Math Skills REVIEW

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. 

My struggling learner high schooler has needed some help with math lately so when we had the chance to review Mastering Essential Math Skills Book 2 Middle Grades/High School from Math Essentials I submitted my interest.  I received a physical softcover copy of this 158 page math skills workbook.
I have reviewed for Math Essentials before when we chose No-Nonsense Algebra for a previous review.  I really like the format and the author's, Richard W. Fisher, simple teaching method.  The lessons can be completed quickly (generally within 20 minutes or so) and each lesson has an accompanying video lesson that you have access to.  The video lessons are anywhere from about 5 to 10 minutes long.  Some are a little longer.  To be able to complete a math lesson in about 30 minutes per day is a win.

Online video lessons available for each lesson

When we first received the book I was very disappointed when I realized that the math skills reviewed for most of the book were VERY basic.  Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are covered in the first section (chapter).  I was sure I had made the wrong choice before I realized (after beginning lessons) that my son had indeed "forgotten" the very basics.  He had become too accustomed to using a calculator and had lost some of his basic skill set, not good!  This review has been good for him.  He completes a lesson a day and I am feeling good about him solidifying his basic skill set.  It has also reminded me and made me realize that I will be taking him back through the Algebra book and any other books I think he might need a review in.  I want his math knowledge to be solid.

Sample workbook pages (we did not do the speed drills for this section)

The difference in this workbook is that each daily lesson consists of 5 parts that include 2 speed drills, review exercises, helpful hints, new material, and a daily word problem.  There are a total of 8 chapters that are as follows:

• Whole Numbers
• Fractions
• Decimals
• Percent
• Geometry
• Integers
• Charts and Graphs
• Word Problems

Sample workbook page showing different sections covered

The final section in the book includes a review and answer key. The final review section is kind of like a "final" for the entire book.  There is also a resource center at the end of the book and it includes:

• Glossary
• Important Symbols
• Multiplication Table
• Commonly Used Prime Numbers
• Squares and Square Roots table
• Fraction/Decimal Equivalents table

Glossary from the Resource Center at the end of the book

At the beginning of the book, there is a step by step instructional guide on how to use the book and teach the lessons.  It is especially important to read this as it explains how to do the speed drills.  I wasn't able to understand what they were without reading the explanation of how to do them.  There is a total of 110 lessons so the book is easily completed within a school year.  We are using it as a supplement but it could also be used as your main curriculum.  You could also easily use it to reinforce just certain math skills by completing the specific lessons and/or chapter that you wish to gain more skills in.
I am glad we got this book and it is a thumbs up for me.  It works well for my son and I am confident he can get his skills back up to par without a lot of trauma and tears.  The short lessons work well for us and the lack of "fluff" is appreciated.  I recommend you try Mastering Essential Math Skills Book 2 Middle Grades/High School .  They have complete sample lessons available on their website for you to try before you buy.  You can connect with Math Essentials on FACEBOOK.



There are several other books available from Math Essentials so be sure to check out what my fellow Crew members have to say about the book we reviewed and the others since there are also reviews on the other books. Click on the graphic link below to learn more.