Another math question....

[Another Lynn]

I'm not jumping the MUS ship just yet, but I am beginning to investigate other options for comparison. I started with MUS 4 yrs ago without investigating a lot of other math curriculum because it was recommended to me and I thought it looked gentle, logical, etc.

Now, I'm wondering if I would prefer a more traditional scope and sequence. I do like how little input my two dss need from me with MUS (my up and coming dd will be another story - no matter which curriculum we use - numbers are not her strong suit!)

So, finally my question... what math curriculum would you recommend that is a more traditional scope and sequence than MUS, does not overkill on number of problems, and if possible, requires little from Mom. I'm not sure if I prefer mastery, spiral or incremental - but probably mastery with some review?

Thanks!

[Wee Pip]

I asked a similar question after you, but my question was (in a nutshell) - is it OK to stick with math that is mastery & isn't going to cover all the typical grade level content (scope & sequence)? So far, I think the answer I'm getting is YES! so long as they are getting a solid math education & have arrived where they need to be by the end of their home education. So...if MUS is working for you, & you like it, then I would encourage you to stick it out.

If you are a little nervous about meeting grade level expectations, you could always pick up an Over-the-Counter workbook (that's my name for your typical drug-store workbook, LOL. Something you don't need to order from a homeschool store). This could always be a summer project (or once a week, or whatever).

I guess the closest thing to a traditional scope & sequence that doesn't require a lot of teacher work would be Horizons. Some think it has just the right amt of practice, others think it has way too much. Personally, I don't really like Horizons (it is traditional in its math methods and doesn't explain the WHYS of math like MUS does). Horizons is spiral. The other program I thought of is BJU's math - very colorful, has much of the whys like MUS, but follows a typical scope & sequence. Rod & Staff might be another choice - many people seem to like it. I think Rod & Staff tends to be more independent (I think it has some teacher introduction & then the bookwork??)

[BizyPenguin]

We're using it and love it! (I have a 5th grader using the 400 series.) It's not teacher intensive at all. I reviewed it on my blog. (See "Curriculum Reviews" in the sidebar.) Also, Tami was using MUS with her dd and they're also happily using CLE now. Perhaps she'll chime in for more input. HTH!

[Johanna]

I loved your blog BTW!
Do you feel that CLE teached "conceptually" aka Bob Jones/MUS
or would you say it is rote (ie: Rod and staff)
thanks!

[OhElizabeth]

Just as a suggestion, you might do a more mommy-intensive teacher for a year or two, just to lay a strong foundation, then put her into something that is more independent or workbooky, as you say. You could do MUS, since you already have it, or RightStart and Shiller come to mind, programs that use manipulatives and might help her GET the numbers that don't seem to click for her. Then, with that foundation, she could go into whatever program you pick (I like BJU, but lots of other good ones have been mentioned). BJU really is shooting for understanding and needs to be taught on the first side, done independently on the side of the page, imho. CLE is much more rote/independent. It's fine, thorough, has all the components (drill, word problems, spiral review, engaging format and themes, etc.). For the first year or two of math, at the K5 and 1st level, it's so fun to do things together, hands-on, and it might help lay a foundation that makes her more confident for the later years.

[Julie in MO]

Hi,
This is the first time I've seen Bob Jones curriculum enter the math discussions. I see that you've equated it with MUS. Are they very similar? Does anyone use Bob Jones math that would share how it works for them?
Thanks,
Julie

[BizyPenguin]

Hi,
This is the first time I've seen Bob Jones curriculum enter the math discussions. I see that you've equated it with MUS. Are they very similar? Does anyone use Bob Jones math that would share how it works for them?
Thanks,
Julie

The pages were too busy and distracting for my ds and they did some "new math" stuff that just didn't click with me. It was also very very teacher intensive. BJ math drove me crazy! We used it for part of 3rd grade BTW.

[BizyPenguin]

I loved your blog BTW!
Do you feel that CLE teached "conceptually" aka Bob Jones/MUS
or would you say it is rote (ie: Rod and staff)
thanks!

They do use speed drills as part of their program, so I guess it's rote...But it's mastery focused too. Heck, all of those math terms confuse me. Let's just say it's very very good. :p P.S. And if it's my blog that you're referring to that you really liked, thank you! All the best!