Math Made a Bit Easier Workbook
Math Made a Bit Easier Workbook

Author: Larry Zafran

Publisher: Larry Zafran

Published: 2009-12-11

Total Pages: 133

ISBN-13: 1449592872

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This is the second book in the Math Made a Bit Easier series by independent math tutor Larry Zafran. It is a workbook of practice exercises, self-tests, and review notes to be used in conjunction with the first book in the series, subtitled Basic Math Explained in Plain English. The math content in this book is directly aligned with the first book. It covers the topics which comprise the foundation of math. It begins with practice in basic arithmetic, followed by basic operations, negative numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and basic probability and statistics. If these topics are not completely mastered, later work will prove to be quite difficult. This is especially true of algebra. An extensive introduction describes how to obtain the greatest benefit from the book. The book also outlines practical techniques for attaining the optimal mindset for studying math and improving scores on exams. An answer key for all exercises and self-tests is included.

Math Made a Bit Easier
Math Made a Bit Easier

Author: Larry Zafran

Publisher: Larry Zafran

Published: 2009-11-02

Total Pages: 201

ISBN-13: 1449565107

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

An independent book written and self-published by former math teacher and private math tutor Larry Zafran. Students are justified in proclaiming that "math is hard," but there is a specific reason why they feel this way. The author maintains that the struggle can be lessened by following the roadmap presented, but it will take time and effort on the part of the student. Since math is often not properly taught, it is often not properly learned. Anything that hasn't truly been learned, regardless of subject, is "hard." Once the various concepts are more secure, and the student's gaps in understanding have been addressed, math will have been made "a bit easier" as promised by the book's title. However, the book does not imply that learning math is fast, fun, or easy. Most of the book's content is comprised of the roadmap of topics for a student to work through at his/her own pace. Like all paths, it begins at the beginning, in this case starting with a review of basic arithmetic, followed by basic operations, negative numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and basic probability and statistics. This is the foundation of all math. The space devoted to each topic is proportional to how difficult most students find the topic, as well as how important the topic is in preparation for later math studies. The material is explained conversationally and "in plain English" as promised by the book's subtitle, without talking down to the reader, and without the use of contrived examples or cartoonish illustrations. The book concludes with a chapter on how to effectively study math and improve scores on exams. Like the rest of the book, the chapter takes a unique standpoint on the matter, and offers suggestions which include how to get oneself into the proper mental and emotional mindset for being successful with math.

Math Made a Bit Easier Lesson Plans
Math Made a Bit Easier Lesson Plans

Author: Larry Zafran

Publisher: Larry Zafran

Published: 2010-01-19

Total Pages: 139

ISBN-13: 1449997090

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This is the third book in the Math Made a Bit Easier series by independent math tutor Larry Zafran. It is a book of sixty lesson plans for tutors, parents, and homeschoolers. Each lesson plan includes all the components of a typical classroom lesson such as aim, motivation, warm-up exercises, demonstrative examples, questions for thought and discussion, and connections to earlier and later material. The math content in this book is directly aligned and ideally used in conjunction with the first book of the series and its companion workbook of practice exercises. It covers the topics which comprise the foundation of math beginning with lessons in basic arithmetic, followed by basic operations, negative numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and basic probability and statistics. If these topics are not completely mastered, later work will prove to be quite difficult. This is especially true of algebra. The book includes a chapter on how to be an effective math tutor, as well as a chapter on how to optionally incorporate meditation instruction to help students get into a relaxed and alert state of mind which is ideal for learning math and taking exams.

Basic Algebra and Geometry Made a Bit Easier: Concepts Explained In Plain English, Practice Exercises, Self-Tests, and Review
Basic Algebra and Geometry Made a Bit Easier: Concepts Explained In Plain English, Practice Exercises, Self-Tests, and Review

Author: Larry Zafran

Publisher: Larry Zafran

Published: 2010-03-18

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13: 1449958532

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This is the fourth book in the Math Made a Bit Easier series by independent author and math tutor Larry Zafran. As the second "main" book of the series, it builds upon the first book which covered key topics in basic math. Before working with this book, it is absolutely essential to have completely mastered all of the material from the first book. Continuing the roadmap which began with the first book, this book covers the basics of the following topics of algebra and geometry: Expressions, equations, inequalities, exponents, factoring, the FOIL method, lines, angles, area, perimeter, volume, triangles, the Pythagorean Theorem, linear equations, and the Cartesian coordinate plane.Again, if the prerequisite material from the first book has not been fully learned, the student will almost certainly proclaim that this book and its material are "hard," and will continue to feel frustrated with math. There is no way to avoid learning math step-by-step at one's own pace. This book emphasizes concepts which commonly appear on standardized exams. While it does not go into great detail about any concept, it explains the material conversationally and "in plain English." Some practice exercises and self-tests are included. Mastery of these concepts will likely be sufficient for the student to achieve his/her math goals, but more advanced exams may require some knowledge of material presented in later books in the series.

Weight Loss Made a Bit Easier
Weight Loss Made a Bit Easier

Author: Larry Zafran

Publisher: Larry Zafran

Published: 2011-04-19

Total Pages: 209

ISBN-13: 1460981251

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A book by independent author Larry Zafran who overcame three decades of being overweight. It is important for the prospective reader to understand for whom this book is NOT intended, and what this book is NOT about. This is not a diet book. It does not include recipes, menu plans, eating schedules, or calorie listings. It is not an exercise book. It does not include exercise schedules or routines, or pictures or detailed descriptions of exercises. It does not imply that losing weight is fast, fun, or easy. This book is NOT intended for anyone waiting for a weight loss solution in the form of a new food/drink, diet, exercise DVD/gadget, drug, or supplement. It is not intended for anyone hoping to lose weight via counting calories and regular weigh-ins. It is not intended for anyone morbidly obese or who has a medical condition requiring a doctor's supervision, or anyone convinced that s/he is "genetically programmed" to be overweight. This book is intended for adults with "typical" modern lifestyles, who are willing and able to accept that efficient and permanent weight loss requires basic effort and awareness, as well as small, gradual, practical changes to both eating and exercise habits. The author is not a doctor, celebrity, personal trainer, or dietician. After briefly describing his personal weight loss story, the book provides guidance for becoming aware of one's eating and exercise patterns, and slowly modifying them such that any changes are sustainable for life. The book includes chapters on emotional and interpersonal issues in weight loss, the impact of restaurants, fast food, advertisers, the news media, American culture, and myths. The author advocates using a detailed journal to track patterns and foster accountability. A companion journal is available but need not be purchased. The book describes how to make a journal oneself. Blank pages from the companion journal may be printed at no cost via the author's website which also hosts a discussion forum.

Basic Algebra and Geometry Made a Bit Easier Lesson Plans
Basic Algebra and Geometry Made a Bit Easier Lesson Plans

Author: Larry Zafran

Publisher: Larry Zafran

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 133

ISBN-13: 1451558201

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This is the fifth book in the Math Made a Bit Easier series by independent math tutor Larry Zafran. It contains 50 abridged lesson plans covering basic algebra and geometry, for a target audience of tutors, parents, and homeschoolers. Each lesson plan includes all of the components of a typical classroom lesson such as aim, motivation, warm-up exercises, demonstrative examples, questions for thought and discussion, and connections to earlier and later material. This book is intended to be used in strict conjunction with the fourth book of the series (Basic Algebra and Geometry Made a Bit Easier: Concepts Explained in Plain English). The book assumes that the instructor actually knows the material him/herself, but could benefit from having a general guideline to follow. The author makes a point of identifying the concepts which most students tend to find easy or difficult, including suggestions on how to help with the latter. The book includes an introduction describing how the book can be put to best use, as well as a section on how to effectively work with students who are struggling with the material. The author explains that for the vast majority of students, the root of the problem can be traced back to never having fully mastered basic math concepts and skills. The book's lessons make frequent reference to reviewing earlier books in the series as needed so that the student masters all of the prerequisite material.

The Complete Homeschool Planner and Journal
The Complete Homeschool Planner and Journal

Author: Larry Zafran

Publisher: Larry Zafran

Published: 2011-05-13

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 1461084946

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A planner and journal for homeschoolers and involved parents by independent author and math tutor Larry Zafran. This record book provides space for 180 days of comprehensive homeschool planner/journal entries spanning 20 subjects. They are self-explanatory and adaptable for homeschoolers or involved parents who are tracking or supplementing the education of traditional school students. The book also includes an attendance calendar, forms to document the syllabus, textbooks, and materials being used for each subject, and fields to document other pieces of information which may be requested and/or required by government or school officials. Additional printable pages from the book can be downloaded at no cost via the author's website which also hosts a discussion forum.

America's (Math) Education Crisis
America's (Math) Education Crisis

Author: Larry Zafran

Publisher: Larry Zafran

Published: 2010-10-19

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 145361995X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

America's education system is in a state of crisis. A growing number of America's youth cannot read, write, or do math at all close to grade level. In many cases, these students and their families do not realize this or care. The situation is compounded by the fact that American society no longer values education, and does not understand how learning actually works. Frequent reference is made to the illusion of learning in underperforming schools. The book explains the difference between true learning and just being exposed to material. It explains the essential role that parents play, and that even with encouragement, a child cannot be forced to learn. The book is targeted at parents, teachers, administrators, government officials, and concerned citizens. Older students may also benefit from reading it. Despite its frankness about topics which are often disregarded and avoided, there is nothing in the book that students don't intuitively understand. In particular, many students regularly experience the anonymity of being herded like cattle. The goal of the book is to raise awareness, and discuss whether we can fix the problem. We cannot address our nation's education crisis until people understand its underlying causes and scope. The book tells the truth, in contrast to the misinformation provided by the government and the news media. Suggested changes for improvement are made, including those that can be implemented quickly and easily, and those that require a great deal of money and coordination along with a fundamental change in how America handles education. This book is controversial, and covers issues that may anger, upset, or confuse some readers. The book includes curse words to paint a vivid picture of the way many students speak, and bluntly labels key aspects of our education system as bullsh*t where applicable.

I'm Trying to Love Math
I'm Trying to Love Math

Author: Bethany Barton

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2019-07-02

Total Pages: 41

ISBN-13: 0451480902

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Children's Choice Award winner Bethany Barton applies her signature humor to the scariest subject of all: math! Do multiplication tables give you hives? Do you break out in a sweat when you see more than a few numbers hanging out together? Then I'm Trying to Love Math is for you! In her signature hilarious style, Bethany Barton introduces readers to the things (and people) that use math in amazing ways -- like music, and spacecraft, and even baking cookies! This isn't a how-to math book, it's a way to think differently about math as a necessary and cool part of our lives!