Hi, I am somewhat new to hs. I don't like the math curriculum I am using (Calvert). I work pt and own my own company and am trying to make this work...I need something fun and simple. Any suggestions? I would be willing to trade, borrow or buy Thanks!
I LOVE, love, love Math-U-See. I struggle with explaining math concepts because math is not easy for me. I also struggle with schooling three children at once. Math-U-See solves both problems for me. I put the video on and the wonderful man explains the concepts to my son (in a very different and successful way) while I work one on one with my younger two. The teacher book helps me understand his explanations (i.e. why he explains things the way he does) so the method is clear to me when I discuss it with my son. There is a unique set of manipulatives that go with the curriculum and they have been a lifesaver. I also like that right off the bat with first grade they introduce concepts like word problems and even baby algebra ( X + 3 = 5). I know not everything works for everyone, but I wouldn't trade this system for all the tea in China.
We also loved Singapore math - www.singaporemath.com http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm This is another wonderful *free* curriculum that I didn't hear about until we were happily onto another secondary math program. It is free and has a yahoo group to help with questions and implementation. There are some games available as well.
We also use Singapore Math, but I've also heard good things about Horizon. http://www.aophomeschooling.com/horizons/grade-1/math
We are a Horizons family! Love it! Easy to use, barely use the teachers manual at all until we got into 4th grade. Good stuff!
HORIZON MATH! go to Alpha Omega or AOP.com and look it up, then check CBD.com for the best price between them and Amazon. HOrizon is the best for younger grades because of the colorful fun way it helps kids learn.
We love the Alpha Omega Lifepacs for 1st-4th....after that, not so much....but great for younger grades. Very colorful, fun, independent, etc.
oh yes! we used life pak with ds 1 when he was in in first, horizon for second and third he was back to Life Paks, then with dd we did k mish mash and then first andd second then used ds' or did 3rd I forget... with ds2 we did life paks all the way to 5th then did Horizon and wondeered why I ever stopped using horizon lol wish they went on to 7th and 8th!
I use Critical Thinking's Mathematical Reasoning curriculum. It is simple, fun, varied, and colorful workbook. It teaches math in meaningful contexts and is not full of repetitive drill. I've tried Horizon and Miquon and both my boys prefer Critical Thinking math. So do I. I reviewed a day of my son using the Critical Thinking math on my blog. You can see pictures here
My absolute favorite is Christian Light. At first, of course, a new beginning first grader will need teacher-help, but soon even a first grader can be pretty independent. The first, second, and third levels are pretty well scripted for classroom teachers, but for the students all the instruction is in the workbooks. They're not colorful, but in nine years and 36 students, I've never had one complaint about it not being colorful.
