Filling in the math gaps

Over the years, homeschoolers change their math curriculum, or even if you stick to just one curriculum for years, there are still gaps. No math curriculum is going to cover everything. That’s where Heron Math Essentials comes into play, it fills in the gaps of your homeschool curriculum.

(This is sponsored by , all opinions are my own)

I’m going to assume this Heron Books review will convince you to buy Math Essentials

So, right here at the top I’m going to tell you about the coupon code, and you have a good long time to use it, until August 31, 2022.

, and while you’re there make sure to check out their other materials, in particular, I’m looking at the high school art books.

Right up front

I don’t want anyone saying I didn’t say this, Heron Books uses some materials based on books written by L. Ron Hubbard of The Church of Scientology fame. They’re regular textbooks with no religious information in them.

From their FAQ page:

 L. Ron Hubbard (1911-1986) is well-known as the founder of the Church of Scientology. He also wrote about many non-religious topics, including study, education, ethics and management. We are proud to offer several books based on these writings, all of which are clearly presented as “based on the works of L. Ron Hubbard.” 

Heron Books is not affiliated with the Church of Scientology.

We strive to be inclusive in all our materials, and we consider it important to our brand to have no “agenda” whether that be left vs. right, secular vs. religious, evolutionist vs. creationist.

Here’s my theory, a math book is a math book is a math book. Unless that math book is asking me to count [insert religious symbol from a faith], I don’t really know how you make math religious.

I’m glad I was told ahead of time because I know for some people this might be a make-or-break deal, but I’m perfectly happy to use any good curriculum that works for my kids.

Can we talk about packaging?

Over the years I’ve bought a lot of homeschool curriculum.

I just think it looks pretty. I know pretty isn’t a big deal, but I liked how the student book and answer book were packaged together.

But the really big deal thing. Most homeschool curriculum that comes with all of these little packets of paper are shrink-wrapped that as soon as you open them the papers are going to get all messed up unless you immediately put it in a notebook. Instead, this one is in a resealable package I kept taking papers in and out of and resealing it.

It’s a little thing, but it’s helpful.

I’m usually figuring out how to repackage the materials in a way I can find them.

This became a 10-minute discussion with The Artist today as I rode in the car. I didn’t know it, but this is a thing other people talk about, reusable packaging for materials that you don’t use all at once is a big thing.

So, , my daughter and I applaud your packaging choice.

Use what you need

is designed to fill in the gaps of a homeschool curriculum, or just give extra support for your kid who needs extra help in Algebra, and you can tell that’s the intent.

Math Essentials is broken down into 13 units. Before you start each unit there’s a placement test for your kids to take.

DO NOT SKIP THIS PLACEMENT TEST.

Aside from the general aesthetic of the Math Essentials textbook (is it weird I like the font choice and the general layout of the books? I’m becoming a total font snob). The placement tests are my favorite part because it lets you know where to focus. If your student quickly answers the questions correctly, you can skim or even skip that unit.

If they’re taking a long time to get through the questions even if they get it right, then maybe you need to work on that section some more.

Overall great design of a homeschool math curriculum

Now I would not point out a checklist ordinarily, but recently I’ve learned how much The Artist likes a good checklist to help her keep her ADHD in check. Having a step-by-step checklist helps her keep projects in line, and not only do you get a checklist with , but they give you time estimates.

This may not seem like a big deal for you, but for someone who struggles with time management, this is a HUGE deal.

Much like the lots of space around each problem is a big deal, because it doesn’t feel visually overwhelming.

Seriously, that’s one of the hacks given for ADHD kids, cover up the extra problems so it’s not visually overwhelming.

It’s like someone said, here’s how to not make this feel horrible.

I’m only mildly exaggerating, math has been the subject of the most frequent meltdowns in this house, so I’m picky on math curriculum.

Other cool features in this homeschool math curriculum

The instructor’s manual is designed to put you at ease, and give you tips for helping your kids master the materials, but these are not complex lesson plans (which is good since there are good odds I’ll lose this book in a few days anyway).

Then there are the materials list for each unit, most units only require the included materials, but a few (I’m looking at you measurement unit) require some extra materials. Extra materials that look fun.

The lighting is bad right now, so you’re getting a bigger view of my original picture. That big spiral notebook is the student textbook, and the little spiral notebook is the answer key.

I recently ran into a homeschool mom who liked the answer key being separate from the questions, it removes the temptation to glance at the answers. This would be absolutely perfect for her, note to self tell her .

In case you forgot, here’s the coupon one more time: ADVENTURES40

Some more 8th grade learning

• Beauty and the Beast book club
• 42 Electronics engineering subscription
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea book club
• How to dye natural fabrics, history lesson
• Ancient Sumeria booklist