Creative Way to Teach Distributive Property

As we are getting closer and closer to Thanksgiving...... I thought I would reintroduce this blog.  Enjoy!

The following is a great GED Math help activity on distributive property.

Yesterday I was introducing the concept of distributive property and needed to come up with a quick activity to help explain.  I have found that with most of my adult students, and I am sure it it also true with younger learners, understanding and simplifying an expression that contains the Distributive Property is difficult and confusing.  This is especially true for those prepping for the the GED Math test.

So, I decided to try to come up with a way to make the lesson more meaningful and concrete.  Here is what I did.... and not only did my students enjoy the activity.... but I think they GOT IT!

1.  I showed an example of distributive property on the overhead.  i. e.    4(x+2)

2.  I explained how to determine if it truly was a distributive property problem.  You have a set of parentheses, inside the parentheses you have two terms, the terms are separated with either a "+" or "-", and there is a term directly on the left side of the parentheses.

3.  Once they 'kind of" understood the components of a distributive property problem, I created a "nonsense" example for them.  Because we are so close to Thanksgiving, we decided to "distribute" 2 turkeys to Sally and Peter.  I set up the problem as follows:

2t (Sally + Peter)

The result was 2ts (two turkeys for sally) + 2tp (two turkeys for peter)>>>>    2ts + 2tp

We did several examples where we distributed "real" items.  After about 3 examples they began to understand....

4.  Once the students understood, I then took out the second person and added a number instead.  We distributed 3 pumpkins (3p) and practiced the idea of multiplying the factor by the sum of the terms inside the parentheses

3p (s + 2)  >>>  (3p)(s)  +  (3p)(2)  =  3ps + 6p

Sally got three pumpkins + six pumpkins

Tomorrow we will continue to practice using some great GED Math Worksheets.

GED Algebra: Order of Operations (PEDMAS)

It is important that you understand the order of operations. If you think back, you may remember the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally". First complete everything within brackets or parentheses. Second, simplify exponents. Third, do any multiplication or division from left to right. Finally, do any addition or subtraction from left to right.



Example: 4+6x2=?

First multiply 6 and 2. 

Add 4 to the product of 12.

Your answer is 16. Can you come up with an example?

GED Math Help- Small Group Instruction

One GED math help concept I taught this week was on reducing fractions.  Some students had difficulty understanding the idea of divisibility rules (for 2, 3, 5, and 10).  We went through many problems and many of them were still confused. 

I taught the concept of finding common factors.... and choosing the greatest common factors.... or at least using a common factor.  They were still confused.

Until one student said," When I was in school (way back when...) they told us to think about splitting the number in halves or thirds."

That the students understood. So we practiced the idea of "can we split BOTH numbers evenly in half, in thirds, in fifths, in tenths.  They finally understood reducing AND they understood that in simplifying a fraction such as 4/6 they were indeed dividing it by 2/2.

Be open to what your students have to say.  This "method" of teaching reducing fractions is something that I know I will use again.

reducing fraction worksheets

GED Math Help

It's been three weeks into school and busy!  Seems there are just as many "out of work" or "don't have a diploma" adults visiting our Center.  All are anxious and all just want to learn the skills and either move on or pass the GED Math Test.

This Fall I am focusing again on small group math instruction within a lab environment.  Why you might ask?  That is a good question.  The answer is two-fold.

First, it is a matter of money.  As we all know, money for education keeps getting tighter and tighter.  I am trying to be creative in how the Center is being used and hoping that offering individual and groups of instruction will be appealing to many students.

Mostly, though, it is because I have found that there are a large group of individuals who like the group setting.  They get direct instruction and then have the time to practice skills on their own.

For math, I have been using worksheets from www.worksheetsdirect.com   Its a great site.  I included an image below of a sample worksheet. 

GED Math Help: Adding Mixed Numbers

GED Math and School Again!

It is hard to believe that it is that time again. Back to school and back to thinking about finishing your GED.

Again, as I survey my students.... I find that the GED Math Test is one of the hardest and most challenging!

I have been busy putting together GED math worksheets and other tools to help students pass the GED Math Test.

They are collected on Worksheetsdirect.com

Check it out.... and if you like what you see "Like" Worksheetsdirect on Face Book.  As new worksheets are generated and added to the site, it will be posted on Face Book.

Enjoy and good luck!

GED Math & Subtracting Negative Integers

Perhaps one of the most difficult concepts for learners to comprehend is negative integers. If you show them a problem such as 7-4, they know that the answer is 3.

But if you give them 7-(-4), they may still think the answer is 3.

So what is the best way to teach subtraction of integers, both positive and negative?

I have found that if you teach the basic method of "adding the opposite", that will help.

Example: 7-(-4)= ??

7 + (4) = 11

Step one: Keep the first integer 7
Step two: Change the negative sign to a positive sign
Step three: Change the sign of the second integer. In this case, The opposite of negative four is positive four.
Step four: Add the two integers.

Small Group Instruction- GED

Are you an instructor who teaches GED preparation in a Learning Center setting? A setting where students come and go, and where many times you may not see students for for weeks?
Are you asking yourself how to better retention? I am.

I am continuously asking myself how I can improve student retention in a setting where the mind set is, " I can come and go as it fits my schedule."

I am convinced that the delivery within the Learning Center needs to change. I believe that students need to commit to times and days that they can attend. If they cannot commit, perhaps the setting is not for them.

I also believe that small group instruction needs to be offered.

This may mean that we service fewer students..... but I believe that the ones who do attend will learn more because they will be committed to coming.

I would love to hear from anyone who has experience working with small groups of students within a lab setting..... especially GED students.

To anyone and everyone who has been following this blog, have a very merry Christmas and and a great 2010. It is my wish that everyone who doesn't have a job.... be able to get a job... and to those who are struggling... you get some relief.

Have a great 2010!

GED Book Basket

To put together a GED book basket, you must first know your audience. Who are your students and what are their reading levels?

Once you have determined your reading level and interests, take a look at your GED book library and select 6 books. The books should be of different reading levels and genres.

Display your books in a basket somewhere visible in your GED room. You may also want to take some time and give a quick review of each book. If you teach a class, do it with the entire class. If you can't do it in a group, you can always do it with individual students.

The goal is to get students reading and learning.

GED Small Group Math Instruction

Many students can successfully prepare for the GED Tests on their own. But there are equally as many, if not more, that require at least some instruction.

I have found some success in small group math instruction. It is, in a sense, a GED Math support group. There is a group of students that meet 3 mornings a week for about an hour and a half. We work through the Steck Vaughn GED Math book. Most days there is about 3-4 students. New students join on a regular basis. Some do not come every day, but for those who are able to... it really pays off. Two students have recently taken their GED math tests, and both passed with scores in the 500+.

If you can, join or start your own GED Math Small Support Group. Have a "math conversation" every day and have fun!

Remember.... math can be fun!

GED and Reading Skills

Taking the GED requires adequate reading skills. You need the reading skills to comprehend and analyze what you read to help you find the answer.

This is not always easy! If you find that you lack the necessary reading skills, you will want to do something about it.

First, start reading and stop watching tv! Try this. For every 10 minutes of tv you watch, read at least 5 minutes. If you are like many people, you watch about 3-4 hours a day. Pick up a book instead of a remote!

Second, find a good tutor. Check out the Literacy Council in your area. Many times they will work with you one on one.

Third, take a reading class. Check out your technical college. They may have reading refresher courses or a learning center where a qualified teacher can help.

Every GED test will have reading.... so you want to brush up your skills!

Good luck!

GED Help Step Two: How do I best prepare?

Preparing for the GED is important and you will find that there are many different ways. GED Prep can happen with a tutor, in a Learning Center, classes, or on-line.

You need to find out what best works for you, but I do think that most students will find that one-on-one tutoring or instruction is the best method. This is especially important if your math or writing skills need to be refreshed.

Call your local GED Center and find out what they have available for GED help.

GED: First Step to Getting Your GED

So, you want to get your GED and you are not sure what to do. Does that sound like you or someone you know?

The first step to getting your GED is to contact your local Literacy Council or Technical College. They will most likely have a program. If they don't, call your state Department of Education, or simply Google it.

You need to determine your state's requirements. They do vary from state to state. You will most likely need to attend a GED Orientation where you will learn about the program and it's requirements.

Requirements may also vary depending on your age.

So..... the FIRST STEP is to determine your state's requirements.

GED Checklist for Success

There are many factors you must consider if you are preparing for the GED test, or if you are helping someone prepare.

Over the next several weeks, I will focus on what I believe to be the 10 top concerns/questions regarding the GED. I will focus on the following questions (questions that have been asked of me many times over my GED teaching career).

1. I want to get my GED. What is the first step?
2. How can I best prepare?
3. Where can I find out more information?
4. What does it cost?
5. How old must I be, before I can start?
6. What are the different subjects that I will be tested in? What is in each portion of the GED test?
7. Do I need to know advanced math to pass the math portion?
8. My state has an HSED and a GED. Which is better?
9. I failed the GED test. Now what?
10. I was diagnosed with a learning disability in high school. Can I get accommodations?

So follow along, and if you would like to add anything along the way...... I encourage your comments!

GED Summer Help

Just because it is June, does not mean that you should slack off studying for your GED. In fact, it may be the best time. Why?



Teachers are off work. Many will be looking for other things to do and tutoring/mentoring a GED candidate for their GED tests may be just what they are looking to do. Plus it will look great on their resume. Call a teacher you know..... today!



Learning Centers typically have fewer students during the summer months. Therefore, you will get more one-on-one attention. Check the schedule of your local GED Learning Center and get signed up today!



Even though it is summer, your local GED Testing Center should be continuing to offer the GED testing. Call today and schedule an appointment.



Good luck!!

GED Math Anxiety

Have a student who just cannot pass that GED math test? Have they taken the test more than once and failed? Now they are scared to even try.... but they have to pass so that they can get the job to support their family.

If you have a student who struggles with GED Math, or you are a student struggling with GED math, you are not alone!

Again, I am working with a young adult who has failed the GED math test twice. Although she is determined to continue studying and attempt it again... she is a bit scared. She knows that if she takes it again this year, and fails again, she will have to wait until next year, 2009.

When she returns to the tutoring center, our first step will be to re-evaluate where she is mathematically.

Then we will go from there. In the meantime, I will be encouraging her and letting her know that she is not alone.

There are many GED candidates who struggle with the GED math and have taken the test more than once.

GED Graduation

If you are a GED student you are probaly anxious to finish before the end of May. That is.... you want to finish and perhaps attend a GED graduation ceremony.

As a GED instructor, I know that this is a busy time of year. GED testing slots are filling fast and students are quickly trying to complete all their five GED tests.

Be patient with yourself. If you think you are ready..... take the test.... but if not, take some extra time and continue to study.

Also, if you want to finish in time to attend a GED graduation, you may want to check with your instructor as to any time quidelines.

Good luck!

GED and the older GED Candidate

Have an older student who is struggling to get their GED? It is my experience that many times they may take longer to "learn" some of the material. Of course this depends on what their job/s have been since high school. If their job requires alot of reading, writing or math..... great! If not they will need to prep.

As jobs get tougher and tougher to find, more employers are requiring a high school diploma or GED. Also, older students who in the past did not need a diploma to get a job, are now finding that they cannot get hired without one.

Be patient with them..... guide them...... also check to see if they might qualify for accommodations.

GED Help Writing

Students who have a good understanding of sentence structure, organization, usage and mechanics will most likely do well on the GED Language Arts test. I would recommend that students whom you are teaching/tutoring/mentoring write in a journal every day. This would be an excellent tool for you to start your "GED Writing Discussion". Start simple with sentences, evolving to paragraphs, and finally the GED essay itself.

I have found that most students do not write on a regular basis, and therefore the GED Language Arts Writing test is challenging.

Perhaps you want to give your students a writing prompt (How did the weekend weather affect your planned activites?)

Writing is great fun and once your students learn the process they will be one step closer to their GED!

GED Math Dictionary

Did you know.....

is, is equal to, equals, the same MEANS =
of, the product, times, multiple, multiplied by MEANS x or ∙
add, more than, plus, sum, increased by, added to, more MEANS +
subtract, less than, minus, difference, decreased by, less MEANS -
divide, divided by, the quotient MEANS ÷
double, twice, twice as much MEANS 2x or 2 ∙
half, half of, half as much MEANS ½ x or ½ ∙


A great math dictionary to use for preparing for the GED test is Usborne Illustrated Math Dictionary. It is a great bargain and less than $15.