For many homeschooling families, finding the right fit when it comes to mathematics for your learners can be a challenge. I know that has been the case in our situation. We’ve tried numerous curriculum options for math; in fact, my learner is currently in the process of completing a well-known online-based curriculum that has been working for him, yet lacks what I feel is an important component; handwritten problem practice.
And yes, I understand that most everything can be done digitally now, there’s something about scratching out math problems and their solutions with actual paper and pencil, that seems important. Enter, Mr. D Math; more specifically in our case, Mr. D Math Preparing for Pre-Algebra self-paced, online class.
*this post may contain affiliate links – I was provided this curriculum in exchange for my honest review
Who is Mr. D?
If you’ve read previous blog posts of mine, you’re already familiar with Dennis DiNoia. I reviewed his book, Teach here on the blog last year and discussed how it made me a better homeschool teacher.
DiNoia has been a math teacher since the late eighties; his manner of teaching fosters a sense of independence and ownership, and there’s a general sense of respect and trust that he offers students; something you’ll see if you do read his book; I highly recommend it.
“When the time comes to show your work…it is more than just submitting the assignment, DiNoia writes. “The purpose is not to just give the work to someone else, it is for the student to take ownership of the work and present it.”
DiNoia strongly encourages students to explain concepts to their parents as they’re working through assignments. It’s this approach that solidifies the learning and builds confidence.
Overview Mr. D Math Curriculum
Mr. D Math Preparing for Pre-Algebra
If you’re curious as to what is covered in the Mr. D Math Preparing for Pre-Algebra curriculum, here you go!
Chapter 1 – Whole Numbers
Chapter 2 – Decimals
Chapter 3 – Exponents and Scientific Notation
Chapter 4 – Fractions
Chapter 5 – Exponents and Absolute Value
Chapter 6 – Expressions and Equations
Chapter 7 – Inequalities
Chapter 8 – Rations, Rates and Proportions
Chapter 9 – Percents, Statistics and Probability
Mr. D Math Self-Paced Online Classes: From a Busy WFH Mom Perspective
While my learner is working through an unrelated online math program, I’m excited for him to jump in with the Preparing for Pre-Algebra online self-paced class. I was so impressed when I began reviewing the curriculum, that I anticipate Mr. D Math being what we use in 8th grade (Fall 2024) and beyond. Here’s why:
- Mr. D Math is self-paced. There’s little prep work I have to do as a busy work-from-home mom
- My learner takes ownership of his work; something that he prefers
- Mr. D Math makes it impossible for students to “cheat the system” They’re required to self-check their work, and then they are quizzed on the completed lesson. They can’t skip the lesson and if they don’t understand the work, they can’t pass the quiz.
- Instructions are easy to follow in terms of getting started, what’s expected, and how to reach out to instructors if necessary
- It’s not just videos; there’s pencil-to-paper writing involved (something my sons’ current curriculum is lacking) Mr. D math provides both
Mr. D Math, is a curriculum that finally checks ALL the boxes. As mentioned, it is self-paced – which is how my learner prefers to work – but live lessons are available for students who work better face-to-face. Not to say that the self-paced option leaves students on their own, there are so many valuable resources built into the curriculum; that they won’t feel lost.
What I love about it is that it is essentially hands-off for me, as a busy work-from-home parent. I simply go through, assign the lessons to my learner’s online homeschool planner and then write down a few key dates in my large desk-planner, and that’s it. He’s able to take the reins from there, and work through at his own pace.
Self-paced learners can reach out to instructors anytime they need, and send videos, images, and even voice recordings of issues they encounter. They’ll receive a response within just a few hours.
Mr. D Math Extends Beyond Mathematics
One concern I’ve had in recent months is figuring out how to incorporate ELA in the high school years, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that Dennis DiNoia has some ELA offerings at the high school level.
There are quite a few different offerings beyond mathematics. Courses are available for students in grades 5 through 12 and run the gamut; from ASL to Economics, Test Prep, and Technology; this could be your one-stop curriculum shop!
If you’re looking for something new and different in your homeschool
I highly recommend checking out Mr. D Math.
Live classes are available and for those, like us who prefer a self-paced course, the one-time cost allows for year-round learning. This is ideal for our family since we homeschool through the summer but take time off around the winter holidays.
And, your learner will have access to a live teacher three times a week. Mr. D Math provides scheduled “extra help” sessions so students can drop in and have questions answered. It’s a win-win situation if you’re looking for that perfect balance of independent learning, with support.
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