I'm done with Saxon, ugh.

[momee]

I need something more hands on or visual in it's presentation.
What is your choice of math for 2nd grade?
We've done Saxon K - 2. Blech :)

[Sue G in PA]

I (rather ds6) used Saxon 1 this year and it was akin to torture for him (or so he made it seem!). While he "got" it, it was must boring. We switched just recently to MUS Alpha and now math is more fun. It's not as cool as Star Wars (but then again, for ds6...NOTHING is as cool as Star Wars. :)), but he doesn't grumble and complain as much. It is VERY visual and combines all the sense really. Seeing, hearing, speaking, touching. MUS uses a See it, Say it, Build it approach to each problem using the manipulatives (blocks). Sounds like it might be just the change you are looking for.

[Dayle in Guatemala]

until they were in 5/4 for the same reasons you have!

We loved Miquon. But, I've seen MUS and it looks great and seems to fit what you're needing. Good luck!

[Lori in MS]

MUS or Singapore or both ( I use both). Take the placement tests.

[Beth in Central TX]

I switched from Saxon to Rod & Staff math, but I don't think that will necessarily work for you because you want something hands on or visual. I'm not very familiar with it, but maybe Math-U-See might be a good fit.

[Tammyla]

There are so many options for the younger grades. Wow, for me Saxon 2 was so long ago, but didn't they use manipulatives for the visual teaching? Are you looking for a workbook approach or a full hands on manipulative based program?

Right Start
MUS
Singapore
Miquon
Abeka
Horizon
MC Plaid
Calvert

[momee]

I don't mind a full hands on but workbook and hands on would be ideal.

I've read all the "choices" I'd love to hear from those who are really happy with their math program and feel their kids are really getting it.

[OnTheBrink]

If you have a tight budget, I'd go with Miquon. We used it as a stand alone and it was great. If you have a little more to spend, I'd go with MUS. I like the look of Right Start, but I've never used it.

[Part-Time Homeschooler]

Ds's school uses ABeka math and I've been very impressed with it. It's pretty affordable, plus they offer wonderful flashcards, etc. to use with the workbooks.

[langfam]

We used Saxon, then switched to Shiller. He went through that very quickly. Finally found a fit with Horizons and supplement with Singapore (just the textbook.... to use their method for problem solving). This has worked very well. We use manipulatives too when necessary to explain concepts.

[King Alfred Academy]

We switched from Saxon to Right Start. Lots of hands on manipulatives and reinforcement with games. Is perfect for my hands on visual learners. It is teacher intensive, but I don't mind the work right now. Our lessons are maybe 15-20 minutes and then we play a short game for reinforcement. Here is the link for them...Right Start (http://www.alabacus.com/).

[Narrow Gate Academy]

We're using a combination of Singapore (more visual) and Miquon (more hands on) here for 1st through 3rd. Sometimes we have to slow down the pace for harder topics, but it's definitely given my oldest a solid foundation and it's working well for DD2 also.

[Oak Knoll Mom]

I use RightStart with my kids and I love it. My kids understand math in a way I never did (until I started teaching my kids using RS!) They get lots of drill in basic math facts between the games and the practice sheets. I can't speak highly enough about how much I love how RightStart teaches math. (I do add Singapore's Challenging Word Problems just because I think word problems are so important and I want my boys to practice them daily.)

My only gripes are the quality of the actual books. They are self-published and could use a really good editor. But if you can get past that, you'll find a deep and rich math program.

[Heather in VA]

I use Shiller and Singapore. I used to use RightStart but really don't like it nearly as much as the Shiller/Singapore combo.

Heather

[strider]

It's visual. It's manipulative-intensive. The videos are FABULOUS. It's mastery rather than spiral. For us it was a breath of fresh air and a very, very effective change. (We used to do Singapore.)

[TracyR]

Wow . And here I thought that Saxon math was manipulative based . Since I've used K and 1st and plan on getting ready for 2nd . We've used lots of manipulatives with Saxon's elementary math . Can you tell me where you don't use Manipulatives with Saxon math ??
Well other then Saxon ,
I would say :

Math U See would be next
Miquon uses Cusienaire Rods
Bob Jones math uses manipulatives in their math program .

Calvert does to a point . ( but I don't care for teacher's manual at all and it doesn't tell you when to use their cheap paper manipulatives that fall apart . )
Horizons

But the first three really utilize manipulatives more then any of the other math programs .

[Karin]

After quitting Saxon we did MUS and then added Singapore Math. We do the combination. Works well for my vs middle child. I think it's working for my ds, but since his attitude toward academics isn't where it should be, it's hard to be certain these days.