we are currently using Saxon for math. It is very repetative and boring for my child. I am sick about the cost I paid for it and the dive cd. It was 50 dollars each. Anyhow, I checked into Switched on Schoolhouse and that is a possibility. Besides half the price, my child does like to work on the computer. Any suggestions?
Math Alternative Hi Nellie, We have been using Calvert Math for almost one year, now, and everybody is extremely happy with the results. Not too repetitive - just enough! You can buy Calvert's Math program separately from their complete curriculum. No computer work though... Hope this helps, Martine
Hi Nellie, Without spending more money, could you supplement the Saxon math with other activities? You could take the skills being taught that day and do another activity that teaches the same skill. Like a cooking activity, something else that brings in real life applications, or a fun activity using manipulatives. In my classroom, I never had a whole math series and did a lot of mixing and matching to fit the kids' needs. I liked to have a manual as a guideline to make sure I covered all the skills, but I would get bored too if we did everything. If she likes the computer, you could look into software that has math games for a treat, or as an activity to mix things up. You could also try some sites with free online activities. I have quite a few links I'll post for ya! Let me gather them up, and I'll be back. :wink:
Use this link-- http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/SearchEducation/Math/Online_Games/ I already have several links there. I'm going to gather some more and add them to that page.
Hi, Another on-line source to break the monotony of Saxon is www.coolmath.com it includes help all the way through algebra and is what I use to supplement (when I can get her to do anything) my highschooler's math. Lisa
This is just my opinion, but from what I've heard (though some people love it!) SOSH (Switched On Schoolhouse) and other computer only based programs do not have the children really think and learn the reasons. It's easy to sit at a computer and watch all the programming then click on a button. But it isn't really something that will stick when faced with harder math in highschool and beyond. My kids do NOT like Saxon (we've settled in to using Alpha Omega LIfe Pacs--they really like those), however, Saxon makes SURE the child knows all that they need to, by going over and over and teaching it in different ways, and not wanting the child to move on until it's mastered. If your child already knows that stuff, or is pretty confident in it, have her do less of the problems: every other problem, or a scattering that you pick to test her mastery. If she does well with that, then move on. You want them to enjoy it as much as is possible, and keeping her challenged to a certain extent sounds like what she wants. If she knows the concepts being gone over, then she won't be "missing out" if she moves on the the next lesson or two. I know that Jackie tests hers until they come to a point where they don't know it well, then she starts them there. I think that's the way to do it to keep your child interested and not bored! Just some thoughts to ponder. Best wishes to you both!
