| Author | |
Devoted21
Forum Newbie
Joined: June 20 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 29
|
| Posted: Sept 07 2010 at 8:43pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Hello!
I have a couple of kind-of-vague questions about math curricula.
My oldest is in first grade, and we're doing Saxon math. We did level K last year, and it seemed a little on the easy side, but we kept going since I figured it would build his confidence up as we strugged through phonics. Anyhow, this year I'm really not enjoying the Saxon. I don't always understand the purpose of the activities. Like, for teaching first/second/third, we go through this whole scenario of making a train out of all our chairs, having stuffed animals climb on, blah, blah - it took half the morning just to teach what it turned out he already knew! It seems like there should've been a simpler way to accompish that task.
So two things:
1. If you've gone through Saxon 1, did you find it to be successful in the end?
2. What are my options besides Saxon? What's worked for you? I feel pretty lost as far as other math curricula. I could name a few, but I know nothing about them.
Thanks to everyone in advance for the help! This is my first real post, but I have found such wonderful advice about all sorts of things just from reading everyone else's threads.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Elena
Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 13 2006
Location: Ohio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 592
|
| Posted: Sept 08 2010 at 2:27pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I do Saxon K - Algebra 1.
I don't do the lessons the way they make them up. I use to but like you I found them to be needlessly time consuming!! So I'd read it over, get the gist of it, do my own thing, and it worked just as well!
I don't do every lesson either! If I think the kid has the concept down, I skip it. I also don't do all of the problems on the worksheets on less the child needs help or a lot of review.
With Saxon you really can taylor it to work with your children and your time schedule. Don't let that teacher's book boss you around! 
__________________
Elena
Wife to Peter, mom of many!
My Domestic Church
One Day at a Time
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Devoted21
Forum Newbie
Joined: June 20 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 29
|
| Posted: Sept 08 2010 at 7:11pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Elena,
Thanks for the tips! I do tend to be a very by-the-book person, and I often need to be reminded that it is indeed OK to diverge a bit. I mean, that's one of the perks of homeschooling anyway, huh?! 
Rebecca
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kristacecilia
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 05 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 677
|
| Posted: Sept 09 2010 at 7:16am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I did Saxon 1 with my son and vowed never to use Saxon again because of all the needless, time-consuming work.
Blech.
The only way we made it through was to do what Elena said, change it to make it work for you. We cut out EVERYTHING except the new lesson and the workpages. No math meeting, very little of the review section, and usually no drill worksheet (or I would only have him do the first row or two instead of the whole sheet).
We did the new lesson and the homework pages. It still took us almost 2 years to get through it.
__________________
God bless,
Krista
Wife to a great guy, mom to two boys ('04, '06) and three girls ('08, '10, '12!)
I blog at http://kristacecilia.wordpress.com/
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
anitamarie
Forum All-Star
Joined: Oct 15 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 819
|
| Posted: Sept 09 2010 at 1:12pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I used Saxon for one of dc for 1 and 2. We tried Singapore last year and it wasn't our thing. She's back in Saxon 5/4 for this year.
We are using Horizons Math from now on for at least 1-3. Haven't decided beyond that. We've had great success with Saxon from the 5/4 level and up, so we will probably switch to 5/4 in 4th grade again in the future.
Horizons is a lot like Saxon in that it is spiral and there is a lot of review and a good bit of drill. I find these helpful to my dc, esp. in Math. A strong foundation can't be beat.
Horizons is only taking us about 10-15 minutes right now and that is doing pretty much every activity as described. However, I have, on occasion, cut things out, if I think he has a concept down. I have found it easier to do that cutting than with Saxon, so much that came later built on that Meeting. I can't say enough good things about this program right now. Which reminds me, I need to go bake something for the friend who told me about it. 
I have often said if I had only 1 child then Saxon might be doable, but I can't take an hour for 1 subject for 1 child.
God Bless,
Anita
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Devoted21
Forum Newbie
Joined: June 20 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 29
|
| Posted: Sept 10 2010 at 9:59pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks, Krista and Anita! I have a neighbor who I think uses Horizon, so maybe I can ask to glance through her materials.
I will also admit that now I'm having this crazy thought that I could chuck my math curriculum altogether and play games instead. I just last night read that Ruth Beechick booklet - An Easy Start in Arithmetic, I think it's called - and I'm wondering if I could be disciplined enough to hit her list of first-grade goals just through games and other hands-on activities. I have a plethora of materials - manipulatives, dominoes, dice, etc. Or would that just be harder than modifying Saxon? Hmmm....
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Aagot
Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 06 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 649
|
| Posted: Sept 10 2010 at 11:15pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Wow! that sounds like a great idea! If you wanted a guide for games, I'd try this: http://activitiesforlearning.com/mathcardgames.aspx
There is a whole lot more than just 1st grade to choose from in here too. My kids have really enjoyed playing them.
Aagot
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
MaryM
Board Moderator
Joined: Feb 11 2005
Location: Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13104
|
| Posted: Sept 11 2010 at 12:08am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Devoted21 wrote:
| I will also admit that now I'm having this crazy thought that I could chuck my math curriculum altogether and play games instead. I just last night read that Ruth Beechick booklet - An Easy Start in Arithmetic, I think it's called - and I'm wondering if I could be disciplined enough to hit her list of first-grade goals just through games and other hands-on activities. |
|
|
I don't think that is a crazy idea at all. 
I thought I had posted - I wrote a post earlier, but I think I didn't finish and the window got closed. But I was going to suggest first just getting a scope and sequence for 1st grade math to help you evaluate what he already knows and give you an idea of what to concentrate on. I really like Ruth Beechick's philosophy as well so that is a reasonable approach to follow her checklist (it's like a scope and sequence), not crazy at all.
I haven't used the Saxon early elementary ever so can't speak to that directly, but from what you describe it sounds like it would be a really good approach for some kids/learners - especially kinesthetic learners. But that doesn't mean it's going to be best for you or ds. Different curriculums and approaches work well for different kids/families. We used Singapore in the fisrt couple of grades. We found them to be a good curriculum, but if I had it to do over again I would focus more on a Beechick style.
And I'm trying to remember the free online math curriculum that Kris has recommended so highly...maybe she will jump in.
__________________
Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Devoted21
Forum Newbie
Joined: June 20 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 29
|
| Posted: Sept 13 2010 at 4:10pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
OK, you all have made me feel much better! I think I'm going to do it (lose the curriculum). I mean, what could happen? Now I just need to sit down and try to organize all our games a bit, maybe match them up to our checklist so I'll feel a bit more structured about it. And I'll keep that Saxon on the shelf just in case.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kristacecilia
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 05 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 677
|
| Posted: Sept 14 2010 at 8:45am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Chucking Saxon is exactly what I ended up doing. Instead, the next year, we used MCP Level B. I still didn't like that- DS does not do well with TONS of workbooks, so this year we scrapped that, too.
We're using math read alouds, Family Math, and various websites to cover at least up to third grade now. Not sure what we'll do after that. Maybe I will look back into Saxon 5/4.
__________________
God bless,
Krista
Wife to a great guy, mom to two boys ('04, '06) and three girls ('08, '10, '12!)
I blog at http://kristacecilia.wordpress.com/
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: Sept 14 2010 at 9:18am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Just wanted to encourage a Beechick style math approach in the earlier grades. Like others, I've used various curriculums at various times. I can't say that it was a total waste - they really helped me build confidence about what is generally taught in the elementary years. So, I can think of it as an investment time.
For K - 3 math, I offer some Montessori math presentations and opportunities while following Beechick's scope and sequence style in her small and so-easy-to-follow-and-implement An Easy Start in Arithmetic. It's been the best fit for us, and I feel like we tried a number of "curriculums" in these early years before I found my footing so-to-speak.
A couple of other resources which are a huge help to me with math in the early years (both free):
** Math Is Fun - Jodie recommended this math website here a few years ago and my children enjoy it a lot! It's bookmarked and used frequently.
** Free Maths Worksheets - is fantastic for building practice math pages to print. I think I saw this linked at Mater Amabilis, but I can't readily find the link, and I'm rushing. However, you might also check out some of the recommendations of MA in the early years.
Good luck finding the best fit for your family, devoted21!!!
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Devoted21
Forum Newbie
Joined: June 20 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 29
|
| Posted: Sept 21 2010 at 6:55pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Those are great links - thank you! 
Rebecca
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
GraceandCoffee
Forum Rookie
Joined: May 24 2007
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 50
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2010 at 1:57pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Rebecca,
We're going through a similar struggle right now with MCP math- the program used in the Kolbe curriculum. I am wondering if you have an update on your situation since a few months have passed? How are things working? What did you end up doing?
__________________
Wife to the most wonderful man in the world, and mama to 4 beautiful children: meteorologist age 7, naturalist age 5, ballerina age 4, and baby boy age 19 months
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kristacecilia
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 05 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 677
|
| Posted: Feb 05 2011 at 9:08pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I am not Rebecca, but after my year with Saxon I switched to MCP and it was okay, but it seemed dry. I felt like Math should be more exciting than that and the children could really develop a relationship with it if we took a more hands on approach. So I switched to doing math games a la the book Family Math and now I am also adding in MEP Math which the boys love so far, and I am really impressed with because 1. it's free and 2. it really seems to build critical thinking skills.
__________________
God bless,
Krista
Wife to a great guy, mom to two boys ('04, '06) and three girls ('08, '10, '12!)
I blog at http://kristacecilia.wordpress.com/
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Devoted21
Forum Newbie
Joined: June 20 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 29
|
| Posted: Feb 07 2011 at 6:59pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
GraceandCoffee wrote:
Rebecca,
We're going through a similar struggle right now with MCP math- the program used in the Kolbe curriculum. I am wondering if you have an update on your situation since a few months have passed? How are things working? What did you end up doing? |
|
|
I have been away from the forums for a while and just now realized there had been more comments. My apologies for not responding sooner!
We did end up shelving Saxon for a few months. I used the Beechick booklet, which includes a scope and sequence, and tons of random games and manipulatives and printouts. It was fun for a while, but at Christmastime when I evaluated where my ds was, I wished he had made more progress. And my ds is great at math - the reason we didn't make more progress was ME. It was more work than I thought planning activities from scratch every day, and I guess I got burned out. So, alas, we are using Saxon again! But one thing that's better is that I no longer feel a compulsion to complete every lesson. I use the book as a guide, and that's been working for us. The games and things are still nice for a break, but having the Saxon book keeps me on track and ensures we hit what we need to hit.
This is our second year of homeschooling, so I do a lot of this back-and-forth.
GraceandCoffee, how are things going with you now?
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
GraceandCoffee
Forum Rookie
Joined: May 24 2007
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 50
|
| Posted: Feb 07 2011 at 7:09pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
HI, I've been away too, but it's because we've taken a whole other route- we put our kids back into school. Homeschooling was such an intense and consuming thing for us that it was getting in the way of our marriage and we were becoming estranged from one another due to my being in a state of perpetual exhaustion. We realized that our marriage was supposed to come first and that it was starving to death. We're all much happier now. Including the kids! They love being in school and are having a great experience. I wish everyone here well! Thank you for taking the time to reply - I am sure someone else with similar concerns will come here and find it a help!
__________________
Wife to the most wonderful man in the world, and mama to 4 beautiful children: meteorologist age 7, naturalist age 5, ballerina age 4, and baby boy age 19 months
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Devoted21
Forum Newbie
Joined: June 20 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 29
|
| Posted: Feb 08 2011 at 8:05pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
GraceandCoffee wrote:
HI, I've been away too, but it's because we've taken a whole other route- we put our kids back into school. Homeschooling was such an intense and consuming thing for us that it was getting in the way of our marriage and we were becoming estranged from one another due to my being in a state of perpetual exhaustion. We realized that our marriage was supposed to come first and that it was starving to death. We're all much happier now. Including the kids! They love being in school and are having a great experience. I wish everyone here well! Thank you for taking the time to reply - I am sure someone else with similar concerns will come here and find it a help!
|
|
|
It sounds like you are all doing great! Glad you found what works!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
4Real Forums : Living and Loving Numbers
Topic: Feeling insecure about math
