Unlocking Math Mastery Together
Hey Reader,
First of all, the elephant in the room: Yes, this email is late. Sorry!
I was down for the count yesterday with a migraine, completely forgot what day it was, and didn’t schedule my email to be in your inboxes this morning. If you’ve ever had a migraine, you feel me! If you’ve never had a migraine, count yourself blessed. It’s not a fun experience. 😅
Life
To add to the chaos, we are officially in back-to-school mode over here! I always feel a little bit of everything in this last week of July: excitement about a fresh start, a little wistfulness about summer ending, the disbelief that the “next school year” is almost here, and the satisfaction of having a plan. If you are someone who loves the energy of a new school year, I am right there with you. And if you are someone who is not quite ready, I am right there too. 😅
Either way, here we are!
Homeschool + Math
For the last several weeks, we have been talking about how to teach math concepts in a way that builds lasting understanding in things like fractions and integers, and the why behind the procedures. We are going to keep going with that series in August, but this week I want to pause and tell you about all the ways we can work together this year, because several things are open and ready for your family right now!
Mrs. Holman’s Classroom Curriculum
My courses are built on the same philosophy we have been talking about all month: mastery before moving on, conceptual understanding before procedure, and the conviction that every child can learn math when they are taught in a way that makes sense. Here is what is currently available:
- Pre-Algebra: A full mastery-based pre-algebra course for middle schoolers, built to close gaps and build confidence before algebra.
- Get Ready for Pre-Algebra: For students who need to strengthen their foundational skills before stepping into pre-algebra.
- Algebra 1: For students ready to move into algebra, built unit by unit around genuine mastery.
The Math Classes
If you are local to me and your student would benefit from more than a self-paced course, or if they need live instruction, accountability, and/or the experience of learning alongside other students, then my math classes would be worth a look! I’m teaching 4th grade through Algebra 1 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I’m so excited!!!
Other Ways to Work Together
- Virtual Diagnostic Assessment: Not sure where your student’s gaps are? A diagnostic assessment takes the guesswork out of placement and helps you know exactly where to start.
- TpT Algebra 1 Units: If you are a classroom or co-op teacher, my Algebra 1 units are available on Teachers Pay Teachers and built around the same mastery philosophy.
Whatever your family needs this year, I would love to be part of it. Hit reply if you have questions about what might be the best fit, and I am happy to help you think it through!
Grace
Every fall I make plans. Curriculum maps, schedules, goals for the year. And every fall I am reminded, usually within the first few weeks, that the Lord holds those plans far more loosely than I do, and far more wisely!
I don’t say that to be discouraging, cause it’s actually one of the most freeing things I know! I do not have to get it all right, nor do I have to anticipate every obstacle or engineer the perfect school year. I just have to commit the work to Him and then actually do the work, trusting that He is in it with me and that what I cannot control, He can. ❤️
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
Our plans are not wasted, they are a starting point. But the One who establishes our steps is not us (thank goodness!). As you head into this school year, whatever it holds, bring your plans, your hopes, and your worries about whether or not you are doing enough, and lay them down in front of the One who already knows how this year ends. He isn’t anxious about it, and you don’t have to be either!
See you soon!
- Mrs. Holman
