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View Full Version : Why can't math curriculums be "one size fits all"?...help please!


Sue G in PA
03-28-2008, 11:11 AM
I've posted before about ds9 and his difficulties in memorizing math facts. We've been working on that and seeing MUCH improvement. BUT, it's just not there yet. A little over halfway through Saxon 5/4 and it is really becoming a stumbling block to him. While he knows the mechanics of how to solve multi-digit mult., he's not getting the problems correct b/c of his diff. w/ single digit mult. Word problems are also a problem...he just doesn't know what to do (which operation to use). Saxon does not do a great job with real-life applications. So, the short of it is this: I've decided (and dh agrees) that he needs mastery before moving on w/ Saxon. Next year Saxon 6/5 will be a nightmare if he doesn't get this NOW.

That's where MUS comes in. I'm thinking of switching now to MUS Gamma to really solidify his mult. facts, moving quickly to Delta for div. and supplementing occasionally w/ Saxon 5/4 lessons for the variety and Singapore CWP for the application. My schedule would be 3 days MUS, 1 day Saxon, 1 day CWP (or perhaps a few CWP each day). Is this overkill and will it just be confusing to ds? Ah, you see the reason for my post title! Why can't one math curriculum just "fit" with all dc? What does the hive think of this? Believe me...this decision to switch is not just a "spur of the moment" thing...we've been contemplating it for some time and I really wanted to stick w/ Saxon. BUT, as ds9 couldn't do 75% of his assessment today w/out help..it really struck me how much he is struggling. TIA.

daisychics
03-28-2008, 11:34 AM
Maybe switch to MUS Gamma for the "summer" and see how that goes?
I kinda know how you feel about sticking to Saxon. I switched last year. We spent the whole year on Saxon 1 (finished the whole book) and I tested him using Woodcock Johnson (just for me to see where he was). The testing lady told me about MUS because she thought he needed to "master" his math facts. I made the switch and all I can say is WOW! He REALLY understands math.

mommaduck
03-28-2008, 11:57 AM
I'd say just go with MUS for now. Seriously.

OnTheBrink
03-28-2008, 11:58 AM
I'd say just go with MUS for now. Seriously.


I have to agree. We switched and the difference in my dd is amazing. No more math tears!

Karen in CO
03-28-2008, 12:49 PM
CWPs are great for thinking word problems, but start at least a level behind grade level if you aren't used to how they solve problems. I am doing CWP 2 with my dd and I have to stop and go over some the examples before I "get it." Some days we only get through one or two problems so I am planning to drop back to CWP 1 so that every problem isn't such a stretch for her.

moosemomma
03-28-2008, 06:26 PM
I use the Math Worksheet Site for supplementing. It costs about $7.50 to try it for a month. You can create a worksheet for just about any need from basic math to prealgebra. I use miquon with my 7yo as a teaching text and then supplement with worksheets from the site. I also create timed drills and flashcards from the site. I love the site