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I hate to be the teacher about this, but at schools, we see a lot of regression over summers.  Our brains are like muscles - they need to be exercised!  A neat way to work a little summer practice is in the Steps4Kids series.  I was able to review the Multiplication DVD and I think it's a perfect way to refresh or teach skills from home.





The approach to multiplication is simple.  Each number, 0-12, has its own short video and when a rule can be applied to help remember the pattern, a student helper or the narrator shares the rule.  I was impressed with the fact that actual math language is being used.  Terms like property, product and the occasional extra math term (like pentagon) are naturally used and explained. This authentic approach sounds casual when listening, but it's important because it preps for or refreshes from textbook knowledge.

Steps4Kids is truly multi-modal, and by this, I mean that it incorporates visual and auditory instruction, and has demonstrations with color, movement, words and pictures.  The repetition of visuals, like the multiplication chart, reinforces the visual and the relationship the numbers have with one another within multiplication.  As a teacher, I try to teach in this way, so that those who learn from seeing and those who learn from listening can both access what I'm teaching.

The great learning details about this video include the use of the multiplication chart, the horizontal and vertical representations of the equations and the quick tests at the end of each number's session.  This video is definitely aided by parental and sibling participation, to pause the video or positively reinforce the student.  I think the best uses of this video are when watched in a classroom in a small group sessions or a viewing at home with another person, in a review or home school setting.

Buy It

To learn more about Steps4Kids, visit their site. There are also great cursive and manuscript videos, too, all of which are great for home and in-class use.

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