Abeka Math--do I really need the TM for 1st?

[CactusPair]

I've (tentatively) decided on Abeka Math for 1st grade dd. I've used the K math without a TM and it's gone fine.

Do anyone of you teach the lower levels without the TM? Can I get away with it if I rely on the experience gained from ds's MCP math?

I'm trying to save $ and don't want to buy the TM if unnecessary, but I'll budget it in if I have to.

If you used the TM, did it help you a lot? In what ways did/didn't it help?

Thanks!

[Hot Lava Mama]

instructions for the lessons, and not the "answer book". Answer book, you don't need. I, personally, would recommend the TM. It has different activities to do with the child that is not included on the worksheet. I didn't use the TM for my ds for K or 1st, but he "got" math really easily. My dd, though, was a tougher case. I purchased the TM and it made a big difference. It just gave me more things to do with her to get the concept across.

So, I guess it would depend on how easily your child gets math concepts. If it's easy for him, you probably don't need the TM until about 2nd or 3rd grade. Otherwise, you might want to get it if the concepts are not getting through.

Good luck. We have been very happy with Abeka.

Hot Lava Mama

[hsmamainva]

Abeka is one of those curriculums that so many homeschoolers have used over the years that it's easy to find a TM used. So I would check the used book forum here or a used curriculum store, if you have one. (I found my 1st grade Abeka Math TM for $5 and I agree with the above poster that it's really nice to have, but it's not "essential").

I would recommend the tests and speed drills, if you hadn't considered adding that, in addition to the regular worktext.

I hope this helps! (My 6 year old *loves* Abeka Math! It's what she wants to do first whenever she comes to the school table!)

[CactusPair]

Thanks! That's good advice. I will look for a used copy to have on hand.

I'm glad to hear good things about Abeka math. My dd was looking at the catalog today and she positively squealed at the pictures of her new math book: "oh, it's cuuuute!" Abeka, the cute math, for my dd!;)

[asnerreb]

Hi, I also ditto the above with the teacher's manual. The teacher's manual has alot of different reviews and ways to go about teaching new concepts. It gives alot of oral practice with addition and subtraction. There is also a critical thinking section at the end of each days lessons (well, I don't know about first now that I'm thinking of it but they do in 2nd grade). Anyways, the only thing to watch for is if you follow the teacher's manual closely don't feel like your child has to do every problem in the workbook. I was burning my son out by doing so many problems with the teacher's manual suggestion and workbook and speed drills. I guess I'm one of those uptight homeschool moms whose trying to loosen up a little! :)

Good Luck
Amy

[Katrina]

I have a used copy for sale...I can't post on the swap board because I don't have enough posts, but if you're interested, email me privately. (I hope this is okay)