I would love to use Teaching Textbooks, but they don't have levels for 1 and 2. Can any other math curriculum prepare them for TT? or is there one that is a better fit?
TT has fantastic review at each level. Matter of fact, concepts that DS didn't learn at all in third (long story) were easily absorbed when he did TT4 through just the built-in review. We had lousy math experiences prior to TT and neither of my boys who are old enough for TT struggled. All that to say: I don't think it matters a lick what you use in 1 & 2. lol
I use McRuffy, the approach feels the same as TT only it's much more hands on (lots of manipulatives), so I feel it will be a smooth transisition into TT when the time comes. I plan on "maxing out" with McRuffy though which will be 6th grade and then testing them into TT which will probably be about pre-algebra level. I know without a doubt my math struggling daughter could have tested into TT3 after the 1st grade McRuffy book.
I don't think it matters what you use leading up to it. We used a mix of Saxon, Bob Jones, and Singapore leading up to it with mine. I think all math programs cover basically the same things at the same levels; they just present the information in different formats.
My youngest did Horizons K and 1st and at the end of 1st, tested into TT 3. And she's been doing fine in TT3, no major hiccups. Hope this helps!
Our son was in Catholic school through 2nd grade, then for the first semester of 3rd grade (homeschooling) he completed Singapore 2B, then tested right into TT5 and we did not notice any gaps for him.
Well, if it makes you feel any better, we unschooled until 3rd grade and my son tested fine on standardized testing. No math curriculum at all. Just living math, hands on manipulatives, and random free math worksheets and some workbooks I had or got for under $5... He's in 3rd and we just bought MathUSee...
I use Mathletics.com for my young ones. It's $59/student per year. My kids have enjoyed it. There are games and awards. They earn points they can redeem for their avatar such as hair, hats, backgrounds. My kids have been able to learn very independently on it. They need my help every now and then. I wouldn't say it's a perfect program, but I've been pleased with it. They have a 10 day money back guarantee trial. I also use the Flash Kids Problem Solving workbooks from Barnes and Noble to help them apply their skills. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/problem-solving-flash-kids-editors/1101482364?ean=9781411434639 I don't see any reason to spend a lot of money on any one curriculum in the early years. I've taught my first grader to do multiple digit addition and subtraction with regrouping by simply putting problems on the white board, and he's working on his times tables with an app on my iTouch. I think math workbooks can be quite painful for young children and I try to avoid them
My younger daughter just started TT4 after completing 1st grade CLE, and half of 2nd grade CLE. My older daughter has been using TT since 9th grade. She is graduating high school this May and her testing puts her on a college level.
