Free worksheets - math - BEDMAS

Shane doesn't have math this semester at school, but I don't want him to lose it completely (which is usually the case). So, I thought a little refresher on BEDMAS would be good. He tends to forget the order, and prefers simply to read and compute from left to right.

There are a couple of youtube videos that explain the order as well, just type in a search for BEDMAS math, and you should be able to find them.

BEDMAS stands for Brackets, Exponents, Divide, Multiply, Add, and Subtract. Essentially, the acronym describes the order that the components of an equation should be calculated first. Each calculation type is an "operation", so for example, multiplying is an operation. Each 2 letters go together, so brackets and exponents are first. Multiply and Divide are next. Add and Subtract are last. Within each 2-letter set, calculate in the order you read it, from left to right.

I have not found another way of coaching on this, other than the BEDMAS acronym and following the rules plus rote practice.

So, here are 2 worksheets along with the answer keys.

Iqbal chapter 3 - opinion paragragh

We changed it up a little for chapter 3 of the Iqbal novel. Instead of concentrating only on comprehension, I wanted to use chapter 3 to help with an opinion paragraph. Each of the learning styles will encounter the same types of essay or opion paragraph questions, but their approaches might be different.

Before writing, some kind of pro's / con's exercise is often helpful. I have it organized in a table, but visual learners may feel more comfortable with a "mind map" (just letting their thoughts flow in a web or along a path or like a map.

When writing an opinion paragraph, it should have at least 5 sentences:

1. Introduction sentence that states your opinion.
2. First support sentence that gives the first (either the least or the most important) reason.
3. Second support sentence that gives another reason.
4. Third support sentence that gives the last (either the most or the least important) reason.
5. Final conclusion sentence that wraps up your opinion. This can start "These are the reasons why I think...".

Of course the paragraph may be more than 5 sentences - there could be more than one sentence for each of the reasons.

Here's the question and a sample answer. The book deals with child slaves in Pakistan, and the children in chapter 3 are discussing masters and their opinions. Your child can draw from the discussion in the book to help them form their own opinion.

Iqbal Reading Comprehension chapter 2

Here are the worksheets, by learning style, for the Iqbal novel chapter 2. I've also posted answers to each, but note that these are really examples. Encourage your child to use his imagination, and form opinions.

Auditory

Kinesthetic

 Visual

 

Reading Iqbal - grade 10 English worksheets

Shane is reading the novel, Iqbal, for English, and I've made up some worksheets. The book is "Iqbal" by Francesco D'Adamo. It is based on a true story of a child slave in Pakistan, and (spoiler alert) it is not light reading. The entire story is meant to be thought-provoking, with several opportunities to form opinions. As we get deeper into the book, I will be using it to practice opinion essays (5 paragraphs, that follow a structure - more on this in a few weeks).

Recently, I've been trying hard to cater more to Shane's individual learning style. He is more auditory, prefering quiet environments where he can just listen without distractions, and we sing or use music to memorize. My backup approach is kinesthetic (acting things out helps and relating things to tastes or textures).

For Iqbal, we have gone over the cover and read the first chapter together. Here are 3 types of questions prepared, depending on your child's learning style: auditory (hearing), visual (seeing), or kinesthetic (tasting and touching).

AUDITORY STYLE QUESTIONS: do these orally if this is easier.

KINESTHETIC STYLE QUESTIONS. Act out the answers.

VISUAL STYLE QUESTIONS. Search pictures on the internet to help visualize.

Not all children learn exclusively in a single style, but most are more comfortable in one. If a particular question is not getting through, try a different style.

Enjoy!

Volunteer work

Like all other Ontario high school students who will graduate with a diploma, Shane must complete 40 hours of approved volunteer work. So, in the summer, Grampa and Shane went to the local library (Grampa is an avid reader and active borrower), and inquired about volunteering. As of today, Shane is set to volunteer on Tuesday afternoons. Our particular library runs 5-week sessions, 2 hours per week, for a total 10 hours after he is finished. Then, he can re-apply.

The library is a good choice, because the rules are clear, the environment is quiet, and he is familiar with it.

Last year at school, Shane logged 5 hours of volunteer work for the school's plant sale. When I showed up after a couple of hours to buy some plants and check on how he was doing, I found him entertaining the teacher's 2-year-old daughter, and not really helping people carry plants to their cars. The teacher was glad for the help, so it worked out. This time with the library, he will learn to be on time for a job, and we have been impressing on him the importance of doing the job and not goofing around.

Here is the schedule that will be posted on the fridge:

2:45	Arrive home from school, let the dogs outside, put backpack on shelf downstairs
2:50	Have a glass of milk and a snack
3:03	Brush teeth
3:06	Wash armpits and apply deodorant
3:12	Put on shoes, jacket, take library card and walk to library
3:25	Arrive at library, sign your name in the volunteer binder, check the volunteer tasks, and start the first task
	Work on as many tasks as possible, checking all work, until 5:30, no breaks, no talking to others
	If a customer asks a question about books or other library resources, say “I’m a volunteer. You should ask the Resource Librarian, Catherine.” Then tell the person where Catherine is. You may tell people where the bathrooms are if they ask.
5:30	Sign out your name in the volunteer binder and walk home. If you bring your own money, you may buy a drink at Tim Hortons before coming home but after volunteer work.