Fractions

I noticed that my fifth grader exhibited some real weaknesses with his understanding of and ability to work with fractions. Given the difficulty he encountered it was not surprising that he detested fractions. I found this product on Amazon and figured we would give it a try. He would complete one page per school day. Approximately three weeks after he started working in this workbook he saw a fellow dancer working on a fractions page while he waited for his class. He excitedly say, "Fractions! I love fractions!" I had hoped that his attitude for fractions would change, but I wasn't expecting it to change so rapidly. As an educator, I am very pleased with the rate of progression from one skill to the next, as well as with the review of basic skills. I am also pleased with the "Helpful Hints" section on each page. It provides the information the student and parent/teacher needs to know for the student to progress to this next lesson. At the bottom of each page are problem solving questions which are not overly easy, but are not too challenging. I am very pleased with these as well. My son likes the book and says that "It is easy to understand." Overall, we are both very pleased with this workbook. So, we abandoned Kahn Academy, after much reluctance on my behalf, and purchased two additional workbooks: "Mastering Essential Math Skills: Problem Solving" and "Mastering Essential Math Skills: Geometry." We just received these, and as I speak, my son is completing tomorrow's page in his Geometry book. I plan to get a couple of the others once we get through these ones. FYI.... he started working on his fractions book on 8/14 and he is slated to finish prior to Thanksgiving.

I have been out of high school for 8 years and I'm finally going to college to get a degree. I wasn't terrible at math in high school, but after a couple years, I've forgotten even basic algebra and geometry. I got this book to work on refreshing my math skills to place out of beginning math classes for my placement tests. It's so easy to understand. It's well written and explained. The videos that accompany each section really help for people who are looking for a hands-on interaction. I ordered a few different math workbooks on here, and this is without a doubt the best. I highly recommend to any adult looking to refresh their algebra or current students who are looking to gain a better understand of what their teacher is providing.

I am very happy with Richard Fisher's series Mastering Essential Math Skills. The books are presented in a simple fashion. The instruction is clear and to the point. Each lesson begins with a Review Exercises section and a Helpful Hints section. These sections are followed by appropriate problems. What I especially like about the books are that page by page the work seems easy. This is a great help to students who need to learn math but who aren't excited by the idea of studying math. It is also great for students who don't want to do a ton of problems, but who simply want to learn the material and then move on to the next topic. Teaching and learning math is a lot easier with the help of these books!

Why am I giving it 4 stars instead of 5.... Well.. first off, they compensate you with free stuff for 5 stars. That's just wrong. (Read the cover page). The principle of it is crappy. Reviews are for reviews from people, not purchased propaganda. (Now off my high horse). I'll knock only half a star off for that. Everyone wants to sell stuff..... The other half star is knocked off because clearly, they didn't check the answer key. There are answers that are DEAD wrong, which is infuriating. My 8 year old has found all the correct answers if you would like to compensate us for that instead.... Saying this... that's the bad stuff - hands down - these are the best workbooks for Math I have found. They are to the point using the Saxon math method which just makes sense. (Screw common core. I want my kid to understand math, not test taking). Seriously buy this book... but just remember - you'll have to relearn fractions as the answer key is dubious at best. -- Hey it was good for me. :)

I found that I needed to refresh my math skills. I ordered this book and was surprised and how fast I was able to relearn fractions. I would highly recommend if you are learning or relearning.