I need some advice about a math program. We have been using Math U See for several years now and are currently in the Epsilon Book (Fractions). The way in which the DVD explains the different points learned throughout the book is starting to really confuse my son. The program focuses a lot on the "why" of things and he just really needs to know just the "how" or he gets totally confused. It is really starting to frustrate him as well as me because what I thought I knew I no longer understand either! I am thinking about switching to Saxon math 5/6 or 6/7 but am concerned about switching to the spiral approach from a mastery. There are things in the Saxon he has not learned yet and things he has done. Has anyone ever made this switch before? If so, can you tell me how it was? Thanks for your help! Rhonda
Hi Rhonda - We just switched from MUS Epsilon and Delta to Saxon and we haven't had any problems. Saxon is very easy to teach. You also have the option of using the teacher CDs. Hope the helps. Carla
Did you make the switch in the middle of a book or did you wait until you completed it? What book did you start with when you replaced the Epsilon? Rhonda
First thing you would need to do is give your child the placement test. We switched from Horizons to Saxon this year and dd did not place in the book I thought she would. Do not worry about topics you have not covered yet, since it is a spiral approach they will cover them again or you can just go over those few topics together.
Keep in mind that Saxon is written for a classroom. As such, a good part of the book in the beginning is review. They have to make sure all the kids are on the same page after being home all summer. So what I learned to do is to skip right to the first test. IF your student does well, go to the next test. Do this until the grade drops from the 90's to the 70's or 60's. And THAT is the place I start. I would also do this in the fall when we started our new book.
wow, jackie, that is a clever approach. I wish I had done that in the beginning. I've been using Saxon for almost a year now, and now I know to just skip over the lessons he already knows. Every lesson has usuallyone or two core concepts, and I just ask a few questions orally. If he knows it, we can skip it. Btw, I thought the big deal with math U see was the fact that they teach the "why". Their premise is that without the "why" you cannot really master the "how"... That said, I'm not too happy with the Alpha my son is using either.
MTM, believe it or not, Rachael "taught" me that! When she started Saxon, she complained, "MOM!!! I already KNOW this!!! WHY do I have to learn what I already know?!?!" And I decided she was right.
