This is our
favorite math program for young children. Our son enjoyed using Cuisenaire Rods,
so we thought he might like trying Miquon Math (say "MeeKwon"). After previously
being exposed to boring math drills (through a workbook that he bought with his
own money), he was beginning to dread math. We tucked that bothersome workbook
on top of a high bookshelf (he never missed it). After a break from math, we
then introduced the Miquon materials. Using it at his own pace, he learned to
enjoy math again.
Miquon's use of manipulatives makes learning math a hands-on process and
makes it easy to show concrete examples of abstract math concepts. We also like
the way the program encourages different ways of looking at a problem, and we
like the low prices.
Miquon is not a traditional math curriculum. It is a math laboratory based on
the belief that observation, investigation and the discovery of math patterns
are the keys to gaining mathematical comprehension. Rather than focus on
arithmetic, Miquon presents a broader introduction to math and provides the
basic tools to help your child become an independent problem solver from the
beginning. They'll be multiplying and dividing and working with fractions in the
first year and graphing algebraic equations by the third year. This is not a
"drill and kill" program that expects you to memorize a few rigid rules and
algorithms that you then apply even if you don't understand them. The whole
emphasis is on understanding the concepts and exploring a variety of learning
styles and approaches that work best for you. Creativity is encouraged and
children can use unconventional approaches that work best for them.
The program is designed for grades 1-3 (2 books per year), but it can be used
in a wider age range and at any pace desired (many do a book a year). It is used
in conjunction with Cuisenaire Rods. We
recommend that children who have done a year or two of math still start at the
first level. A lot of the material will be review, but there will be
enough new concepts introduced to make it worthwhile. Children with have done
two to three years of more traditional math programs may want to start at level
three. For children with three or four years of math, you may want to start at
level five. With older children, you will probably want to move on to a
different program like the Key to...series.
It may help you to look at the Miquon Scope
and Sequence chart to see what topics are covered in each of the workbooks
to decide which level to start at.
The Lab Sheet Annotations book is essential, as well as a set of
Cuisenaire Rods. Price
per level in table below:
$7.95 each
We sometimes have some damaged copies of the Miquon Math books (corner
creases). We'll take an extra dollar off each damaged book. If you would like a
damaged copy(ies), please indicate so in our shopping cart's comments box. If we
have a damaged book(s) available, we will include it. If not, we will send you
an undamaged copy at the regular price.
Miquon Scope and Sequence chart
Notes to Teachers contains Miquon's philosophical statement about
children, learning, and teaching and gives an overview of the Miquon program.
Tips included. Paper.
#4627 $7.95
Lab Sheet Annotations contains instructions for use of the children's
lab sheets in the entire series of Miquon books. Includes preliminary
activities, teaching suggestions, and follow-up activities for many of the lab
sheets. The Annotations are an essential part of the Miquon program.
#4643 $17.95
First-Grade Diary Learn how the Miquon program was used in a
classroom situation on a day-to-day basis. I found it very useful.
#4678 $7.95
Miquon FUNPak
The Whole Shebang! - In this set you will get all six of the
workbooks (Orange, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow & Purple), Notes to
Teachers, Lab Sheet Annotations, and the First Grade Diary. If you
purchased these items separately, the price would be $81.55!
#3195 $81.55 $75.99
The Miquon math program makes extensive use of
Cuisenaire Rods. If you don't already have some, you will want to add a set
to your order. These are very useful manipulatives that make it easy to explore
math in a hands-on and concrete way. Cuisenaire
Rods can also be used by themselves or with other programs.
