I'm hoping someone might have some insight into one or both of these programs. We're currently using Christian Light Education {which we love} but the math is moving beyond my ability to teach. TT samples seem easy to work with (though I don't love the cartoon-ish themes). I cannot seem to find any real samples of SOS. The online presentations tell you about the program, but do not allow you to "test drive" the program. Any expereinced users out there that can give academic and ease of use advice? Thanks!!
I didn't use SOS for Math. I've used for other subjects and to be honest my kids didn't like it that much. It wasn't easy to use. TT was good! Yes they use "cartoons", but my kids didn't mind it and it was an ease. You just put the disc in and go. There is a lesson presentation and then the problems. My kids used a "Math Journal" to work out the answers. It is sort of like a video game (in a good way). When my son forced us to send him to PS, he has had no problems with the transition. The teacher told me, he was amazed my son had such a grasp on math. (And he had been using TT for 3 years.) My older son used the TT Geometry (the older non-graded version) and had to take an End of Credit Exam from the state and scored in the "High" range. (Amazing since I could barely help with the subject) And his teacher (Trig) is very impressed with his Geometry skills. (He has a 98% and will be taking Pre. Cal. next year)
We are finishing up TT Algebra 1 and we like it. The cartoons are just fun motivators and they can change them to fit their mood. We will finish out high school with TT. She can do it independently and the constant review is great. Also, the grading and instant feed back is wonderful.
Teaching Textbooks, all the way. Amazing company to deal with. I love them. Their customer service is first rate. We've used TT since my oldest was in 5th Grade. All my kids use it. Love, love, love. You get over the whole cartoony thing.
I've got some TT for sale, btw! We tried SOS for some other stuff, and I wouldn't do it again because you can't legally sell it when you're done. We also are very pleased with TT for my girls, but it hasn't worked out quite as well for Phillip, not sure why. Honestly, I think he just needs someone to ride him, and it's easier to do that with something else (like this old Alg. 1 book that has LOTS of problems, so I can assign the evens, and when he screws them up really bad, he can go back and do the odds!)
Thanks! That helps. I just want to make sure I don't do my kids an academic disservice. {Math is not a happy subject for me!} I haven't heard back from SOS in days, so not quite sure I appreciate their customer service too much! What grades/price are you selling?
YOU WILL NOT DO YOUR KIDS AN ACADEMIC DISSERVICE!!! That's a lie straight from Hell! Get it out of your mind RIGHT NOW! The only way that could happen would be if you didn't do anything at all. Having said that, I'll look and see what I have. I know for sure I have Math 7; Pre-algebra is in the process of being sold. I might have Math 6, too, but am not sure. If you're interested in Math 7, send me a PM and I'll give you the particulars.
Hi, Danielle! I'm curious, since I use CLE too, but we haven't felt the need to "teach" the math, since we have found the instruction in the workbooks to be so good. The kids seem able to get it from the workbooks. Can you tell me what you're finding difficult? If it's algebra, I'll have to agree with you -- we haven't used the new algebra and we switched to Saxon for high school.
We love TT here. My boys are doing pre algebra and algebra, and they can do this 99% on their own. IF they have questions or need help, then I am available, but mainly they are completely independent with math. My boys love the cartoon features and they dont bother me. I love the self grading feature, and if they get a problem wrong, they can watch the step by step solution.
Lindina, I love CLE! We're just in a unique situation because I am about as artsy-non-math-minded as a mom can get! :? My 5th grader is about in love with math as I am. Since about 3rd grade, she's needed me to walk her through everything. Even the CLE is directed towards the child, it's just not enough for her. Up until now, my understanding has been sufficient to teach her. We just went through a whole big ordeal with combining positive/negative integers. Finally got her through it, and she got them wrong on the quiz. Come to find out, it was because I'd taught her something incorrectly. I say my situation is unique, in that my husband (carpenter/pile driver by trade) is a math whiz. However--he is almost never home (he's taking night classes plus working around 60 hrs a week). I'm honestly at the point where I need something to save our homeschooling. Jackie, thank you! I needed to hear that I will message you (as soon as I figure out how! lol)
