Math by All Means, Place Value, Grade 2: The King's Commissioners

Ideal for third grade. Useful for introducing manipulatives or multiplication. The King has so many commissioners he sets out to count them. Many distractions cause him to lose his concentration until his young daughter shows him a more effective way to count. Young listeners may be prompted to count the multiples when tally marks are grouped in twos and fives. Further, the princess-to-be arranges the commissioners in rows to illustrate her point. A great illustration of mathematical reasoning.

Have you ever had a struggle or mental block that simply never went away; one that made you feel self-conscious, ineffective, and utterly inept? Well, for me, that bugaboo has always been ? embarrassingly enough ? addition. Yes, simple addition. I know, I?m a grown woman. I earned a high school diploma, have had some college, am engaged in a career that requires mathematical computation on a daily basis (thank God for calculators and computers), and am a homeschooling mom (thank God again for textbooks with clear directions and for children who know how to read for and can comprehend what they read). I have never, ever, been able to add two-digit numbers in my head, and have struggled with even the most basic addition of single digit numbers if the sum is higher than 10 (i.e. 8+6=?), without either using my fingers or having a pencil and paper at the ready. My struggles with math are at the most basic level, too! I can multiply and divide, have a basic understanding of algebra, and love geometry. Adding and subtracting make me feel like an imbecile, though. And it?s not for lack of trying, either! I?ve studied textbooks ranging from preschool to college level, hoping to find a way to overcome this challenge, without success. But now I?ve found the key! This book is so fantastic; I can?t put it into words. But I?ll try: First, the artwork is cute without being too cutesy; perfect for boys or girls. Second, the story is well-written, with engaging dialog (i.e. character voice, mood swings, etc.). The mathematical concepts are subtly interwoven in a ?real life? applicable manner, so they make perfect sense and are easily grasped by young (age 6) and old (age 36 and extremely mathematically-challenged) alike. I can?t put it any more plainly than, ?I GET IT! After 36 years, I FINALLY GET IT! And now, my children ?get it? too!? My ?Math Miracle? Book ?. Even my mom thinks it?s a miracle that I finally ?get? addition!

The king has struck again. He has created havoc in his kingdom by creating too many commissioners. He has commissioners for foul balls, rainy days,and counting to name a few. The time comes when he must count how many commissioners he has. He calls on his counting commissioners who begin the long task. His daughter the princess helps count as well. Each person counts a different way to please the King but he can only follow the logic of one. That person is....... buy the book! This book is a great read for many ages and can be used in and out of school.

This book is a great book for younger children in first grade. It goes threw the math concept of regrouping. The children love the story line and also the illustrations. It makes a great read aloud in the classroom.