Math Resources including apps, games, printable worksheets, and more

Being a home school mom and just a mom in general, one of the greatest resources I use is the internet. You can find tons of resources for any subject and many of them are FREE. Here is a compiled list of different math resources and I tried to mainly include FREE resources (unless I thought it was an awesome resource). You will find math worksheets,tutorials, videos, games, apps, and even free math curriculum.

 Math Web Sites

MathisPower4u– This site has almost 4,000 mini math lessons. They are organized by course topic. It has videos lessons for your basic math all the way up to Calculus 3. There is also a Roku Channel for MathisPower4u.

MyOpenMath- This is a FREE self service open textbook course. You can sign up as a teacher or as a student. Many of the MathusPower4u videos are included within the course.

KhanAcademy- Most have probably came across Khan Academy. But for those who haven’t, Khan Academy offers free resources for a wide range of subjects including math.

CoolMath– Offers math games from addition all the way to calculus.

MathUSee– Most of you may know of Math U See curriculum. They also have some free resources such as worksheet generator, Online Drill, fact sheets, and Stewardship Calculators. Math U See also has a math manipulative app. While its not free, it could be a great alternative to buying the blocks.

Math Playground– Math games, Logic Games, and word problems

Math Drills– Tons of FREE math worksheets grouped by categories

Homeschool Math– Need help choosing a math curriculum? This site has a list of different curriculum, details about them, and reviews.

Mathematics Benchmarks– Math Benchmarks for each grade level. The benchmarks show which skills and lessons a child needs per grade level.

Math is Fun– FREE full math curriculum for k-8, algebra 1 & 2, and Geometry.

Math Mammoth– FREE math tutorials and lessons on youtube.

PurpleMath– Purple Math has alot of information for algebra students. Lessons can be found under the Practice section. The Lessons and Tutoring section has a list of sites with reviews.

Donna Young– Lots of good math printables. Some of the printables include graph paper, Number Line worksheets, clock worksheets, printable math manipulatives, charts, and more. She also has a ton of other printables on her site so be sure to bookmark or pin her site!

Five J’s– Here is Five J’s top 10 math resources. She has some of the same links and some new ones as well.

Free Math Help-This site includes math lessons for Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Sports Math, and Statistic.

ABCya– ABCya has educational games and apps for K-5. They cover many different subjects including math.

Sheppard Software– This site has games and activities for many different subjects for little kids all the the way to college. It also has activities for adults.

 

 

 

Math Apps

Here is a list of math apps. Some of them fall under multiple categories. I have tried to include the apps into each category but please forgive me if I missed a multiple category. There were so many apps I found and I know this is far from being complete.

 

Elementary Math

MathUSee Manipulatives for Apple- The app isn’t free. It is $14.99. If you use Math U See, this would be a great alternative for the blocks or even on the go. Even if you don’t use Math U See, this would be a great addition for the hands on/visual learners. This is also available on the Android. MathUSee Manipulative for Android.

FlashToPass Free Math Flash Cards

MathTappers–

Kindergarten Math Drills–

Numbers, Addition, and Subtraction

Counting and Addition

1st Grade Math:Splash Math

First Grade Learning Games

First Grade Math Challenge-Barnyard Edition

Grade 1 Math: First Step Zoo

2nd Grade Splash Math

Splash Math Grade 1 to 5

Second Grade Math Magic

2nd Grade Math: First Step Safari

Turbo Math Games: Grade K-4

 Math Splash Bingo

Splash Math-3rd grade

3rd Grade Frenzy

 4th grade Splash Math

Long Division Touch

DoodleMath

Fractions & Decimals

Math. This app can be found under multiple categories.

Middle School

King of Math

 Buzzmath Middle School

Middle School Math 6th Grade

Math.

iTooch Middle School

CandyFactory Educational Game

7th Grade Math learning Game

Math Animations (Grades 1-8)

Middle School Math 8th grade

Alegbra Game with Linear

Khan Academy PreAlgebra Khan Academy has many apps for many different topics. You can search “Khan Academy” under the App store to view their many different apps. Also check out their web site.

Mathpro

Math Logarithms

Algebra

Free Graphing Calculator

Khan Academy Algebra 1

Math.

iMathematics

Math Pro!!

Mathway

The Fun Way to Learn Alegbra

HMH Math On the Spot

Mathematical Formulas

MyMath: Algebra and Trigonometry equations

Trigonometry

Triangle Solver

Khan Academy: Trigonometry

Trig Wheel

Polar Sweep

The scientific Calculator

Stewardship

ClearCheckbook– I personally use this to keep my checkbook registry. You can log in online or through the app. The app doesn’t store the information on your phone therefore both me and the hubby can log in and enter our transactions. You could use this for personal use and/or while teaching kids about managing money. You can set up different accounts as well as cash on hand. There is also the option to create budgets so you can stay on track for your financial goals.

Khan Academy: Finance 1

Khan Academy: Finance 2

Khan Academy: Finance 3

PiggyBot

Allowance & Chores Bot Free

Kids Bank Free

MyFinanceLab Financial Calculator

Mint Personal Finance

Unsplurge

GoodBudget Planner

Simple Loan Calculator

Loan Simulator Mobile

Amortizator

EZ Financial Calculators

Mortgage Calculator

 

 

I hope you will find these resources helpful! If you have resources that I missed, please share with in the comments. Also, if you have used the resources listed, leave you review in the comments below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New to homeschooling? Where to start

So you’ve decided to homeschool your kids but where do you start? Here is a list of resources and places to start.

Where to get started homeschooling

1.) Learn your state laws. You will first need to know what your state laws require. Every state is different on what the requirements are. Some are very lenient while some tend to be more rigorous. Go to HSLDA and click on your state. To find your state homeschool organization, visit HSLDA, click on your state, and then click on Organizations. This will bring you state and local organizations.You can also visit your state homeschool organizations web site.

2.) Find a local homeschool coop. HSLDA organizations page has some of the support group listed on their site. Click on your state, then find your county.  Another site to check out is Homeschool World’s Group Page. Click on your state and it will bring up homechool groups in your area. Local HS also has a list. If you don’t find an organization in your area listed on these sites, this doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t any in your area. My local homeschool coop is not listed on these sites.

Many homeschool groups have a support page on Yahoo Groups. Some have Facebook page groups. On Facebook, you can try searching for ” (your town or county) homeschool”.  Some homeschoolers have found other members on Meetup.  You can try Googling “(insert town or county) homeschool coop”.

So you checked out the sites listed above and still not finding a local coop. Visit your local teacher supply store and ask an associate. This is how I found my local coop.

3.) Research different learning styles and teaching styles. There are quite a few different types of styles. A2Zhomeschooling has a list of styles. Remember, your homeschooling style might be a mix of different styles and that is ok. You may or may not need to do this. The only reason I mention this is to help one in choosing curriculum. I know how my child learns and how I like to teach so by simply looking at curriculum, I have a better understanding if the curriculum may or may not work for us.

4.) Decide on Curriculum. There are a TON of brands of curriculum out there. Some use different teaching styles so what works for someone else may or may not work for you. It would probably be impossible to list them all. One of the best ways to check out curriculum is go to a book fair. Normally, your state homeschool organization will have the information about when and where the next book fair is. HSLDA Events Calendar also has a list of events.

Maybe you can’t make it to a book fair or  you need curriculum sooner, The Curriculum Choice: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Homeschooling Curriculum has a ton of resources to help you out. Catthy Duffy Reviews  is a great resource to check out. Confessions of a Homeschooler has some tips on choosing curriculum, what she uses, and some other resources.

After you found some curriculum you might be intereted in, check out their site. Most curriculums have a sample download in PDF format. You can view the curriculum and see if this may or may not work for you.

5.) Tell your friends and family about your decision and be prepared to stand firm about your decision. If you child is like mine, she talks about anything and everything. When we first decided to homeschool, we were the first to tell our friends and family. Surprisingly, everyone was very supportive but for some, this may not be the case. They might be more supportive if they understand your reasoning for choosing to homeschool; maybe you don’t like the public school system, you want a more biblical education for your child, maybe your child has special learning needs or other reasons. It might also ease their minds if you can present them with the pros to homeschooling or debunk common myths about homeschooling. Here are a few links that debunk the myths about homeschooling. sdhsa , homeschool academy, homeschool diaries, Homeschool World, see chart below.

All the information still doesn’t convince them? Well, they are entitled to their own opinion and while it would be great to have support from them, you may not get it. Just stand firm and let them know that is you and your spouses decision.

Via: DegreeSearch.org

 

6.) Withdraw your child from school. In some states, this isn’t a requirement but I still recommend notifying your school. In Texas this isn’t a requirement but due to some recent stories, I highly recommend notifying the school.  Some schools might issue truancy tickets if they are unaware that you have withdrawn them. The procedure of withdrawing might vary from state to state so check your state laws. If you’re in Texas, here is a withdrawal letter as well as the process of withdrawal. If your in another state, I’m sure your state homeschool coalition or group with have the information you need to withdraw your child from public school.

7.) Ask the Lord to guide you on this new journey. His understanding and wisdom far surpasses our wisdom. Ask for his guidance and the strength if and when you are ridiculed for choosing to homeschool. Homeschooling is not the popular choice and there may be many who will not like the decision. When the time comes remember this verse; “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:19) 

 

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 

 

I hope you find this information useful and helpful. Did I miss anything? I’d love to hear from you!

 

 

Purchasing used homeschool curriculum

It’s getting that time of the year again when most everyone  is gearing up for school. For us homeschoolers, purchasing curriculum is a huge expense especially if you have more than one child. You can save quite a bit by buying used. I saved 87% on my last purchase! SCORE! Not all purchases will have this much savings but trust me, the savings are worth spending some time searching these sites. 

Here is a complied list of the places I use to find used curriculum and save! You can also sell your used curriculum on these sites as well. This will help offset some of the cost and not clutter your home.

1. Ebay– I know this one is probably obvious. But keep this site in mind. One thing to watch out on Ebay is the shipping cost. And also just because it is on ebay does not mean it is the cheapest. I have seen MANY times that a used product is higher than purchasing directly from the company.
2. Amazon –Another obvious place to buy used. Amazon is one my favorite places to order. I have bought many things from Amazon. Many times, they have the best deal, and if you have Amazon  Prime, most of the time you get FREE 2 day shipping. Again check prices. I have seen used items on Amazon that are cheaper but that do not qualify for Amazon Prime 2 day shipping therfore come out to as much or more than a new item with Free 2 day shipping. So check total price including shipping to make sure you are getting the best deal.
3. Varage Sale – That’s not a typo, Varage Sale is like an online garage sale. They have community boards that you can join. Ask to join {BEST} Homeschool Swap USA/Canada. After you are added, it will have a newsfeed just like Facebook. You can browse or use the search bar at the top of the page to find a specific homeschool curriculum. You can also post ISO (In search of) posts as well.
4. VegSource– I use this web site by looking under the Items for Sale. You should see links by grade level. Click on the grade level and the use the Ctrl + F shortcut. This works in Google Chrome and should work with other browsers. A little bar will drop from the top of your browser. In the white space/search type in name of curriculum. As you’re typing it will start bringing up your search by highlighting the items that it finds. You can use the down arrow to move through the search results. If it displays 0 of 0, then it didn’t find any matches.
5. Homeschool Classfieds I’m not fond of their layout or user friendliness of the site. However, they have a ton of curriculum for sale so I overlook the poor quality of the web site design/layout. The easiest way to find a particular product is to use the search.
6. Used Homeschool Books They don’t have the biggest selection but they are worth checking out if you are planning to purchase some of the top/well known curriculums i.e. Abeka.
7. Facebook Pages  There are a few Facebook pages that have places to buy/sell/trade homeschool curriculum. Most of these are closed groups so you will have to type the name of the Facebook page into the Facebook search (top of page), click on page, and then ask to become a member to the group. After they have approved you, you can browse the feed. The best way I have found to find certain curriculum is to hit Ctrl + F shortcut. (see above under VegSource details) When using the Ctrl +F shortcut in Facebook Group Feeds, it will only find the items that show up in your newsfeed so scroll down farther and then search again. Here are the names of the FB pages that I have found;

• Homeschool Curriculum Exchange/Yard Sale
• Texas Homeschool Curriculum Buy/Sell/Trade (I’m sure there are FB pages for other states, just search your state followed by Homeschool or curriculum)
• Homeschool Curriculum Swap
• Homeschool Curriculum Marketplace

Our local co-op has a used curriculum sale page. Also be sure to ask you local co-op if they have a resale group page. And then you can go pick it up and not have to pay for shipping.

8.  Check your local co-op- My local co-op has a meeting at the beginning of every school year. They all get together and have a currciulum marketplace. You can sell your items, buy items from other members, and they even have a FREE room selection. Last year, I found Abeka lesson plans, test keys, and Seatwork Text in the Free room!

Leave your comments

There you have it. My list of web sites to find used curriculum. There are a ton of web sites out there but some of them have very minimal listing or I just can’t seem to find what I’m looking for. What are some of your favorite web sites to buy used curriculum? Where have you scored deals?