Apologia Math’s Pacing
Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Mathematics series encourages kiddos to make strong connections between math, science, and our Creator! Rather than simply studying abstract mathematical principles, connections are taught so students understand the value of math as “the language in which God has written the universe.” This course features a 4-day weekly schedule that reflects a systematic progression from one skill to the next. Each level requires the Teaching Guide and an All-in-One Student Text (as well as a selection of household objects). Interactive lessons begin with an illustrated hands-on activity, followed by clear practice problems. Colorful activity pages, fun games, and intriguing projects ensure students are ready for new math concepts. Options and suggestions for adjusting a lesson if your child is struggling – or if your child is advancing quickly – are also provided.
This Apologia Math series spans grades 1-6, and it is a well-designed math course that your children will surely love! We typically defer to the math author’s pacing and plans; however, after Carrie chose Apologia Math for Heart of Dakota to carry, I asked her to share her thoughts about how a typical day might go. I thought it might be beneficial for the rest of you terrific homeschool moms as well! So, here are my notes from that conversation with Carrie about her thoughts on Apologia Math’s pacing!
Carrie’s Thoughts on Apologia Math’s Pacing
- Each day, I’d take five minutes to begin with a skill practice. This same skill is practiced for about one to two weeks. Though these skills have already been taught, I believe every student could benefit from additional practice. These skills are foundational (i.e. fact memorization, prime/composite numbers, fact families, etc.). This might be the most important five minutes of the math lesson for some kiddos!
- Next, I’d work through the warm-up activity. There is one of these virtually every day! These activities are hands-on, and they provide an excellent review of the previous lesson’s skills. Or, sometimes instead of a review, they provide an introduction for the next skill that you are going to teach. The warm-up activities do justice to their name – they set the tone by giving a “warm-up”, so kiddos are set up for success ahead in the math “exercises”!
- Then, I’d move on to the actual daily lesson. I enjoy the flow of the lessons! The wording is straight-forward, uncomplicated, and easy for children to understand. Additionally, the given examples support the lessons beautifully!
- At the close of each math session, I would have the student complete the provided practice problems. This practice links directly to the content of the lesson, and it is an excellent way to end each math day!
I thought Carrie’s notes were so helpful, as usual! Other families I’ve helped on the phone have appreciated them as well. Hope this helps some other lovely homeschool ladies with Apologia Math’s Pacing!
In Christ,
Julie Grosz, M.Ed.
