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	Math Classes and Tutoring
	"I never, in a million years, would have expected [my child] to learn what he did this year in Math! He loved being one of the Math 5 Kids!! The size of the class was so conducive to the pace and the material that was taught. The syllabus was very well organized. I loved the explanations and notes to parents. The ability to use our judgment for what parts and how much work on various weeks was a nice approach. Pauline really challenged the kids and I think [my child] met it in style. Pauline convinced [my child] that he has Math talent and now, he has confidence with the subject!" --Parent of a Math 5 student.
Contact me if you are interested. Pauline Harding, hardingpj@yahoo.com Tutoring In addition to classes, I offer tutoring to students who are studying math elsewhere. Tutoring can be on-going, or just one or two sessions to get past a difficult point. Because this tutoring is so personalized, I charge $40 per hour.	Homeschool Pre-Pre-Algebra Class (6th/7th grade) Math 6/7 - We will solidify basic skills with whole numbers, work on the basic operations with fractions and decimals, learn good math habits, and lay some groundwork for later study. We will use a textbook, internet activities, and worksheets from a variety of sources. The goal will be to have kids ready for a good pre-algebra class the next year (7th/8th grade), and a challenging Algebra I class (8th/9th grade) the year after that. Schedule: The class will meet 2 days a week, Monday 9:00am-10:00, and Thursday 11:20am-12:20, at my home in Brookhaven. We will meet from September to May. Now and again I may have to cancel or re-schedule class because of the needs of my family or other events - I will keep this to a minimum. Class will meet Mondays and Thursdays, Sept 7 through (tentatively) May 17. There will be no classes Thanksgiving week (Nov 23&26), the weeks of Christmas and New Years (Dec 21, 24, 28, 31), and spring break (no class Thur April 1 & Mon April 5). The last class is tentatively scheduled for May 17 – this may change a day or two based on input from parents. Focus: We will emphasize building good math habits (like showing your work), practice computational skills (no calculators!), and work on problem-solving strategies. These classes provide structure, deadlines, and standards. Older students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning. Atmosphere: Although we take the subject seriously, the classroom is fairly casual and low-key, and all but the shyest students should be comfortable. Because class size is small, there is a lot of back-and-forth dialog between the teacher and the students, and students are encouraged to ask questions. We have fun in class! I use internet activities to mix it up a bit, and sometimes we do physical activities to explain or remember various concepts. The class is taught from secular texts; because we stick to the subject, students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds are unlikely to encounter anything objectionable. Homework: The material will be taught in class, and the students will practice what is taught in their homework. Students will have homework assignments for Monday-Friday. Parents are expected to correct the homework using the textbook answer key; older students are encouraged to correct their own homework. Parents may, if desired, alter the homework assignments based on their assessment of the child's needs and their family's schedule. Quizzes, Tests, and Grades: We use tests and quizzes as a learning tool, which helps both teacher and student assess the student's comprehension and skill level. The goal is for each student to identify and work on their own personal areas in need of improvement. Tests and some quizzes will be taken at home, then handed in and graded by the teacher. Quarterly grades can be given if parents desire. Textbooks: Students will need to purchase a textbook and a math notebook. We will be using a McDougal Littell text - though they are not widely used by homeschoolers, I have found they have a good combination of new material and ongoing review, with very understandable examples. I have a lot of support materials designed to go along with these texts, which helps me tailor the work to suit the needs of the students. My students have been pleased with these texts; they especially like the review and summary at the end of every chapter. The text is McDougal Littell Middle School Math 2, 2004 edition. It is available used from www.amazon.com. There are various editions made for certain states - these are fine so long as they are the 2004 edition. (They just have a few extra pages of practice for the state's standardized tests.) Shop carefully to get a copy in good shape, and read the condition remarks carefully to be sure you aren't getting a teacher's edition (which are sometimes listed on the student edition page). The cost should be around $30. McDougal Littell Middle School Math: Course 2 (Hardcover) McDougall Littell Middle School Math Course 2, North Carolina Edition (Hardcover) McDougal Littell Middle School Math, Course 2, Indiana Edition (Hardcover) McDougal Littell Middle School Math Course 2 Indiana Edition ISBN: 0618291369 Copyright 2004 (Course 2) (Hardcover) McDougal Littell Middle School Math: Course 2, New York Edition [STUDENT EDITION] (Hardcover) Before buying the text, you might want to stop by and take a look at my copy, to see if you think it's the right level for your child. Students should have a math notebook of graph paper - these are usually available at Staples at back-to-school time for $2-$3; you might want to get two in case you use up the first one. They should also have a folder for handouts. They should bring their notebook, folder, textbook, and 2 sharpened pencils to class each time. Fees: The cost is $5 per class, 2 classes per week. I am open to the possibility of barter arrangements. Classes need a minimum of 3 students and a maximum of 8. Preparation: Before starting the course, students should review: Basic operations using whole numbers (245 + 357, 493 – 277, 361 x 45, 126/3, 264/22). Basic understanding of fractions, including simplifying fractions, simple addition and subtraction. Basic understanding of decimals (adding and subtracting decimals, word problems with money). Some introductory discussion of factoring and/or divisibility.
	About The Teacher: I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech, including many classes in advanced math and computer science, and I have done some graduate work in Software Engineering at Widener University. I have taught both formal and informal homeschool math classes for several years, including 5th grade, 7th grade/Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Geometry. I have done one-on-one tutoring for a number of students in subjects from Pre-Algebra to Calculus, on an on-going or as-needed basis. As a homeschool mom, I also do a significant amount of informal teaching of science, crafts, and other subjects to kids in homeschool co-ops. Most importantly, I love math!

Math Classes and Tutoring

"I never, in a million years, would have expected [my child] to learn what he did this year in Math! He loved being one of the Math 5 Kids!! The size of the class was so conducive to the pace and the material that was taught. The syllabus was very well organized. I loved the explanations and notes to parents. The ability to use our judgment for what parts and how much work on various weeks was a nice approach. Pauline really challenged the kids and I think [my child] met it in style. Pauline convinced [my child] that he has Math talent and now, he has confidence with the subject!" --Parent of a Math 5 student.

Contact me if you are interested.
Pauline Harding, hardingpj@yahoo.com

Tutoring

In addition to classes, I offer tutoring to students who are studying math elsewhere. Tutoring can be on-going, or just one or two sessions to get past a difficult point. Because this tutoring is so personalized, I charge $40 per hour.

Homeschool Pre-Pre-Algebra Class (6th/7th grade)

Math 6/7 - We will solidify basic skills with whole numbers, work on the basic operations with fractions and decimals, learn good math habits, and lay some groundwork for later study. We will use a textbook, internet activities, and worksheets from a variety of sources. The goal will be to have kids ready for a good pre-algebra class the next year (7th/8th grade), and a challenging Algebra I class (8th/9th grade) the year after that.

Schedule: The class will meet 2 days a week, Monday 9:00am-10:00, and Thursday 11:20am-12:20, at my home in Brookhaven. We will meet from September to May. Now and again I may have to cancel or re-schedule class because of the needs of my family or other events - I will keep this to a minimum.

Class will meet Mondays and Thursdays, Sept 7 through (tentatively) May 17. There will be no classes Thanksgiving week (Nov 23&26), the weeks of Christmas and New Years (Dec 21, 24, 28, 31), and spring break (no class Thur April 1 & Mon April 5). The last class is tentatively scheduled for May 17 – this may change a day or two based on input from parents.

Focus: We will emphasize building good math habits (like showing your work), practice computational skills (no calculators!), and work on problem-solving strategies. These classes provide structure, deadlines, and standards. Older students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning.

Atmosphere: Although we take the subject seriously, the classroom is fairly casual and low-key, and all but the shyest students should be comfortable. Because class size is small, there is a lot of back-and-forth dialog between the teacher and the students, and students are encouraged to ask questions. We have fun in class! I use internet activities to mix it up a bit, and sometimes we do physical activities to explain or remember various concepts. The class is taught from secular texts; because we stick to the subject, students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds are unlikely to encounter anything objectionable.

Homework: The material will be taught in class, and the students will practice what is taught in their homework. Students will have homework assignments for Monday-Friday. Parents are expected to correct the homework using the textbook answer key; older students are encouraged to correct their own homework. Parents may, if desired, alter the homework assignments based on their assessment of the child's needs and their family's schedule.

Quizzes, Tests, and Grades: We use tests and quizzes as a learning tool, which helps both teacher and student assess the student's comprehension and skill level. The goal is for each student to identify and work on their own personal areas in need of improvement. Tests and some quizzes will be taken at home, then handed in and graded by the teacher. Quarterly grades can be given if parents desire.

Textbooks: Students will need to purchase a textbook and a math notebook. We will be using a McDougal Littell text - though they are not widely used by homeschoolers, I have found they have a good combination of new material and ongoing review, with very understandable examples. I have a lot of support materials designed to go along with these texts, which helps me tailor the work to suit the needs of the students. My students have been pleased with these texts; they especially like the review and summary at the end of every chapter.

The text is McDougal Littell Middle School Math 2, 2004 edition. It is available used from www.amazon.com. There are various editions made for certain states - these are fine so long as they are the 2004 edition. (They just have a few extra pages of practice for the state's standardized tests.) Shop carefully to get a copy in good shape, and read the condition remarks carefully to be sure you aren't getting a teacher's edition (which are sometimes listed on the student edition page). The cost should be around $30.

Before buying the text, you might want to stop by and take a look at my copy, to see if you think it's the right level for your child.

Students should have a math notebook of graph paper - these are usually available at Staples at back-to-school time for $2-$3; you might want to get two in case you use up the first one. They should also have a folder for handouts. They should bring their notebook, folder, textbook, and 2 sharpened pencils to class each time.

Fees: The cost is $5 per class, 2 classes per week. I am open to the possibility of barter arrangements. Classes need a minimum of 3 students and a maximum of 8.

Preparation: Before starting the course, students should review:

Basic operations using whole numbers (245 + 357, 493 – 277, 361 x 45, 126/3, 264/22).
Basic understanding of fractions, including simplifying fractions, simple addition and subtraction.
Basic understanding of decimals (adding and subtracting decimals, word problems with money).
Some introductory discussion of factoring and/or divisibility.

About The Teacher: I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech, including many classes in advanced math and computer science, and I have done some graduate work in Software Engineering at Widener University. I have taught both formal and informal homeschool math classes for several years, including 5th grade, 7th grade/Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Geometry. I have done one-on-one tutoring for a number of students in subjects from Pre-Algebra to Calculus, on an on-going or as-needed basis. As a homeschool mom, I also do a significant amount of informal teaching of science, crafts, and other subjects to kids in homeschool co-ops. Most importantly, I love math!