I need an advice regarding Math

[Leila]

My son is almost 8 and we finished Horizon 3 this year. We combine Horizon and Singapore and he is really doing well. But I heard about Saxon with Dive cd and I thought that would be great for us since it won't be just my teaching but he can actually listen to the lesson in his computer. He took the placement test in Saxon and the result says to put him in Saxon 76. I decided to do Saxon 65 instead this coming year to give him more review and solidify his learnings. I was wondering if this would be a great idea, not to follow the suggested level.
I don't have a lot of complaints about Horizon just that their instruction guide is not enough, if I need ways to explain it more, I can't rely on it. With Singapore, I like it but I think(only my opinion), it is not enough as a stand alone curriculum.
What if I just stay doing Horizon and Singapore until Grade 6, which is the level Horizon ends, then test him again in Saxon and do what level he needs to be. I am a bit confuse what to do. And I really need your advice on this matter. Plus I don't like jumping from one curriculum to the other, but I thought if we move to Saxon, then we will probably finish with Saxon.
What do you all think? I need your help!!! Thanks in advance.

Leila:001_smile:
Mother of 3 boys(Jhosh 8, Alden 4,Taylor 2)

[TracyR]

Okay . Sounds like a plan BUT I see one thing . You said he is almost 8 . How is his writing skills ? Do you think he would be able to write out of a textbook? Saxon from 5/4 up is textbook . Though I have heard of some parents letting their kids write in the textbook , though some don't feel its enough room to write in either . I guess it just depends .
I know you don't like to switch curriculums but how about a combination of Christian Light Math with Singapore . Their math scope and sequence is very similar to Horizons but they have a WAY better teacher's manual for their math program and I've heard nothing but good things about it .
Then when you are through with grade 6 then have him test into Saxon .

In the end its up to you . If you feel you can handle the Horizon's math without the help up to that point then I say really at this age I would stick with what is working for him . But then if your wanting to free up some of your time and use the Saxon CD's then you could give it a try .

[Leila]

Thank you. I am just so confuse sometimes what to do with him in terms of his school curriculum. He never complains though, he just do what you give him. He reads well and writes well for his age too. I will definitely look at Christian Light Math. Thank you for your input.

Leila:001_smile:

[langfam]

I would do Saxon with Singapore, just because I feel Saxon is weak in teaching problem solving. Saxon is very good at drilling concepts so the become second nature, but combining it with Singapore ensures they can use what they've learned in new and different ways.

For my second grader, I do Horizons and Singapore. For my 6th grader, I do Saxon and Singapore,

HTHs

[Leila]

Thank you. That's another good suggestion. I will probably retain Singapore, and change Horizon and switch back if I feel it's not working. There are so many opinions regarding Saxon (good and bad) that makes it harder for me to switch or decide.:001_smile:

Leila

[TracyR]

Oh I do like Saxon math . But its the age that I'm thinking of and if he is able to write outside of the book that is great ! If not Christian Light math is similar to Saxon , works at a higher level then Saxon does .

[Unicorn]

FWIW- I would stick w/ the Horizons/Singapore combo. The Horizons Fourth grade instruction book is a little better than the lower grades. Also, from 4th -6th, the student books also have instruction. hth

[Leila]

Do you use Horizons for your kids too? I have not seen the Grade 4 book, so I am basing it with the lower grades books and instruction guide. But if you say it is better, then I better not change it, coz like what I said , it is really working well with him, it's just me who needs more from the instruction part of the curriulum. Thank you.:001_smile: