Math suggestions please

[dkt320]

I am currently looking at Math for next year for DS 8, he will be in third grade. We are using Abeka but not sure if I want to continue that next year. What are some good programs out there?

Donna in Texas

DS 8
DS 6
DD 21 months

[Beth in Central TX]

Well, part of the problem is that there are too many good math programs out there. You will probably get many recommendations on what to choose: Saxon, Math-U-See, Singapore, BJU, etc. I use the math series published by Rod & Staff. It provides a solid math foundation from 1st to 8th grade.

Do you know why you don't want to stick with ABeka? Maybe that will give you some guidance as you look for another program.

HTH!

[~Puddins~]

We used Abeka for K and 1st and are going to try Saxon this year. I like all the manipulatives you can use with their program (that will work well with my boys, for sure). Is there any thing in particular you did not like about Abeka?

[swimnactmom]

You can probably narrow it down a bit though. Take into consideration your child's learning style as well as your teaching style and consider the pros and cons of each program as it applies to your child. This is how we chose. My ds does not focus well with too many examples on one page and too much color can be distracting to him. Also, I was more concerned with him having a good understanding of concepts rather than doing tons of computation problems. He loves hands on stuff and I abhor it. I am visual. I am also very good at math. MUS would have worked well for him but I couldn't bear to teach it (my dh is in charge of all the science experiments.) We ended up going with Singapore's Primary Math. Even though math was a weak subject for him, it's not anymore. I won't say he loves math now, but he understands it and he doesn't groan when I pull out the math book. Good luck!

[dkt320]

Abeka seems to have so many different concepts on each page. New topics, review, practice, etc. I am looking for something that introduces topic and has pages for just that concept, and then review pages every so often that cover everything.

Donna in Texas

DS 8
DS 6
DD 21 months

[OneRoomHomeSchool]

Abeka seems to have so many different concepts on each page. New topics, review, practice, etc. I am looking for something that introduces topic and has pages for just that concept, and then review pages every so often that cover everything.


If I were looking for what you just described, I would definitely look at Rod and Staff, as an option. ;)
And I'm not just saying that because I use it...I don't. We use and love Abeka. :D But, really, take a look at Rod and Staff.

[Sue in St Pete]

I am looking for something that introduces topic and has pages for just that concept, and then review pages every so often that cover everything.

You can read my "gory details" review in this post:
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=939&highlight=sue+st+pete

[Unicorn]

I am looking for something that introduces topic and has pages for just that concept, and then review pages every so often that cover everything.




Sounds like Math U See.

[MIch elle]

nt

[Narrow Gate Academy]

Abeka seems to have so many different concepts on each page. New topics, review, practice, etc. I am looking for something that introduces topic and has pages for just that concept, and then review pages every so often that cover everything.

looking at Singapore Math. This is one of the reasons I chose it over Abeka.

[SnowWhite]

What you are describing is sometimes called a "mastery style" curriculum.

Abeka, Horizons, Christian Light, LifePac, and Saxon are not "mastery style" but either "spiral" or "incremental".

My ds does best with a mastery style curriculum. Programs set up that way include Math U See, Singapore, Modern Curriculum Press and Bob Jones University Press.

We used MCP this year, but I am going to try BJU next year because there is more problem solving and visual examples, as well as activities listed in the TM which I can use when needed. Singapore is pretty good on the problem solving and visual examples, but BJU is just appealing to me more than Singapore at this time.

[BizyPenguin]

I've reviewed it on my blog. Click "Curriculum Reviews" to read it. HTH!

[mcconnellboys]

And I'll chime in for Singapore, which is my preferred program (although we also use others over time).....

Regena