Under Pressure With A Squash

Multiplication Magic

Roman carbon dioxide spring — Roman spring with bench. I can’t tell you the secret about this spring because it would be a spoiler for UNDER PRESSURE WITH A SQUASH. But I will share the secret to the Sevens Times Table. (Not stealing credit for that!) © Laurel Decher, 2020.

In the story I’m working on right now . . . (see below if you want to see which one)

Magellan is REALLY not interested in Times Tables. Especially not the SEVENS!

He has maps to make and dragons to rescue!

I started looking around for things that would make it more interesting.

For him. 🙂

For readers. 🙂

Maybe you’ll find something your own local mathematicians will enjoy?

This site has parent encouragement tips as well as practical help. All kinds of things I wish I’d known earlier. 🙂
https://www.theschoolrun.com/times-tables-the-best-ways-to-learn

For example:
“For help and tips with specific times tables follow the links to more advice:

Tips and tricks for learning the 2 times table
Learning the 3 times table: expert advice
The 4 times table step by step
The “easy” times tables: 5s, 10, 11s and 12s
The hardest multiplication table to learn: the 7 times table
The “tricky” times tables: 6s, 8s and 9s

Once your child has a a full set of tables, they need to practise so that they are automatic by the time they start secondary school. A light touch, coming back to those that are difficult, will help, but you should also ensure that your child learns the standard methods of multiplication and division, so that they do not be come over-reliant on doubling and dividing by 10.

–John Bald is an educator with forty years’ experience in teaching literacy, languages and basic maths.”

He includes a link to a very fun video of SEVENS:

(I know, I know–but it’s true, you’ll love it!).

Spoiler: Snakes & Ladders + Tic, Tac, Toe. The perfect Math Night game!

Here’s the story where the math problems cause problems. . .

New book cover for TROUBLE WITH PARSNIPS ebook and Kindle editions. Print coming soon. Princess with toolbox on top of burning tower.

If you’re a fan of Rheinfels castle, or the Fairy Kingdom you might enjoy the next Seven Kingdoms Fairy Tale: UNDER PRESSURE WITH A SQUASH

For eleven-year-old Princess Saffy, tests ARE the point. Her twin, Prince Magellan, thinks tests are pointless.

But when their beloved dragon gets them into trouble with the Fairy Kingdom. . . the Saffron twins must face the ultimate test–together!

How can they beat the pressure? Get on board the Hubbard submarine and find out!

Preorder or sign up to my Reader’s List, so you don’t miss it!

_______________

If you’d like to stay in touch, sign up for my Reader’s List. Once a month, I share a new book recommendation for readers ages 9 to 12, story-related freebies, and/or related blog posts. If it’s not your thing, you can unsubscribe at any time.

Happy Birthday to the Queen! (And to a brand new winter squash!)

It’s a brand-new, baby squash seedling! Hooray!!!

Why all the excitement? I don’t know how things are going at your house, but I re-planted three times this year. I’d given up hope.

Wishing you lots of hope this summer–we’re getting lots of chances to re-plant our lives in 2020! May they bear good fruit for all of us.

Dear friends,

You are invited to a royal tea party. . .with little boats carrying cakes, cream puffs, and eclairs for you to choose from!

It’s a challenge to celebrate, but we must be inventive together–like the nameless princess. 🙂

Queen Elizabeth is very different from the Blackfly Queen! (Those Corgis would have been handy with the croquet fever.)

As a party favor, TROUBLE WITH PARSNIPS will be discounted from June 11-16th on Kobo, Apple iBooks, Amazon, and many other stores in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.

Could you all help spread the word? Queen Elizabeth will be 94 this year. I’m planning a special surprise for you as a gift if we reach 94 downloads.

So, if you have friends in Commonwealth countries, spread the word! 🙂

Thanks very much for your help!

Happy Reading!

Laurel

P.S. The next Seven Kingdoms Fairy Tale is getting underway! Keep reading below for more details and the beautiful submarine on the cover.

P.P. S. If you want to take the virtual Tour of the Saffron Kingdom, check it out here.

It’s the Queen’s* Birthday Sale!

Trouble With Parsnips tablet, phone and hardcover editions

To celebrate, the nameless princess’ got all dressed up in a brand new cover. (Print editions coming soon!)

How do you like her new outfit? 🙂

GO TO KOBO ‘s online store for the Birthday Party Sale!

*No, not the Blackfly Queen’s–her birthday parties aren’t safe.

If you don’t read on Kobo, you can choose your favorite online store here: https://books2read.com/TroubleWithParsnips