Historical lesson in partisan politics

Thomas Jefferson, whose chief political rival was Alexander Hamilton, explains how negative campaigning, partisan politics and contested elections have been part of the American political system since the earliest days of the republic in “The Will of the People,” an installment in Colonial Williamsburg’s Electronic Field Trip Series. Colonial Williamsburg is offering free access to this electronic field trip throughout the month of September. Visit giftnation.history.org to register.

Math texts that add up

This is a plug for School Specialty Publishing’s Spectrum math books, which we have been using as our main math texts for two years. Aligned to state and national standards, they provide clear, step-by-step explanations of math concepts, along with worksheets and tests. For students who wish to go beyond pre-algebra, Rainbow Bridge Publishing’s Skill Builders books offer exercises in geometry and algebra. The Skill Builders books are only supplementary workbooks, however; they provide no explanation of concepts.

Freebies

In ordering some books for the next academic year, I noticed a “Free Ideas & Activities” tab on the Carson-Dellosa Publishing website (www.carsondellosa.com). By clicking on the tab, I found some fun materials, mostly for children at the elementary level, no subscription necessary. Colorful packets for Earth Day and for National Poetry Month (both April events) caught my attention as being suitable for middle schoolers.

--Laurie