Can I get some math reviews?

[A home for their hearts]

I'm really bogging myself down right now trying to figure out with math curriulum will fit us best. I think the main reason I'm really stressing out about this is if what we get doesn't work we are stuck with it. We can not afford to switch to another curriculum.
Here's what I'm looking for. Something that will give me step by step plans on how to teach the material. I've looked at MUS and although it looks like a great program, I don't know if it'll be a good fit for my dc. We have a couple of the Miquon math workbooks and my dc struggled with them. I think these two programs are more mental math using rods that my dc just don't seem to get. Although I love the idea of teaching them 'mental math' it just doesn't seem to work for them right now.
I've looked at Saxon, Abeka, and R&S.
What are some pro and cons to these? Why did you choose what you did and is it working for you?
Thanks so much!

[LisaNY]

I really like R&S. It is a solid, thorough math series. My dd began using it in 6th gr., because she struggled with other programs. She used it through the 8th gr. text. It teaches geometry in each level, which is nice.

The TM is well-laid out with clear teaching steps and built-in review. It is not an expensive program, and can easily be purchased used online.

[Ellie]

I'm really bogging myself down right now trying to figure out with math curriulum will fit us best. I think the main reason I'm really stressing out about this is if what we get doesn't work we are stuck with it. We can not afford to switch to another curriculum.

Here's what I'm looking for. Something that will give me step by step plans on how to teach the material. I've looked at MUS and although it looks like a great program, I don't know if it'll be a good fit for my dc. We have a couple of the Miquon math workbooks and my dc struggled with them. I think these two programs are more mental math using rods that my dc just don't seem to get. Although I love the idea of teaching them 'mental math' it just doesn't seem to work for them right now.

I've looked at Saxon, Abeka, and R&S.

What are some pro and cons to these? Why did you choose what you did and is it working for you?
Thanks so much!

Not all children need manipulatives, which is what Miquon is (rather than "mental math"). So is MUS, and the elementary-level Saxon.

As an aside, Miquon assumes that your dc are already familiar with Cuisenaire rod, so it is better to spend a few weeks using something else before beginning Miquon. Also, Miquon assumes that you will be sitting and teaching them (or, rather, helping them discover concepts) with the worksheets in the books reinforcing what they learned. Some children will struggle more with Miquon if that teaching time does not happen first.

ABeka and R&S are traditional math. Traditional math worked better for my dc than process math (like Miquon, Saxon, and MUS). Of the two, I prefer R&S, as IMHO it does a better job of teaching basic math concepts and building on those than ABeka does. It's very easy to use, easy to teach, and inexpensive. That would be my first choice every time. ABeka wouldn't be on the list anywhere :-o

[KH_]

Have you looked at MEP? It's free, has lesson plans to go along with it, and has a Yahoo email group for further help and questions. We've been trying it out this year, and really like it so far.

http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm

[A home for their hearts]

Have you looked at MEP? It's free, has lesson plans to go along with it, and has a Yahoo email group for further help and questions. We've been trying it out this year, and really like it so far.

http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm

Yes, I have seen this but don't think it'll work for us.

[Rosie_0801]

Try http://www.homeschoolreviews.com if you haven't already.
Rosie

[whitestavern]

Have you looked at Horizons? This seems like it would fit what your needs are. I tried Saxon for 2 years with my daughter and it just didn't work. She did great and I liked it, but she hated it; it was too boring and repetitive. Horizons is much like Saxon in what and how it teaches (at least it seems that way to me; we're only into it a couple of weeks) but it's much more colorful, it has a lot more variety...it's just more fun. My daughter and I are both happy with it. Best of luck in your search!

[Mom2legomaniacs]

Another one to look at is MCP. It is really solid, basal math program. No frills, but solidifies the foundations for what I feel math should be quite well. I have one in book E and one in book B. The older one, in particular, is showing just how well he has learned through use in other subjects (like some physics work sheets DH made for him). I am very pleased with the results using this program.

[Mandamom]

Not all children need manipulatives, which is what Miquon is (rather than "mental math"). So is MUS, and the elementary-level Saxon.

As an aside, Miquon assumes that your dc are already familiar with Cuisenaire rod, so it is better to spend a few weeks using something else before beginning Miquon. Also, Miquon assumes that you will be sitting and teaching them (or, rather, helping them discover concepts) with the worksheets in the books reinforcing what they learned. Some children will struggle more with Miquon if that teaching time does not happen first.

ABeka and R&S are traditional math. Traditional math worked better for my dc than process math (like Miquon, Saxon, and MUS). Of the two, I prefer R&S, as IMHO it does a better job of teaching basic math concepts and building on those than ABeka does. It's very easy to use, easy to teach, and inexpensive. That would be my first choice every time. ABeka wouldn't be on the list anywhere :-o


I hope you don't mind me hijacking the thread:

A friend of mine was interested in A Beka math for her third grader until she saw that it jumped around too much for her and I was thinking maybe R&S might be more of a mastery program than A Beka. I have used R&S grammar but not math.

I used Singapore and really like it but I'm not sure it will be a good fit for her. What type of approach does R&S take?

[hsmom]

I chose Right start for the simple reason my children have to touch it, see it, then do it to actually get it. The only other program we used was Addison- Wesley math. I really liked it, but my son did not do to well at it. I don't have any other experience math curriculum's, we are still pretty new. (Going into our second year)

[lighthouseacademy]

We love Right Start. The lessons are easy for me to follow. They encourage understanding the concepts behind the functions and numbers and games to gain mastery. The manipulatives make sense- cuisinare rods are hard to see at a glance as a certain number, but the abacus that Right Start uses is VERY easy to see and understand. You can go to the website and play around with a computer abacus to see what I am talking about.

[Beth in Central TX]

I'm another R&S Math fan. I've used grades 3, 4, 5, & 6 with my older sons, and I'm using grade 1 with my younger son this year. I think their math program has prepared my sons well for higher level math. In addition, the older boys score very well in math on their standarized tests. R&S has teacher notes for mental math drill, teaching the lesson, and reviewing past concepts. I also use their speed drills and tests. It's a straight-forward, no frills math program. I find that a pro, but others may see it as a con.

I would recommend calling R&S for their sample curriculum by grade level and a scope & sequence booklet (606-522-4348). It will give you an overview of their math program to help you make the best decision for your homeschool.

[mom2abcd]

We like BJU for the younger years and TT for the olders. These can be used very independently.

We've previously used Saxon and while they do learn math, it is quite boring. (I should have ignored those who said be sure to do every problem.) I also used Singapore and Horizons for a bit, but found them to move too quickly, expecting kids to learn the basic addition and subtraction facts in days. Developmental math serves its purpose for that type of break from a regular curriculum, but with the two I have, I've not needed supplements. Keys to... is a nice supplement for olders if needed. (Fractions, decimals, etc.)

[LisaNY]

I hope you don't mind me hijacking the thread:

A friend of mine was interested in A Beka math for her third grader until she saw that it jumped around too much for her and I was thinking maybe R&S might be more of a mastery program than A Beka. I have used R&S grammar but not math.

I used Singapore and really like it but I'm not sure it will be a good fit for her. What type of approach does R&S take?

R&S math is a lot like their grammar. Each concept is built upon the one before it. There is constant review throughout the text.

[OneRoomHomeSchool]

Although I love the idea of teaching them 'mental math' it just doesn't seem to work for them right now.

I've looked at Saxon, Abeka, and R&S.
What are some pro and cons to these? Why did you choose what you did and is it working for you?


Hi Stacy,

I have been homeschooling my ds6 all along (and my ds4 :D ) and just brought home my dd9, ds11, dd12, etc....I had planned to go with Singapore as I too loved the idea of 'mental math'. However, after giving them each a placement test (or 2) with Singapore, I found that it is just NOT going to work with my children. They do very well, however, with traditional math.

I have worked through some Saxon math *myself* a few years back and just did not care for it, though it is a good program. I have used Rod and Staff with one of my children only to have it bore him to death - it moved way too slow for *my* child. Page after page after page of just fact families is not the way to go for my children. Though, again, a very good and solid curriculum.

I chose Abeka for ALL of my children and it is working SO well for them. Abeka is just as great for learning the facts cold as is Rod and Staff. The difference for us is that Abeka is not a mastery approach like Rod and Staff is. It is a spiral approach, and again, for *my* kids that is what works best. Abeka covers a new concept and then their work adds that concept in while it also keeps a constant review of all concepts already covered. Not only does it spiral back and review within that particular grade all year long, but it also reviews from year to year very well. Once my children get to grade 3, I admit, that I do have them do only odd or even problems as it IS set up for a classroom and can be very, very busy for the child who is doing well in math. I love that it does give SO many problems, however, because if my child is not getting something...there is the option of lots of work on that particular skill *if* needed. It is colorful, solid and thorough. It is very easy to teach (we do not follow the curriculum guide, that would drive me bonkers!). My dd9 who was carrying and E, yes an E in public school this year is now averaging 98% in math. :hurray:

I think that all 3 programs: Saxon, Abeka, and Rod and Staff would serve a family very well. The key is deciding which approach is the right one for *your* children.

[angela in ohio]

Here's a little secret that might give you comfort - any of the following programs are perfectly good, as long as used completely and consistently: A Beka, BJU, Horizons, R&S, etc....

Do you prefer a program where each topic is covered by itself for an entire chapter? Then BJU, Scott Foresman, or MCP would be a great fit.

Do you prefer a program that uses each lesson to teach a new concept, but then also practices several concepts from previous lessons? Then R&S, Horizons, or A Beka would be a great fit.

I would not panic about having to be stuck with what you pick. Relax!! For each program you are considering, look at the TM and follow through what a typical day looks like (I like to flip to the middle of the book,) and see if it seems like what you would like a lesson to look like at your house. Read through each step, picturing what it will look like and how your dc would respond to it. Would you be comfortable with it? Would dc respond to it?

Finally, consider price. Several of these program are very similar, but have very different prices. If you could use either one happily, you might as well pick the least expensive one. :) Use the extra money for manipulatives!

[Baseballmom]

We have used Abeka math through 4th grade and it has served us well. Bothof my kids have a strong foundation in math. Anything after Abeka 4, in my humble opinion, is just pure torture!

[MomOfOneFunOne]

I usually don't post when the responses have gone past a first page b/c I always think it won't be seen. However, I do have an idea that hasn't been posted and I think it's worth considering . . . especially if $ is an issue . . . it's a . . . well, . . . unusual idea. Um . . . please don't call the homeschool police! ;)

I recently came across a math book copyright 1929. I love it!!! My daughter loves and, I kid you not, I've caught her reading/working problems from it during her evening reading time several times. Don't worry, I closed the draperies and locked the doors; I don't think anyone knows. It's such a nice little book but I have only volume 1. I wish I have more!

Chapters
1 -- basic facts in addition and subtraction. Social Objective: Everyday need for numbers

2 -- Completion of addition and subtraction. Social Objective: Everyday problems involving one step.

3 -- Multiplication, Division, and fractions. SO: Problems of school and home

4 -- Harder multiplication and division. SO: Arithmatic in work and play

5 -- Increasing skills in simple operations. SO: problems relating to outdoor life

6 -- Preparing for long division. SO: Simple uses of money

7 -- Long division. SO: simple economic problems

8 -- Measures and fractions. SO: measures and fractions in Life Situations.

I'll also add the chapter sections so you get an idea of how the chapters are organized and how each chapter reviews the previous one.
Chapter 8
Reading and Writing Numbers
Addition and Subtrction
Multiplication and division
Meausres and Fractions
Problem solving
General Review

Each chapter reviews everything before it and increases in dificulty. It's a pretty cool book. We use Singapore and won't be switching but if I didn't, I'd use this book. It's a lovely book, too, if that matters.

So, the long and short of it is this . . . perhaps you would consider a vintage approach (or is that antique?). I mentioned this to an acquaintence and she looked it up online. She found a copy for $5.

So, worth considering? Good luck!

[Dani n Monies Mom]

I usually don't post when the responses have gone past a first page b/c I always think it won't be seen. However, I do have an idea that hasn't been posted and I think it's worth considering . . . especially if $ is an issue . . . it's a . . . well, . . . unusual idea. Um . . . please don't call the homeschool police! ;)

I recently came across a math book copyright 1929. I love it!!! My daughter loves and, I kid you not, I've caught her reading/working problems from it during her evening reading time several times. Don't worry, I closed the draperies and locked the doors; I don't think anyone knows. It's such a nice little book but I have only volume 1. I wish I have more!

Chapters
1 -- basic facts in addition and subtraction. Social Objective: Everyday need for numbers

2 -- Completion of addition and subtraction. Social Objective: Everyday problems involving one step.

3 -- Multiplication, Division, and fractions. SO: Problems of school and home

4 -- Harder multiplication and division. SO: Arithmatic in work and play

5 -- Increasing skills in simple operations. SO: problems relating to outdoor life

6 -- Preparing for long division. SO: Simple uses of money

7 -- Long division. SO: simple economic problems

8 -- Measures and fractions. SO: measures and fractions in Life Situations.

I'll also add the chapter sections so you get an idea of how the chapters are organized and how each chapter reviews the previous one.
Chapter 8
Reading and Writing Numbers
Addition and Subtrction
Multiplication and division
Meausres and Fractions
Problem solving
General Review

Each chapter reviews everything before it and increases in dificulty. It's a pretty cool book. We use Singapore and won't be switching but if I didn't, I'd use this book. It's a lovely book, too, if that matters.

So, the long and short of it is this . . . perhaps you would consider a vintage approach (or is that antique?). I mentioned this to an acquaintence and she looked it up online. She found a copy for $5.

So, worth considering? Good luck!

This sounds great, but I can't find the name of the book. Could you post it again for me?

Thanks,
Ava

[TracyR]

Well so far in our house we've used BJU math , Saxon math , Miquon math , Singapore math , and Calvert math .

Here are my reviews of each :

BJU math : Pros: Loved it for my oldest daughter. We used K-3rd grades . It had just the write amount of work added in for each grade level . Not too much and not , not enough either . The manual was full of things you can do and lessons to teach .
Cons: It was easy to skip the review because it wasn't added in the textbook . So my daughter wasn't getting enough review because I was skipping it alot of the times . The manual really helps but can seem cluttered full of things that you have to weed through . Over all I really like their program for a child that is good with numbers and likes math .

Calvert : I've used this for grades 1-5th so far . I can't write too many pros about this because of all the math programs I've used this is the worst , at least for our family .
Pros: Its colorful
Cons : Not enough review of math facts , introduces too many different way to come up with an answer to a problem without enough review . The manuals are worthless . Sometimes they would bring up a concept like using Cuinaire rods , once and never bring it up again . I just don't recommend this program . But then there are some families it works well with .

Miquon : Loved using it with my 2nd daughter. I started using it , then had put it away and think we're going to bring it back out .
Pros : Not cluttered with a bunch of pictures. Introduces concepts of higher math at an early age . Uses Cusienaire rods . My girls enjoyed it .
Cons: I didn't understand the manual very well . I think it was to help give ideas but didn't give much in the way of answers for us "math phobic" parents . Over all though I like the program . It gives children the chance to understand math at a higher level , yet achieve the answer in a way they can understand .

Saxon math . I've used grades K and 1 .
Pros: This program takes you step by step . Literally . Even to what to say to the child . Has lots of built in review and was the first math program I came across that didn't need anything added to it . It brought up concepts so that the student wouldn't forget , had flashcards and speed drill worksheets as well .
Cons : No real cons other then this program most likely wouldn't work for a child that 'gets math ' quickly . For those children who need to practice a few problems this would be too tedious and repetitious . Other then that it was great . I did supplement in the area of word problems because I just felt I had to . I supplemented with Singapore Word Problems .

Singapore math : We tried grade 1 with my 2nd daughter and there were more tears then anything . I liked the program but math is not her strong suit .

Pros: Colorful , requires the student to think at a higher level .
Cons : Not too many except not enough review , not enough in the way of practing math facts ( which you can easily get something like Calculadders ) . Just wasn't the right fit for my 2nd daughter that's all . I didn't have a teacher manual for it so I can't comment on wether it is helpful or not .

Now that we've been through plenty of math programs I am going to try out Christian Light's Math . It is set up similar to Saxon but works a bit faster . It is a spiral program so it brings back concepts so that students won't forget . Has built in drill and so on . The teachers manuals take you step by step and are easy to use . So we'll be dropping Calvert math here and using this instead .

[pixelroper]

I usually don't post when the responses have gone past a first page b/c I always think it won't be seen. However, I do have an idea that hasn't been posted and I think it's worth considering . . . especially if $ is an issue . . . it's a . . . well, . . . unusual idea. Um . . . please don't call the homeschool police! ;)

I recently came across a math book copyright 1929.

LOL- uh ohh- dusty antiquarian alert, curtains drawn and all! :D don't be ashamed-

this is similar to Strayer-Upton's 'Practical Mathematics' copyright 1934, which I use along with the Ray's Arithmetic series, copyrighted 1800 something. I prefer the antiques! Here is why- my grandparents & great grandparents on both sides could do all kinds of handy math in their heads without blinking an eye (mortgage rates, interest, long division, multiply large numbers and convert weights & measures like mad), several of them never went beyond ps 8th grade, this always impressed me.
I never reached their level of mental computation- I can figure a discount at the sale rack sure... Since I've been using these texts, I now know why, they didn't mess around back in the day.

Pros- lots of drill, lots of word problems, cheap (Practical Mathematics- 2 grade levels per $8 book), work at a higher level then most modern ps courses (so if you get stuck- you won't *fall behind*), gradually builds skill level up, presents several ways to perform a function, speaks to the student, 5"x8" in size- very portable

Cons- no teacher manual (you really don't need one, but you may feel lost at first), no workbooks (Mott Media has four for the first year/book only), starts at 3rd grade (Ray's Arith. starts at the beginning) and only goes to 8th.

I've found them to be a blend of Saxon & Singapore (in fact, its quite eerie, I suspect John Saxon & Singapore had a copy to refer to- I'm not saying they started with these books, just referenced- maybe?). I do supplement with Miquon for practice/fun. They are so simply presented & cheap I didn't trust my judgement so I ran them by my brother (has a BA in Math) just to get his thoughts, he approved.

[kellycbr]

Try and check Cathy Duffy's book " 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum." Read through the beginning and do the tests to determine your goals, and your childs learning style. Then you can easily narrow your curriculum choices based on your childs learning style. For instance, knowing my son is 1/2 Wiggly Willy and 1/2 Competent Carl, Saxon would be a disaster for us. So we're starting with MUS, and will go from there. Good luck!

[MomOfOneFunOne]

All that typing and I didn't post the title??? :001_huh:

The Problem and Practice Arithmetics, First Book by Smith, Luse and Morss
Published by Ginn and Company, 1929.

I agree with whoever posted about her grandparents. Ditto for my grandparents and parents. I had "that new math" that my father despised and as a consequence, I'm AWFUL at math!

Really, if something ever went amiss with Singapore, we'd go with this series if I could find it all.

[A home for their hearts]

I'm still reading through some of the posts. You have all been a big help. I think I'm just so strung up on getting the perfect curriculum that I can't see the light for the trees! I'll let you know what I've decided!

[Carol in Cal.]

Saxon is great in that category. It is completely scripted. It makes it very easy to teach.

We use it after several disasterous years of Harcourt, because DD can follow it and do it and because she is really, truly retaining the material now.