Math is a core subject in Provincial and territorial curricula across Canada. Whether you’re planning to homeschool or you want to supplement your child’s education, you need to look for Canadian curriculum books that focus on Math studies in an effective and engaging manner.
First, let’s discuss what the Candian curriculum is. Is it a nationwide standard? The answer is both yes and no. Each Province and Territory is responsible for putting together a curriculum for their school systems. Having said that, there’s also something called the Council of Ministers of Education, or CMEC for short. Consider the CMEC as every Province and Territory coming together to set ground rules. These are best practices that are abided by every Ministry level curriculum nationwide. So, the answer is still yes and no. But what this tells us is that no matter where you are in Canada, you can rest assured you are getting all the basics as every other child in the nation.
You’ve probably landed here for one of two reasons. Either you’re new to homeschooling and are looking for the best options of Canadian curriculum books for the subject of Math – or, you’re already homeschooling your child(ren), but are looking for some supplementary Math workbooks. We cover both in this piece.
Obvious Reasons Why We Need Math
We live in an ever-changing world. Technological advances are happening everyday and the impact it has on our children is anything but minute. Students should learn how to adapt to these changes and learn basic skills like problem-solving.
It’s also imperative for kids to learn how to utilize existing technologies and that will require absorbing lots of quantitative data and learning how to analyze it. This is where mathematics comes in. This subject prepares students for all major life changes that will come their way. Not to mention it’s a precursor for other pillar subjects such as Physics.
In addition to problem-solving skills, Math also teaches kids reasoning skills. It encourages kids to keep improving independently. Since most Math problems need to be solved on their own, kids learn to rely on their own skills rather than just relying on others for answers.
New Age Math
The approach to teaching Mathematics has changed considerably over the years. Instead of simply focusing on the ‘right’ steps to approaching a Mathematical problem, students are now expected to attempt to solve the problem on their own. This helps enhance critical thinking along with problem solving.
Moreover, this new approach has prepared our kids for something so unexpected – COVID quarantines and homeschooling. They already have the practice it takes to learn to work through Canadian curriculum books independently. As your child(ren) continues to learn at home, this will only increase that independence.
Alright, so there are hundreds of Canadian Curriculum books out there. How do you know which is the best?
What to Look For in Canadian Curriculum Books for Math
Choosing Canadian curriculum books for math studies can be tricky when there are so many options out there. Here are a few things that you need to look for, especially for grade school level children:
1. Problem-solving
Do the Canadian curriculum books you’re choosing foster good problem-solving skills? This is a core skill in mathematics, and the foundation of most math programs out there. Choose a set of workbooks that present your child with many activities and opportunities for problem-solving.
A focus on problem-solving – and lots of practice, of course – helps children gain more confidence in the subject. So when deciding on Canadian curriculum books – make sure they offer your kids lots and lots of practice.
Problem-solving skills aren’t just beneficial for Math equations. It’s a life skill that will certainly come in handy. Children who are repeatedly exposed to problem-solving activities are on route to becoming great critical thinkers. Moreover, they develop collaborative skills, which can help them later when working in groups.
2. Reasoning
Before problem-solving can take place, there must be reasoning. Students should be able to know the answer behind the “whys” in the problem-solving activities they take on. Canadian curriculum books that include reasoning activities should be at the top of your list.
3. Consistency
As with any new skill, practice is necessary to master this subject. When opting into Canadian curriculum books for your child, be sure they provide the daily activities needed to excel. A lesson isn’t complete if it doesn’t come with daily revisions, weekly ‘test’ pages, and compounded learning.
4. Screen Time
Computers, tablets, tv, online schooling…our kids are already exposed to so much screen time. There’s something special, and healthier, about paper and pencil. No need for flashing lights or colorful cartoons – just raw learning that is engaging and fulfilling. When your child completes a sheet from their workbook, they’re going to love when you hang it up on the fridge – just another perk of this tried and true method of learning.
Conclusion
Bringing your child’s education home has never been easier. With social distancing, so many new homeschooling options have opened up. This is both a great thing, and a not-so-great thing. It can be overwhelming when you’re choosing the right Canadian curriculum books for your kids – especially when it comes to subjects like Math. Look for books that make learning independently easy for both you and your child. It also needs to be engaging and fun for them. And you’ll want to make sure it’s not full of screen-time for obvious reasons.
Taking on the math education of your child isn’t a walk in the park. With the help of supplementary math Canadian curriculum books, you can encourage deep and independent learning at home.
