Why Math is More Than Just Numbers in Our Homeschool
I had two very different but equally interesting math sessions with my kids today, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to share how we approach math in our homeschool. Each child has their own pace and learning style, and while it can be challenging, it’s also rewarding to see how they’re growing in ways that go beyond just solving problems.
Fifth Grade Math: Factors, Multiples & Divisibility
With my youngest, we tackled topics like factors, multiples, and divisibility. We worked on identifying prime and composite numbers, prime factorization, and finding the least common multiples (LCM). What I love about these sessions is the connections we make between different math concepts
We’d talk about things like how prime numbers play into finding the LCM or relate it back to something she’s more familiar with, like fractions. Visualizing it on a whiteboard—like cutting up pizzas—helps her grasp these concepts better. Seeing those lightbulb moments when it all clicks is the best part.
Algebra 2: Finding Patterns in Quadratics
On the other hand, my oldest is deep into Algebra 2, working through quadratic patterns. We’ve found Khan Academy to be a great fit for her. We paused the video, worked through the problems together, and talked out loud about the patterns we were recognizing.
What was important here wasn’t just getting the right answer—it was understanding the “why” behind the patterns. It was also a reminder that math isn’t a race, and silly mistakes can be learning moments. We move on from the mistakes and focus on applying what we’ve learned, rather than trying to get perfect scores.
Observing Growth Beyond Tests
A common question I get asked is: How do you know your kids are learning if you don’t always rely on tests? For us, observing their thought process, their curiosity, and how they ask questions is the real measure of their growth.
It reminds me of a conversation I had with a reporter once, where I compared it to how professionals grow over time—you know you’re getting better, even without formal tests. It’s the same with our kids. Their growing independence and ability to apply knowledge shows us that the foundation we’re building is solid.
The Joy of Homeschooling: Revealing Their Growth
One of the true joys of homeschooling is those unexpected moments when you see their knowledge come together in surprising ways. Like the time my daughter completely overthought a simple question about the biggest nighttime object in the sky. Instead of saying “the moon,” she started talking about the sun, other stars, and objects we don’t even know about yet! It was a perfect example of how depth of knowledge transforms how our kids think.
Whether your kids are breezing through or hitting challenges, remember: it’s not about perfection; it’s about growth. You don’t always need a test to see that your kids are learning.
