Step Ahead Mentals
What’s inside...
Step Ahead Mentals is a comprehensive mental math workbook designed to help students improve their arithmetic skills. The book covers a wide range of topics including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and problem-solving. With clear explanations and plenty of practice exercises, this book is a valuable resource for students looking to strengthen their mental math abilities.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was one new math concept you learned and how would you apply it in your daily life?
Can you think of a fun way to solve a problem from the book using objects around the house?
Which character in the book did you find most interesting and why?
How do you think the challenges in the book help the characters grow?
If you could create a math problem for the characters to solve, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use real-life examples to connect the math problems in the book to everyday situations, making it more relatable for the child.
Encourage the child to draw or use physical objects to visualize math problems, enhancing their understanding.
Praise efforts rather than just correct answers to foster a positive learning environment.
Discuss how overcoming challenges in math can be similar to handling difficult situations in real life, building resilience.
Create a fun, interactive game based on the math concepts from the book, making learning enjoyable and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book encourages children to explore problems and come up with creative solutions through engaging storylines.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach real-life challenges with initiative and resourcefulness, improving their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often work together to solve puzzles, teaching the value of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these principles at school during group projects or in sports, learning to collaborate effectively with others.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The narrative highlights characters who overcome obstacles through persistence, conveying the importance of not giving up.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the significance of perseverance in achieving goals, whether it's finishing a difficult homework assignment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Through various scenarios, the book depicts the consequences of actions, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take responsibility for their actions, understand the impact they have on others, and make responsible decisions daily.