Posted by Milliemil on 14:24 Jul 4
In Reply to: Moving with Math -- any users here who might offer comment? (sm) posted by Doran
Hello Doran,
We've used MWM for several years and I'll share my thoughts about our experience with it...
Pro: Lessons begin with a daily review of about 5 math problems/questions that correspond to a specific lesson objective. Since each problem is correlated to a specific learning objective, problem areas can be immediately identified and reviewed/remediate if and when a student misses any of the review questions; there are pre-tests and post-test to help with assessment of student learning; the teacher guides include introductory activities and lessons are pretty much scripted; skill builders offer additional practice for daily lessons or they can be used to reteach concepts missed in daily reviews; manipulatives can be used as much or as little as necessary to teach/understand concepts; Math Teacher's Press (the publisher of MWM) has created a wonderful daily calendar which tells you which reviews, student books, and skill builders pages to use each day; the multi-grade program includes 2 grade levels and can be used one grade after the other (i.e. in two years) or can be scheduled to use and be completed in 1 year.
Con: There are 3 different teacher guides which correspond to the 3 different student books. This can be initially confusing to use but the daily calendar aligns the daily reviews, student books and skill builder pages to use for any given day. As such, this initial challenge will quickly disappear upon familiarization of using the program; the pages are somewhat dull and are in black and white. For us, this was actually a pro as my oldest son is easily distracted with busy and colorful pages; the presentation in the teacher s guides for some activities is designed for the classroom (or to be used with several children at a time).
Overall, my family is enjoying this program. We actually use it one year ahead after 2nd grade. Of course, the beauty of MWM is that it can be used at the child s pace to be completed in 2 years for each grade or in 1 year or however you need to use it.
Blessings.
Millie