Semple Math - Simply Unforgettable

1. N/A
2. N/A
3. N/A
4. N/A

5. Have you executed the program in good faith, as written with no omissions or substitutions thus far in the Challenge?

Yes

6. N/A

7. What progress have you seen in their math skills over the last 30 days? Are they on or below grade level?

As we proceeded to the next 30-day challenge, we were able to complete lessons 19-34. I have seen progress and improvement in each student’s ability to set up and truly understand addition problems both horizontally and vertically on their own. Also their ability to identify and sort different addition problems has improved where before all facts were random. They both comprehend place value better now with the use of the hands-on place value kit. These students no longer think about using their fingers to solve math problems.

Both students are still below grade level but have made great gains. One student’s grade equivalent was a 1.0 before, now 1.9. The other student’s grade equivalent was a 2.0 before, now 2.6.

Jan Semple (Author) : There are no surprises here. We have students who want to succeed and an excellent teacher. This is what we want the world to see!

8. How do you rate the overall attitude, outlook and self-esteem of each student on a scale of 1 - 5, 1 being the lowest score? Comments are welcome.

I would still rate a 5 for both students. They are still eager and always look ahead in the workbook making statements like, “Awesome, look what we get to do!” and “Cool we get to color!” Enthusiasm is continuously high and self-esteem has grown greatly for each student. They know they can do math now using this program. I no longer need me to say, “keep working” because they never stop once they start a page. Sometimes, they do not want to leave math class because they want to keep going. We have an awards system in place throughout the day where they earn beautiful chips. :0)

Jan Semple (Author) : Trudy is doing something here that is so simple but, so hard to do. She has set aside the theoretical discussion and simply tried the program to see if it actually works. This is what people need to do. And when the books are free...what is stopping them?

9. How does the portion of Semple Math you have now seen compare to any "non-Semple" learning materials you have used in the past? (Please do not identify and materials and programs by name.)

In other math books, I have rarely seen association made in categorizing facts into certain groups. I feel sorting addition facts involved my students more in the thinking process than just putting the answer down and moving on. In Semple Math, word problems are interwoven into the different lessons. The dialog and stories behind the teen-agers were a unique way to write numbers 1 thru 20. No other math programs that have I used has had continuous use of mnemonics. Using the stories and visuals my students are able to solve 8+5, 8+6 and 5+7 with ease and confidence.

10. Has any standardized or local testing been used as part of this Challenge? If so, please explain the means of assessment and share your findings with consideration for student privacy.

No.

11. Would you recommend this program to other educators? Why or why not?

Yes. I have mentioned Semple Math to several educators because I have seen such an improvement and growth in my students math abilities and confidences. I also feel it is a very teachable program.

12. N/A

Jan Semple (Author) : Right on target! Thank you, Trudy!


Bladensburg, Ohio, Round 2 Trudy Westover Please answer Questions 5 and 7 through 11. 1. N/A 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A 5. Have you executed the program in good faith, as written with no omissions or substitutions thus far in the Challenge? Yes 6. N/A 7. What progress have you seen in their math skills over the last 30 days? Are they on or below grade level? As we proceeded to the next 30-day challenge, we were able to complete lessons 19-34. I have seen progress and improvement in each student’s ability to set up and truly understand addition problems both horizontally and vertically on their own. Also their ability to identify and sort different addition problems has improved where before all facts were random. They both comprehend place value better now with the use of the hands-on place value kit. These students no longer think about using their fingers to solve math problems. Both students are still below grade level but have made great gains. One student’s grade equivalent was a 1.0 before, now 1.9. The other student’s grade equivalent was a 2.0 before, now 2.6. Jan Semple (Author) : There are no surprises here. We have students who want to succeed and an excellent teacher. This is what we want the world to see! 8. How do you rate the overall attitude, outlook and self-esteem of each student on a scale of 1 - 5, 1 being the lowest score? Comments are welcome. I would still rate a 5 for both students. They are still eager and always look ahead in the workbook making statements like, “Awesome, look what we get to do!” and “Cool we get to color!” Enthusiasm is continuously high and self-esteem has grown greatly for each student. They know they can do math now using this program. I no longer need me to say, “keep working” because they never stop once they start a page. Sometimes, they do not want to leave math class because they want to keep going. We have an awards system in place throughout the day where they earn beautiful chips. :0) Jan Semple (Author) : Trudy is doing something here that is so simple but, so hard to do. She has set aside the theoretical discussion and simply tried the program to see if it actually works. This is what people need to do. And when the books are free...what is stopping them? 9. How does the portion of Semple Math you have now seen compare to any "non-Semple" learning materials you have used in the past? (Please do not identify and materials and programs by name.) In other math books, I have rarely seen association made in categorizing facts into certain groups. I feel sorting addition facts involved my students more in the thinking process than just putting the answer down and moving on. In Semple Math, word problems are interwoven into the different lessons. The dialog and stories behind the teen-agers were a unique way to write numbers 1 thru 20. No other math programs that have I used has had continuous use of mnemonics. Using the stories and visuals my students are able to solve 8+5, 8+6 and 5+7 with ease and confidence. 10. Has any standardized or local testing been used as part of this Challenge? If so, please explain the means of assessment and share your findings with consideration for student privacy. No. 11. Would you recommend this program to other educators? Why or why not? Yes. I have mentioned Semple Math to several educators because I have seen such an improvement and growth in my students math abilities and confidences. I also feel it is a very teachable program. 12. N/A Jan Semple (Author) : Right on target! Thank you, Trudy!
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