I am beginning to look for new math curriculum for next year but I NEED HELP. We are currently using Saxon and I guess we are the only ones on the planet that don't like it. My kids are bored. I am having to pick out problems for them to do in each lesson. AHHHHHH!!! Anyway, if you use a different type of math and can give me a quick over view of how it works and if you like it, that would be great. PS we use Lifepacs for other subject.\ The other one is language. Though I really like the lifepacs I don't feel as if there is anough creative writing going on. Or much writing . I would like somthing that is a little more inclusive of writing a grammer. Thanks for any help
Can you tell us what grades you are looking for and if anything else is important? I have an opinion, but my kids are at the equivalent of first grade, so I may not be of any help.
Well, although we are in first grade stuff, it may not be much help, but my experience with LifePacs math so far, has been ok. I am not 100% thrilled with it, but, after looking at the curriculum as a while, I could see how they were "Working" it. At first, I thought that lifepacs would spend just one page on a subject when introducing it and then they would drop it and move on...... However, they would actually "Introduce" a concept, then return to the regular studies, only to re-touch on the new concept later after the new idea had a seed planted. And it works, with my kids. I did get a hold of a teachers edition of Saxon math grade 2, in a book store, but it wasn't enough information to make a choice about the curriculum. So, my opinions are limited, right now, sorry.... Give it a day or two and you will have several opinions! hahaa! P.S. You wrote "BOTH are in 4rth grade"... are yours twins, like mine?
I'm not sure about math, because we've used both Saxon (my oldest detested Saxon math!) and then LifePac math for our oldest (in elementary school), and Lifepac and now Saxon for our other two. Our middle child loves Saxon math, our youngest is not liking it very well. So we're seeing how it goes this year before we decide for next year for her. We're sticking with Saxon math for our middle one for next year at least. For Language, I would recommend Rod & Staff for the best all around Language/English system! It's tough, but they learn it well. We're using that now for our younger two (our oldest is a Highschool Junior in our homeschool, so he's on to other things now), at lower levels than what grades they're in. Despite using other curriculums that were considered good, they just didn't learn like they are now. It's more "painful" now, cuz they have to struggle to get everything, but they ARE getting it and doing well! R & S English is my opinion, but it does come highly recommended! Best wishes to you!
If your kids wre younger, I could help, but we actually switch TO Saxon at that level! I use Horizons up to there, but have been told it's not as good from Grade 4 on!
My dsis uses Scott Foresman for her dd (11) who really dislikes math, but will work willingly through these books. I am a real odd-ball, and have used a mixture of Singapore, Miquon and McGraw-Hill (yes, really) books. Saxon just wasn't going to work in our home. And that one beauty of hs-ing, to meet the child's learning style! Good luck on finding the fit for your family.
Just to jump in... The life pacs have been ok (They were a gift to us, we did not buy them) But I still like regular text books over the packaged curriculums.... Like Scott Foresman, and McGraw Hill
Jennifer, To answer the twins question it is a yes. But here's a loop for you, I have 1 year old twins as well. SO life around here is WILD!! YOu all have made me feel much better about not liking Saxon to much. THere for a while I was feeling like I was the lone one. I really like my Lifepacs for other subjects. I really liked SOS in the begining but that changed after about one month. Thank the Lord Alpho Omega has a GREAT return policy. I never tried them for math though. But I hated my kids being trapped to a computer. And who needs one more thing for them to fight over. THanks for all the imput. I am loving the different opions it really is great!!
