homeschool

I’m always on the lookout for ways to make math a bit easier for my kids to understand (I homeschool both of my kids)... One topic that initially seemed tricky but turned out to be quite fun and approachable is the distributive property in math. If you’ve ever felt confused about how multiplication and addition work together, you’re 100% not alone.. Let me walk you through how I introduced this concept to my children and why it’s one of my favorite lessons. Also, here are a few great distributive property worksheets I've used. What Is the Distributive Property? When I first introduced the distributive property to my kids, I made sure to explain it in a way they could relate to. The distributive property, in simple terms, is a rule that connects multiplication and addition. It says that multiplying a number by a sum of two numbers is the same as multiplying the number by each individual part of the sum and then adding the results. For example, the expression  5 x (2 + 3)  is the same as  5 x 2 + 5 x 3 . I showed my kids how both give us the same result,  25 . This is super important to explain early on because it helped my kids see the relationship between multiplication and addition in a whole new way. How I explained the distributive property to my kids I knew that making the lesson hands-on would help my kids understand this concept better, so I started by using real-life examples to break things down. For instance, I explained that if we were making a snack, say 5 plates of cookies, and each plate had 2 cookies and 3 cookies, we could add the cookies first (2 + 3) and then multiply by the 5 plates. This was a concrete way for my kids to visualize the concept. I also showed them how breaking down a problem like  5 x (2 + 3)  into  5 x 2 + 5 x 3  made the math feel less overwhelming 😊 It helped them understand that the distributive property can simplify math problems, especially when they come across larger numbers in the future. Why I use the distributive property in homeschooling Teaching my kids this concept helped them break down more complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. By using the distributive property, my kiddos gained a sense of control over their math homework, and it made future concepts like algebra feel more intuitive (yay!) I remember when we were working on more difficult multiplication problems and I showed them how to apply the distributive property to simplify their calculations. They felt so empowered! Instead of getting stuck on a long string of numbers, they could break it into smaller chunks and work through it step by step. Making math more fun with distributive property One of the best things about teaching distributive property was seeing how much my kids enjoyed it once they understood the concept. In addition to using small snacks like cookies or fruit pieces to create problems they could physically manipulate, I also had them draw out the problems on paper so they could see how breaking the problem down made it easier.. Now, when my kids come across a multiplication problem, they instinctively look for ways to use the distributive property. It’s a tool they can rely on for solving problems and for truly understanding how multiplication and addition work together. Why the distributive property matters :) Looking back, I’m so glad I introduced my kids to the distributive property early on.. It’s one of those concepts that doesn’t just help with one specific problem but opens the door to understanding many more complex math concepts later. My kids are now confident in using the distributive property to tackle multiplication problems, and I can see how it has built a solid foundation for them in math. If you’re homeschooling your kids and want to make math more manageable, teaching them this concept is an excellent (!) way to do it. By breaking down problems and making them more understandable, it gives kids the confidence they need to approach trick math problems. Trust me, once your kids understand this property, they’ll see math in a whole new way!

As a former math teacher (now a homeschool dad)... I’ve seen plenty of kids struggle with math rules that seem obvious to adults. The commutative property is one of those concepts that can trip kids up, even though it’s simple: the order of numbers doesn’t change the result when adding or multiplying. In my house, I make sure my kids not only understand this rule but also see why it matters. Resource: commutative property worksheets The Basics of the Commutative Property The commutative property applies to addition and multiplication: • Addition: 3 + 4 = 7 is the same as 4 + 3 = 7 • Multiplication: 3 × 4 = 12 is the same as 4 × 3 = 12 Subtraction and division don’t follow this rule, which is something I make sure my kids know right away..If they try to swap numbers in 10 – 4 or 10 ÷ 2, they’ll get completely different answers. Real-Life Examples That Work I try not to waste time with textbook definitions. Instead, I show my kids how this rule works in everyday life: • Stacking objects: If I have three apples and then add four more, it’s the same total as adding four first, then three. • Grouping toys: Lining up two groups of blocks helps them see that no matter the order, the total is the same. • Multiplication with items: If I arrange three rows of four pencils or four rows of three, there are still 12 pencils in total. Multiplying More Than Two Numbers When kids move beyond basic facts, they need to know the commutative property still applies. If we’re multiplying three numbers, it doesn’t matter which two we start with: • Example 1: 2 × 4 × 6 = (2 × 4) × 6 = 8 × 6 = 48 • Example 2: 2 × 4 × 6 = 2 × (4 × 6) = 2 × 24 = 48 One super important tips I can share with you guys is to get your kids to experiment(!) I’ll give them different sets of numbers and have them try out different groupings to see for themselves that the answer stays the same. Why This Rule Matters In short, she commutative property is a shortcut that makes math easier in the long run. If my kids know they can switch numbers around, they don’t waste time doing problems the hard way. Math doesn't have to be about memorizing rules, it’s more important that we understand why numbers work the way they do. The commutative property is one of those rules that, once it clicks, makes everything else a little easier.

Three years into homeschooling my 3rd and 5th graders, I realized my kids could solve math problems but couldn't tell me which size pizza was the better deal. I realized that math wasn't connecting to their real lives at all.... so, we put the textbooks aside one day a week for what we call "Math in Action" projects. Last month, the kids planned our vegetable garden - measuring the yard, calculating seed spacing, and writing down how much soil to buy 😊 My 5th grader, who used to groan at the sight of fractions, spent two hours happily calculating how to double and halve recipes for our neighborhood bake sale (yes!) Yesterday, I overheard my son explaining to his 3rd grade sister how to calculate the tip at a restaurant. These moments make all the homeschool struggles absolutely worth it.

Hey all! I wanted to share 3 methods I’ve been using to teach my kids addition with carrying (regrouping), and it’s been so helpful in making this concept click for them. My twin boys are 8 years old , and I know it can be a tricky topic for some, so I thought I’d pass along what’s been working for us. Here are some hands-on ways we’ve been practicing: • Using base-ten blocks to visually see the regrouping • Story problems that involve carrying • Games on the whiteboard where I ask a question and they need to solve it together (this is probably my favorite one.. their "problem-solving discussions" are priceless 😊 I can go into more details if anyone needs, but definitely have seen that most progress since we started doing these 3 things.

I have a 7-year-old who needs help with math, a 9-year-old who refuses to write more than one sentence, and I feel like I spend more time breaking up arguments and finding missing pencils than actually teaching... How do you stay sane while homeschooling? 🙄

Does anyone here follow a set schedule?

Some days we’re in a great rhythm, and everything flows smoothly... Other days it feels like our schedule goes out the window 🤷‍♀️ How do you find the right balance between sticking to a routine and giving your kids the freedom to learn at their own pace..?

Some days homeschooling feels like a dream. Other days… let’s just say I consider dropping them off at the nearest school. What do you do when your kid refuses to focus?

I'm new to homeschooling, and starting to plan out our daily / monthly routine and what (I think) will work best for my son who's 5 years old... I know one of the biggest perks of homeschooling is the flexibility and freedom it offers, but I’d love to hear from those of you who have been doing this for a while… What’s the best thing about homeschooling that I should make sure to take full advantage of? Do you guys have a unique way of learning? go on lots of trips? Invite over friends who are also homeschooled to learn together? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance for sharing!

Hey guys, I'm searching for a solid 3rd-grade curriculum (for my 9 year old son) that covers reading, math, and writing. Anyone have recommendations for one that you liked? We've tried a few things, but nothing has clicked yet. Looking for something comprehensive but not overwhelming. Thanks in advance!