I have a daughter who is in 6th grade but we just finished 5th grade math. I am trying to find out what you all think is the best math curriculum from people who've tried it. I tried Saxon for my older daugher but didn't like it, didn't spend enough time going over the concepts and seemed to move on too fast. I need something that goes over and over concepts and reviews them again for my daughter, that's what works best for her. Bob Jones didn't work very well either, that is one of the reasons we're behind in math. What do you think?
Hmm! I think you will find different answers to your question. I am still looking for the best math curriculum and we have been homeschooling for six years.
We use Horizons Math....it is very spiral but it does tend to be ahead of some so if the samples appeal to you, you might need to evaluate where to start. Several friends have started in Book 2 of the year prior....just depends on what you've had. Several friends love Teaching Textbooks also.
We use Math U See here and we love it! It's especially great for people who aren't very math oriented. It just makes sense! www.mathusee.com
and I vote for both Math U see and Horizon math 6th grade here ...I am teaching my third child, first two we life paked it, not dooing that with this one, he is enjoying this math. Horizon that is, he started using it full time last year and did bits and peices of left overs...and life pak up to then. He began loving math last year. this year he asked for Horizon math 6. unfortunatley this is the highest level Horizon made so we will switch to MUS, and a SOS math 8 depending on its scope and sequence, for him next year. my dd, enjoys MUS too. Some like the Teaching Text books there is also Talking textbooks out there which is the same type of thing. Hope I was helpful!
We also use Saxon at that age, but don't know if it'd be BEST. The problem is that what works "best" for one person is a disaster with another. Another option would be Teaching Textbooks. I believe it starts just about where you're at. I used it last year for Geometry, and again this year for Algebra 2. The down side is that it's EXPENSIVE! That's because everything is on CD. (Yes, there is a "regular" textbook, too, but EVERY answer is explained out on the CD, so when my daughter misses number 8 of lesson 14, she can pop in the CD and have it explained to her when Mom doesn't have a clue!) There are lectures on CD, too, but my daughter prefers reading the book instead.
Teaching Textbooks. I've used Singapore - my least favorite, Saxon - a good program, but nothing we've ever used compares to how easy math is with TT. My son has like a 95% and I don't even have to be in the room when he does math. He gets instant feedback when he puts the answers in and can replay any lecture he needs to if he is confused. Plus it keeps every grade recorded for you - I can even check to see if he viewed the solutions when he gets wrong answers. Saxon is excellent in my opinion, but I had to do all the teaching and that could be frustrating for both of us. We are flying through math this year because even though every year I have always schedule math for 5 days a week - this is the first year we've ever been able to keep that pace. He'll be half way finished before Christmas - and that has NEVER happened! Anyway - my little plug!
We like LifePacs. Short reviews - then new material.... short review.... new material. We tried Singapore and both looked at each other and went "huh?" - even with the high reviews it got from other - it just wasn't for us.
We are Saxon users. It works great for us...6th grade dd is self teaching with it. I don't really like the 3rd grade set we are using for the youngers right now (too simple), but I know the format changes next grade, so we are breezing though this year. It's our first year HSing though...so I don't have much experience with other math curriculums.
We love Saxon also, MUS didn't work for us last year. That's just an example of what works for one family doesn't work for another. Best of luck finding something that works for you all!
Can anyone explain the Teaching Textbooks to me? Does it review problems often? My daughter needs to work problems many times and review many times before she can understand it.
I'm not the one to talk with, since my understanding is that the middle grades are done differently than the Higher Math (which is what I use!) I also am totally hands-off with it. My daughter is doing it totally independently. But here's the site if you want to check it out: http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/ Now here's what they DON'T really tell you! Because of the way the middle grades are set up on the computer, it needs to be INSTALLED on the computer. Since they don't want you installing it and then giving it to all your friends, there's a limit on how many times it can be installed. My understanding is that if you buy it and have a big family, they will give you a pass to get around that. BUT the problem comes with trying to resell it. You have no idea how many times it's been installed, and might end up with a program that cannot be installed on your machine.
With math programs, what works to one's advantage in some areas, works to one's disadvantage in others. I have yet to find a math program that stands on its own alone, in my opinion. That being said, there are some better than others overall, but all require real teaching--that is, the teacher is going to need to supplement the curriculum as needed for each child at all grade levels, unless you have a child that just gets math, of course. I used to tutor algebra and pre-algebra, for whatever that is worth, so here are my thoughts on this subject in general: I have personally known a number of homeschooling parents, who have become frustrated with their chosen math curriculum and swap out way too much--not that you are doing this. This causes a disadvantage because there is a logical order built into each program that does not sync with a different programs. Now, sometimes a change does work better and all is well and better, but if you have tried different three programs within two years and all three did not work for one reason or another, the challenge may be beyond the curriculum itself. Do you yourself like math?
well, if you need a math that is mastery based, which is what it sounds like you are saying, then rod and staff would be a good one. I have rod and staff 2nd grade and it is maybe a little behind abeka, but it goes over stuff so much more, instead of just a few problems, and then on the the next new thing. You go over a topic until they ve got it basically. If they get it quick, they can skip all the review, but if they aren't getting it , there is plenty of review, and the added bonus, it is very affordable.!
For us, Singapore has been the best fit. My dd is quick to learn math and doesn't need all the extra practice or supplemental stuff. We have found that Singapore is the best curriculum at introducing a concept, and then teaching several different ways of solving the problems. I wish we had it when I was in school!!
Math U See fans here. It has even helped me understand math concepts that were like alien lifeforms previously. I like it because it's hands on, visual and you can do as much or as little as you feel your child needs. Also, the mastery approach tends to work better for us here than spiral. My middle son finally loves math for the first time in his life.
