool book we borrowed from the library...reminds me of etch-a-sketch drawings...follow the line and on each page there are things to count."
$11.55   Used & New from: $0.05
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

Seven Blind Mice (Reading Railroad)
26.  Seven Blind Mice (Reading Railroad) by Ed Young
The list author says:
  "This book, in it's simplicity, can be used in so many ways...introduce days of the week, colors, numbers,parts vs whole, sets, ordinal numbers for math.  I've also used it as a starting point to discuss history...how seeing things from one side gives an incomplete picture."
$7.99   Used & New from: $1.75
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)

Anno's Magic Seeds (Picture Books)
27.  Anno's Magic Seeds (Picture Books) by Mitsumasa Anno
The list author says:
  "Really love this book...it is deep in the math concepts it teaches and will grow with your child. Ordinal numbers, adding, subtracting, multiplying...within a story that speaks to taking care of yourself and others, love of family...even mentions God.  Wonderful!"
$8.99   Used & New from: $4.29
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

Right in Your Own Backyard: Nature Math (I Love Math)
28.  Right in Your Own Backyard: Nature Math (I Love Math) by Time-Life Books
Used & New from: $0.75
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Magnetic Poetry Add & Subtract Magnets
29.  Magnetic Poetry Add & Subtract Magnets by Magnetic Poetry
The list author says:
  "My 6 yo son enjoys these...magnets and math facts."
Out of stock

Learning Wrap Ups - Multiplication
30.  Learning Wrap Ups - Multiplication by Learning Wrap Ups
The list author says:
  "My daughter used these when she was memorizing her multiplication facts.  We own all the operations and have used them with both children."
$9.16   Used & New from: $5.00
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

Cuisenaire Rods Intro. Set Wood
31.  Cuisenaire Rods Intro. Set Wood by Learning Resources
The list author says:
  "Cuisenaire rods are an amazing and versatile tool for teaching years of mathematical concepts.  Highly recommended!"
$14.62   Used & New from: $9.00
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)

Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle School Math Without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail
32.  Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle School Math Without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail by Danica McKellar
The list author says:
  "horrible title, but the math teaching is very solid and makes more difficult concepts very easy to understand.  My daughter and I both enjoy this book."
$8.23   Used & New from: $2.28
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (159 customer reviews) | 1 customer discussion

Secrets of Mental Math: The Mathemagician's Guide to Lightning Calculation and Amazing Math Tricks
33.  Secrets of Mental Math: The Mathemagician's Guide to Lightning Calculation and Amazing Math Tricks by Michael Shermer
The list author says:
  "GREAT book...tricks here that I've not seen elsewhere.  Very cool."
$10.99   Used & New from: $7.30
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (84 customer reviews)

Algebra Survival Guide: A Conversational Guide for the Thoroughly Befuddled
34.  Algebra Survival Guide: A Conversational Guide for the Thoroughly Befuddled by Josh Rappaport
The list author says:
  "Great easy to understand first algebra book, get the workbook as well and Pre-algebra Blast-off for a fantastic introduction and explanation of negative integers"
$13.01   Used & New from: $4.60
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (85 customer reviews) | 1 customer discussion

Card Game Roundup - K-2: Math Games the Roam the Concept Range
35.  Card Game Roundup - K-2: Math Games the Roam the Concept Range by Josh Rappaport
The list author says:
  "math related card games for k-2, 2-3 with extension concepts.  Fun!"
$12.95   Used & New from: $8.48

Life of Fred: Beginning Algebra As Serious as it Needs to Be
36.  Life of Fred: Beginning Algebra As Serious as it Needs to Be by Stanley F. Schmidt
The list author says:
  "Just discovered this series.  Funny!"
Used & New from: $29.00
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

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Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss
37.  Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss by Danica McKellar
The list author says:
  "Another great book from Danica."
$9.48   Used & New from: $2.40
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)

Hot X: Algebra Exposed!
38.  Hot X: Algebra Exposed! by Danica McKellar
The list author says:
  "And yet another.  My daughter does seem to "get" her explanations better than any other.  These books also include practice problems.  I also like her inclusion of essays from math-minded smart women."
$10.88   Used & New from: $9.66
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)

Zoombinis - Mountain Rescue
39.  Zoombinis - Mountain Rescue by The Learning Company
The list author says:
  "As math-related software goes, Zoombinis has had longevity in my home."
$8.06   Used & New from: $0.63
2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

World of Goo
40.  World of Goo by Brighter Minds
The list author says:
  "Addicting, requires logic and perseverance."
$8.49   Used & New from: $3.49
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (138 customer reviews) | 4 customer discussions

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Customer Discussions about products in this list
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crazy machines #53 2 Dec 14, 2010
where to find User's guide for Crazy Machine? 0 Jul 2, 2010
Help! How do you LOAD the Crazy Machines game?? 1 Jun 7, 2010
Crazy Machines bug with WinVista 0 Apr 8, 2009
Is this the Same ole thing? 0 Jan 31, 2009
Any CM's better for an older PC running Windows 2000 Pro? 0 Dec 14, 2008
Hints for #101 0 Jun 10, 2008
Hints for #16: Blinker Device 6 May 29, 2008
How do you play this game? 2 Mar 20, 2008
Stuck on Level 92 of the New Challenges 0 Mar 20, 2008
Is this game like or the successor to The Incredible Machine Series? 3 Mar 13, 2008
Looking for Diverse Characters in Easy Chapters/Beginning Readers 0 Aug 10, 2007
 
   

About this Listmania!

 

Author

Alison "rhmmom" (VT)
(REAL NAME)   
Qualifications: relaxed homeschool mama
Last updated: 9/15/11
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