smart education

The biggest struggle in mathematics comes with algebra and basic arithmetic functions. The four basic elementary algebra operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are not emphasized enough. We often have students that are no capable of performing the basic operations. Our high schools are filled with students that have the foundation needed to perform on standardized tests, course materials and college preparatory tests such as the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. Unfortunately, students become way to dependent on the calculator and do not fully understand the basics of the functions performed.
Math's Basic Operations
The four basic operations to solve any math problems are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. To know these operations are key to success at any grade or post-secondary educational level. I will present each one in detail. However, there is an even more primary aspect to look upon.
The Number Line
The number line is a line that never ceases to end in respect to the left and right sides. The never ending aspect is called infinity. However, to all things, there is a beginning. That beginning for us is zero. On the number zero's left side are the negative values. The further left you go, the smaller your number value becomes. The right side of zero has positive value. These numbers grow infinitely large. So, we now have the basis for addition and subtraction.
Addition
Thinking in terms of the number line helps to simplify addition. Let's suppose we have the number 1. If two place values are added, we move two places down the number line from one's place. On the number line, we end up at three. In the same manner, one pencil plus two pencils equals three pencils. Students at the elementary stage should be sure to use the number line until they are comfortable with it. Remember, a number ALWAYS gets larger with addition.
Subtraction
If addition means to make a number larger, subtraction means to make a number smaller. We move to the left of the number line to make a number smaller. Remember those three pencils in the previous addition paragraph. What if we took the two away to give to other people? The following is subtraction; 3 pencils - 2 pencils = 1 pencil. We just took two pencils away. Again, students should use the number line as a resource until subtraction skills are strong enough without it. A number ALWAYS gets smaller after subtraction.
Multiplication and Division
We can think of multiplication as a way to make a number bigger with a faster method. Numbers sometimes get very big to count on the number line. Let me explain by multiplying 6 and 8. By the way, the common operation name for multiplication is "times." When you hear 6 times 8, what do you think? Well, the easiest way in my opinion is to think of this as a six pack of pencils given to 8 students each. Each of the eight students have 6 pencils. Addition, in this case, is a little lengthy bit of math to be doing. Of course, you can add if you are more comfortable. However, multiplication is a skill that will help you to be more efficient and mentally prepared for bigger numbers. A calculator may be handy until you learn your times tables. We eventually conclude that the answer is 48 total pencils in the distributed to the students.
Division does the opposite. For example, I am teacher Bill who wants to make sure that each of my 8 students have the same amount of pencils. Division is a means by which we divide a number (typically a bigger number) by a smaller one. I would have to give each student 6 pencils so that each has the same amount.
I hope that you have found the simplicity in the four basic operations. I am very surprised at the amount of kids and people who have not mastered these skills. The numbers are alarming. Thanks.

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After teaching our children for ten years I learned how to make the routine of homeschooling a little easier. Prioritizing your jobs is the first and most important. From that list of jobs, sort out what the children can do for you. Sort out what needs to be done, hourly, twice daily, daily, everyday, weekly, periodically.
When I started home schooling it was more out of necessity than choice as we live so far from a type of normal school. Our lives where fairly crazy for a year or so until I/we got a grasp on things. Planning is the success to anything, so I planned things the best I could.
My day would begin with putting a load of washing on, it would wash away while I got breakfast sorted for my family. After breakfast one child would take the dogs for a walk and the other would unpack and re-pack the dishwasher, while I put the washing on the line and put another in the washing machine. The children doing something physical before school served two purposes, 1. it got them active and woke them up for school. 2 it helped me to get my jobs done.
School started at 8am. We had a timetable for that, we started with the most difficult subject first, for one child it was maths, the other one was spelling. Lessons where scheduled around their on-air lessons that they had with their teacher each day over the phone. Morning tea was at 10am or 10.30am depending on the on-air lessons. I tried to have cakes, biscuits etc for morning tea cooked on the weekend and stored in the freezer. The next session was usually a bit more interesting like science. A lot of the time we would finish school for the day at 1pm. Sometimes though we would go back into the schoolroom and do an art or craft activity. Lunch was usually a sandwich, I tried to cook some meat on the weekend to use as cold meat during the week.
After lunch if I was going to be out the slow cooker came in handy. Go through your receipts and see which ones are really easy and quick. Copy them somewhere where they are easy to find when you need a meal quickly. Check out magazines when you get a chance to read them for easy and really quick meals.
Prep school work the day before when you have finished lessons, and/or the weekend before.
That washing you put on the line as you where on your way to the school room, get the kids to take it off for you, take a chair to the line if they are too short to reach from the ground. If they are watching TV, get them to get their washing and fold it while they are watching TV. After all, it is what you do and it is their clothes.
I learned that it was really important to be adaptable, and not to get upset about something that can really be done tomorrow, and hey, does it really need to be done at all, did you create the job in the first place.
Remember children learn from your actions, not so much what you tell them. Learning is as much out of the class room as it is in the class room. But most important thing I learned in 10 years of home schooling, you are first and foremost Mum, and whatever happens in the school room should never take away or sacrifice that role.

After homeschooling our children for ten years, I would like to share with you ideas, tip, reviews and links to useful resources for your school room. You will find these and much more at [http://www.homeschoolinginoz.com]