http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/11catofbooks.html Has anyone ever heard of this program? The name alone throws me off. LOL
A friend of mine in our HS group has a 15 year old with some learning difficulties who started using it -- she LOVES it! She was worried her daughter would never understand algebra, but she is totally getting it. When we begin our study of algebra, I am going to get it for my son -- just on the basis of her success with it. I don't think it is a full program, but it adds a lot of clarity, she said.
Life of fred We just started using this.. We started Fractions with my ds in 6th grade and my dd in 9th grade is starting with beginnning algebra.. She took Algebra 1 with Teaching Textbooks and 1/2 way through algebra II but is now burnt out... I decided to get this and she loves it!!! Debi in RI
I may get it for fractions for my son - I need time to look at the sample more and may go from there - it'd be a great supplement I think!
We have the algebra book. It is a very fun read, solid math, but not enough as a whole program in my opinion. Just not enough complex problem solving for what we want. It is a very fun supplement though!
Here is a review I found of the series on a homeschool group's site. It explains the curriculum a bit more fully: http://www.ourlosbanos.com/homeschool/review_life_of_fred_math.html
Here are a few links you may want to read before you purchase this. You can also do a goodle search for LOF and you will find several different opinions both good and bad. LOF link1 LOF link2 LOF link3 LOF link4
Interesting. I have heard way more good than bad about it. I mentioned LoF in a couple other threads here a few days ago. BTW, the first link from Nellie talks about some stuff that was in one of the books. That's been changed/taken out so as not to offend anyone. I sent him an e-mail and asked for his suggestions, and he wrote right back and explained his stuff very clearly. He has his e-mail and phone number on the site, and asks kids to call him directly if they have a question. I've never heard about him being mean and vulgar, that's a new one! I have heard good things about him and the program, and how it's changed kids around and helped them TRULY understand concepts! Now, what I've said is from my research. We are planning on ordering LoF books for ds14. So, when we have them in our hands we will see what we think then. One thing that is nice is that they are inexpensive, so if the program doesn't work for your child or you, you're not out hundreds, like with Saxon and (as much as I love it) TT! ETA: Yes it IS a stand-alone program, and covers everything that others cover PLUS SOME if you do the work!
My dd really needed to begin Geometry so she could have it completed by October to take her PSAT's (she schools through the summer). My sister, who taught in a Christian school gave me her student text of MacDoogle Geometry (only printed for schools - totally teacher dependent program, so we didn't like it AT ALL!) Interestingly, my older son had no problem with that text and completed it swimmingly two years ago. To each their own. She finished TT Alg. I and the problem is I only have so much budget and their products are pricey. So, since I didn't have the $185 left in my budget for last month for TT Geometry, I took a look at Life of Fred. It is so inexpensive compared to other programs, I just couldn't pass it up. Dd started it last week and really likes it. Will we end up buying TT Geometry anyway next month? I do not know. TT scares off some because it explains things at a much slower pace. However, I needed to remember that some of their Alg. II does need to be completed to do well on the PSAT and likewise, their PreCal/Trig course needs to be somewhat completed before taking SAT's. I don't know if I'll ONLY use Life of Fred or use it along with TT. I have TT Alg. I and Alg.II and PreCal/Trig. My very mathy 9 year old ds may begin the Life of Fred Fraction book. He loved Miquon and we also did Rod and Staff as a combo. Blessings, Trishy kriagirl.blogspot.com
Life of Fred is definitely NOT a stand alone program. I have also spoke with Mr Schmidt and found him much less than interesting. I know hs'ers here who have tried it and they all ended up tossing it or using it as a supplement. Maybe you can try to find a copy to look at before you buy from a hs store or your library. Good luck.
Carl looked at it, and we've decided to give it a try last year for Faythe. What the heck...the cost is so cheap, that we won't be out much if we DON'T like it! And Saxon really isn't working as well as I'd like. We're going to get fractions.
Nellie, It's funny that there's such a difference in what people think. I found Mr. Schmidt thoughtfully answering my questions, and explaining things very thoroughly to me! Also, I've seen/heard MANY people say it IS a stand alone program! Many that use it as a supplement, don't do all the problems, and more use it as "bed-time reading". So, I guess we'll just all need to decide on our own what we think of it! That's cool to have the opportunity to find programs and have a wide diversity of thoughts on which to dwell and be able to discuss this! I agree that the price helped us decide to try it, cuz we're not out much if we don't like it. By this time next year I'll be able to answer this with my OWN opinion!
Deena, I've liked what I've seen so far but haven't had a chance to let Joyce look at it. I saved several of the samples for her to look at but my dh as discovered the internet and we have to sneak turns on here!
