This is the third book in the Math Made a Bit Easier series by independent math tutor Larry Zafran. It is a book of sixty lesson plans for tutors, parents, and homeschoolers. Each lesson plan includes all the components of a typical classroom lesson such as aim, motivation, warm-up exercises, demonstrative examples, questions for thought and discussion, and connections to earlier and later material. The math content in this book is directly aligned and ideally used in conjunction with the first book of the series and its companion workbook of practice exercises. It covers the topics which comprise the foundation of math beginning with lessons in basic arithmetic, followed by basic operations, negative numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and basic probability and statistics. If these topics are not completely mastered, later work will prove to be quite difficult. This is especially true of algebra. The book includes a chapter on how to be an effective math tutor, as well as a chapter on how to optionally incorporate meditation instruction to help students get into a relaxed and alert state of mind which is ideal for learning math and taking exams.

This is the fifth book in the Math Made a Bit Easier series by independent math tutor Larry Zafran. It contains 50 abridged lesson plans covering basic algebra and geometry, for a target audience of tutors, parents, and homeschoolers. Each lesson plan includes all of the components of a typical classroom lesson such as aim, motivation, warm-up exercises, demonstrative examples, questions for thought and discussion, and connections to earlier and later material. This book is intended to be used in strict conjunction with the fourth book of the series (Basic Algebra and Geometry Made a Bit Easier: Concepts Explained in Plain English). The book assumes that the instructor actually knows the material him/herself, but could benefit from having a general guideline to follow. The author makes a point of identifying the concepts which most students tend to find easy or difficult, including suggestions on how to help with the latter. The book includes an introduction describing how the book can be put to best use, as well as a section on how to effectively work with students who are struggling with the material. The author explains that for the vast majority of students, the root of the problem can be traced back to never having fully mastered basic math concepts and skills. The book's lessons make frequent reference to reviewing earlier books in the series as needed so that the student masters all of the prerequisite material.

An independent book written and self-published by former math teacher and private math tutor Larry Zafran. Students are justified in proclaiming that "math is hard," but there is a specific reason why they feel this way. The author maintains that the struggle can be lessened by following the roadmap presented, but it will take time and effort on the part of the student. Since math is often not properly taught, it is often not properly learned. Anything that hasn't truly been learned, regardless of subject, is "hard." Once the various concepts are more secure, and the student's gaps in understanding have been addressed, math will have been made "a bit easier" as promised by the book's title. However, the book does not imply that learning math is fast, fun, or easy. Most of the book's content is comprised of the roadmap of topics for a student to work through at his/her own pace. Like all paths, it begins at the beginning, in this case starting with a review of basic arithmetic, followed by basic operations, negative numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and basic probability and statistics. This is the foundation of all math. The space devoted to each topic is proportional to how difficult most students find the topic, as well as how important the topic is in preparation for later math studies. The material is explained conversationally and "in plain English" as promised by the book's subtitle, without talking down to the reader, and without the use of contrived examples or cartoonish illustrations. The book concludes with a chapter on how to effectively study math and improve scores on exams. Like the rest of the book, the chapter takes a unique standpoint on the matter, and offers suggestions which include how to get oneself into the proper mental and emotional mindset for being successful with math.

This is the second book in the Math Made a Bit Easier series by independent math tutor Larry Zafran. It is a workbook of practice exercises, self-tests, and review notes to be used in conjunction with the first book in the series, subtitled Basic Math Explained in Plain English. The math content in this book is directly aligned with the first book. It covers the topics which comprise the foundation of math. It begins with practice in basic arithmetic, followed by basic operations, negative numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and basic probability and statistics. If these topics are not completely mastered, later work will prove to be quite difficult. This is especially true of algebra. An extensive introduction describes how to obtain the greatest benefit from the book. The book also outlines practical techniques for attaining the optimal mindset for studying math and improving scores on exams. An answer key for all exercises and self-tests is included.

America's education system is in a state of crisis. A growing number of America's youth cannot read, write, or do math at all close to grade level. In many cases, these students and their families do not realize this or care. The situation is compounded by the fact that American society no longer values education, and does not understand how learning actually works. Frequent reference is made to the illusion of learning in underperforming schools. The book explains the difference between true learning and just being exposed to material. It explains the essential role that parents play, and that even with encouragement, a child cannot be forced to learn. The book is targeted at parents, teachers, administrators, government officials, and concerned citizens. Older students may also benefit from reading it. Despite its frankness about topics which are often disregarded and avoided, there is nothing in the book that students don't intuitively understand. In particular, many students regularly experience the anonymity of being herded like cattle. The goal of the book is to raise awareness, and discuss whether we can fix the problem. We cannot address our nation's education crisis until people understand its underlying causes and scope. The book tells the truth, in contrast to the misinformation provided by the government and the news media. Suggested changes for improvement are made, including those that can be implemented quickly and easily, and those that require a great deal of money and coordination along with a fundamental change in how America handles education. This book is controversial, and covers issues that may anger, upset, or confuse some readers. The book includes curse words to paint a vivid picture of the way many students speak, and bluntly labels key aspects of our education system as bullsh*t where applicable.

A planner and journal for homeschoolers and involved parents by independent author and math tutor Larry Zafran. This record book provides space for 180 days of comprehensive homeschool planner/journal entries spanning 20 subjects. They are self-explanatory and adaptable for homeschoolers or involved parents who are tracking or supplementing the education of traditional school students. The book also includes an attendance calendar, forms to document the syllabus, textbooks, and materials being used for each subject, and fields to document other pieces of information which may be requested and/or required by government or school officials. Additional printable pages from the book can be downloaded at no cost via the author's website which also hosts a discussion forum.

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