Yet another curriculum choice question. DS 10 has been using CLE for math. No complaints, he likes it, it works, but then I read about Life of Fred and I'm so tempted. DD 6 has had no formal math program yet how do you feel about starting with Life of Fred for young ones? Any input or suggestions appreciated!
Are you talking about the elementary series for your 10 year old too? My dd is almost 10 and we are reading them together (taking the series really slow since we have a lot of other things to read). We are just finishing up C. But, I don't see these as a stand alone at all, just as a fun supplement that has math in it. And an expensive supplement at that. I would say get one or two and give it a try before you by a bunch and then realize that while they do cover a lot of little things, to me it's just that....a little of this and that. I don't know how people use them as their only math, but I think some do. Fractions and up may be a different story (no pun intended :lol: ).
Interesting...I was actually wondering if I could do them along with CLE for my older one. From what I read they suggest starting with K, L, M for his age. For DD I was thinking of course starting with A. Maybe it would work as an add on for both of them. Thanks for your comments.
We're using Fred as a stand-alone. I hear a lot of people say they're supplemental, but I definitely don't agree at all. They don't have a lot of practice, so if you have a kid who needs lots of problems, you'll need something to supplement, but otherwise, they're wonderful. For the 6 y/o, start with book A. For the 10 y/o, you can fly through the whole elementary series if you'd like, or you can start with the intermediate series. We chose to start over with book A when we started the series, and I'm so glad we did, because it has way more than just math in it, and it's really fun. My older will be doing the intermediate series this year (did all of elementary last year ... really, you can fly through the earlier books, but they're worth it!). The younger will still be doing the elementary series.
Too funny you made that comment! I ran into another homeschool mom yesterday who just started CLE this year for her son after my recommendation. She started going on about how great it was working and how happy she was she'd made the change and I thought to myself - ok so I've been telling people how great CLE is and they are agreeing and I'm thinking of changing....uh maybe not. I do think I may order a couple of Fred's just to try out as a supplement but keep my CLE.
2llittleboys - Thank you for your reply. I am thinking about getting the younger series for my dd and just having my older work his own way thru them as a side. He is stronger reader and good at independent work so I think he would enjoy them. Then if they are something that clicks with him we can move on to the more advanced ones.
The older series emphasizes that parents need to butt out. The child needs to do them independently and contact the author with any questions (...meaning parents are off the hook for calculus, etc. LOL) The elementary series (books A thru J, especially) are for lap time with younger children. Older children can zoom through them, doing about a book a week (give or take). We took two weeks for each book because we're sharing the series with another family, passing them back and forth.
If something is working, I wouldn't switch. From my knowledge of Life of Fred it seems more supplemental, but I've only used one book. I prefer the Asian approach to math.
2littleboys - Thanks for that information. I love the idea of my 10 y/o being able to do them on his own as an extra activity. May hold off on the 6 year old a bit and do them when she and my now 4 year old could do them together. I just love the spot! Anytime I have a question I always get such good, quick responses here! This is the first thing I tell new homeschoolers about.
Pretty much my decision for this year - don't fix what isn't broke! Although I think I will supplement and see if he enjoys it if not then we'll pass.
Yes, I know all the acronyms are tough when you first start out. It's kind of like everybody is talking in code.
