Skipping A Grade In Math Made Easier (NAPSA)—Subtracting a whole grade of math from their studies is an equation most students would approve of—and a new workbook is makingit easier. It’s not unusual for the students of math teacher Richard Fisher to skip a grade of math. Each year about half of his sixth grade math students move directly to eighth-grade algebra. His students may be able to master math faster because Fisher, winnerof the Intel Innovations in Teaching Award, has found a way to make math less dull. To help his students, Fisher created a workbook, “Mastering Essential Math Skills: 20 Minutes a Dayto Success.” The workbook was written to complement and supplement basic math texts but can also be used as a core curriculum. “The books quickly motivate students and create confidence and excitement, which leads to success,” said Fisher. Each workbook in this series provides concise, non-intimidating, self-contained lessons, paced drills and requires only 20 minutes per day. Fisher has noticed that students who use the workbook not only master math skills but maintain the skills and reinforce them through the consistent review built into each lesson. The 144-page “Elementary Edition” covers whole numbers, frac- tions, decimals, ratios and propor- tions, percents, geometry, number theory, algebra, integers, charts and graphs, probability and statistics and a word problem chapter. The drills stress student A whole new angle to teaching math has created the kind of confidence that leads to success. involvement and quick thinking. The one-page daily lesson opens with four review exercises, two speed drills on addition and multiplication and oral work. New material is introduced with two sample exercises and a helpful hints section, before working on 10 problems. A daily word problem closes the lesson. The “Middle Grade Edition” covers similar material in a slightly faster-paced way for kids who are a year or two older but still need to brush up on the same basic math and pre-algebra. “You will definitely be ready for Algebra 1 after completing either of these workbooks,” said Fisher. Both editions are available from the publisher by calling 866- 444-MATH (6284). You can try each book free for 30 days and if you're not satisfied, receive a full refund. More information about the books is available by visiting the Math Essentials Web site at www.mathessentials.com.
