Suggestions? I have an ADHD boy that LOVES his Kindy math worksheets. He chooses those first and will easily do 3-4 in a row. What curriculum should I use that is on the more frugal end?
If he "gets" math and doesn't need a ton of lessons I would look at something like Total Math, I think you can see samples on amazon. my first choice for math is McRuffy but its not really cheap but not crazy expensive either... it very hands on and fun.
May I ask what you are using for Kindergarten math? It might help to know what he likes now. My son really likes Christian Light. There workbooks are low color typically only two colors. You can see samples and print out placement test on their website.
I was going to suggest this too. We used Horizons which is similar but a lot more colorful which might be too much for your son. I know a few people who use CLE and really love the program.
CLE was originally on my list. I think I'll stick with that. It is a little on the expensive side for me, but it is my sons education.
Actually CLE is one of the least expensive options I've explored. We started using CLE for ds in 3rd grade. DD is about to complete K and will start 1st next year. Make sure you really look at the purchasing options. You can just buy the teacher's manual and the first light unit to start. The first year we used it I ordered the teacher's guides and first light units for each subject then ordered new light units monthly. The second year I knew it worked for us so I ordered the entire set at the beginning. I do suggest you print off the placement test to be sure you find the right place to start. They are free and really helped me to order the right set our first year. Good luck deciding...there is so much out there to choose from.
Miquon is fun and not very expensive. It was done in the 60s (I think) and done on a typewriter. The books are very colorful and go from 1st to 3rd grade.
*I* liked Math mammoth for first and Colton will be using it this fall but it didn't fit Kayd well so he's moved to MUS. I went with Math Mammoth the first year because it was cheaper and if the worksheets are something that your child enjoys it's a great option but I wish I hadn't gone cheap over what I thought would fit Kayd better, it was a huge struggle that whole school year.
Definitely McRuffy Math. If he likes his math worksheets I bet he'd like the McRuffy math workbook. Take a look at it here. I don't think the price is too bad. There are 38 sample pages right under the picture of the manipulatives.
I also highly recommend CLE. The page design and lack of color is just right for my ADHD grandson. We looked at Horizons, but the page design and high color would drive us both nuts. CLE is very solid. If he's just starting first grade, you don't need to give a placement test, unless you think he could skip first and go straight to second. Some of the beginning of first might be more review-ish so he could zip through some of it, but it quickly gets down to business. I find their prices to be very reasonable, and you can buy half at a time, or only one, two, or three units (with the TM) to start.
