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pumpkinmom
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| Posted: Aug 19 2014 at 9:57pm | IP Logged
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I have some issues with our current math program (Math-U-See). I'm seriously thinking of switching my youngest to Saxon. This is plan B. Plan A is really involved in tweaking MUS and I'm not sure if I want to commit to it. But switching to Saxon is looking like hard work too.
I downloaded the placement test and it's 100 questions long! 
We need better review. I think a slightly more incremental approach would work better. I love the mastery approach to MUS, but it's just the review schedule is not working (completely forgetting how to do problems before it is reviewed again). Ds is bored with MUS and I thought Saxon would provide more variety in the lesson. (He isn't bored because it's too easy.)
I'm really just guessing that Saxon would help in these problem areas. I'm open to other suggestions. I could supplement the review and continue with MUS, but that is a lot of work on my part.
Somethings I worry about is that he is used to doing only 20 problems a day. I just assume there is more with Saxon. Other issues I have with Saxon are based on how I like to learn math. I'm trying to ignore these as ds is different than me. I worry about teaching something I would struggle to learn from myself.
So, please walk me through switching to a completely new program or talk me out of it.  It hasn't been purchased yet!
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Cassie
Homeschooling my little patch of Ds-14 and Ds-10
Tending the Pumpkin Patch
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Aug 19 2014 at 11:13pm | IP Logged
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First, IF you purchase Saxon, find a used set. I wouldn't pay more than $20 for the whole set. Ebay is a good place to find a set that is used.
Second, if you do use Saxon, you certainly DO NOT need to do ALL the problems at the end of the lesson. We never do. If I have a student that needs the review, we slow down and finish a lesson in 2 days instead of one. In general, if we're moving at a normal pace, I either ask for a child to complete odds or evens for their math for the day, or I may circle the problems to complete. 15 a day is my limit. If a student needs more review, we slow down and complete all problems over two days.
So...Saxon is totally workable. Not perfect by any stretch. But workable!
Saxon would definitely target your needs of incremental and review. The cons of that are that sometimes it seems really slow going.
Since I'm not at all familiar with MUS, I can't help you brainstorm it. I really wish I could so I could help you compare these two programs. In general, I'm always hesitant to encourage people to jump ship in math...just because there is:
(a) no perfect math program
(b) value in being consistent with a math program - too much jumping around can actually really hurt a student.
(c ) I'm always a fan of working with what you've got.
If you're looking at a new set of Saxon materials, I'd say work with MUS. If you're open to an older edition of Saxon with tests/answer key (these are my favorites anyway - I'm a fan of 2nd or 3rd editions in hardcover!) you can find these EXTREMELY inexpensively...and in that case, I might try to get my hands on the book your son would be in and sit down with it and work it. Be prepared for dry, and be prepared because sometimes I'm not a fan of how Saxon breaks up a concept over a few lessons that are sometimes not back to back. I work with that, rearrange our lessons, etc. So again...TOTALLY workable, but - eyes wide open, right? It won't be perfect. You WILL need to work within the program so that it's a good fit.
Hopefully someone can help you brainstorm MUS!!!
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Lavenderfields
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When I gave my kids the Saxon placement test, I looked over their shoulders when I saw them getting five problems in a row wrong I let them go for a couple more minutes then I told them they were done for the day.
We did switch from MUS as well. It has worked well for us.
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pumpkinmom
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| Posted: Aug 20 2014 at 11:53am | IP Logged
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Lavenderfields wrote:
When I gave my kids the Saxon placement test, I looked over their shoulders when I saw them getting five problems in a row wrong I let them go for a couple more minutes then I told them they were done for the day.
We did switch from MUS as well. It has worked well for us. |
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After I printed out the placement test I realized that he only needs to about 40 problems. He did half of those today without me and he missed a lot that he shouldn't have missed.
He is currently half way through Delta in MUS. I'm trying to decide if I should put him in 5/4 or 6/5. The placement test is saying 5/4 but I think he would be fine with 6/5. What level were you in with MUS and what level did you switch to with Saxon?
__________________
Cassie
Homeschooling my little patch of Ds-14 and Ds-10
Tending the Pumpkin Patch
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pumpkinmom
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| Posted: Aug 20 2014 at 11:59am | IP Logged
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Mackfam wrote:
First, IF you purchase Saxon, find a used set. I wouldn't pay more than $20 for the whole set. Ebay is a good place to find a set that is used.
Second, if you do use Saxon, you certainly DO NOT need to do ALL the problems at the end of the lesson. We never do. If I have a student that needs the review, we slow down and finish a lesson in 2 days instead of one. In general, if we're moving at a normal pace, I either ask for a child to complete odds or evens for their math for the day, or I may circle the problems to complete. 15 a day is my limit. If a student needs more review, we slow down and complete all problems over two days.
So...Saxon is totally workable. Not perfect by any stretch. But workable!
Saxon would definitely target your needs of incremental and review. The cons of that are that sometimes it seems really slow going.
Since I'm not at all familiar with MUS, I can't help you brainstorm it. I really wish I could so I could help you compare these two programs. In general, I'm always hesitant to encourage people to jump ship in math...just because there is:
(a) no perfect math program
(b) value in being consistent with a math program - too much jumping around can actually really hurt a student.
(c ) I'm always a fan of working with what you've got.
If you're looking at a new set of Saxon materials, I'd say work with MUS. If you're open to an older edition of Saxon with tests/answer key (these are my favorites anyway - I'm a fan of 2nd or 3rd editions in hardcover!) you can find these EXTREMELY inexpensively...and in that case, I might try to get my hands on the book your son would be in and sit down with it and work it. Be prepared for dry, and be prepared because sometimes I'm not a fan of how Saxon breaks up a concept over a few lessons that are sometimes not back to back. I work with that, rearrange our lessons, etc. So again...TOTALLY workable, but - eyes wide open, right? It won't be perfect. You WILL need to work within the program so that it's a good fit.
Hopefully someone can help you brainstorm MUS!!! |
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Great information! I think the perfect math program is a dream for all of us. 
I worried about the taking a few lessons to get to the point and wondered how spread out they would be. It's good to hear that rearranging lessons is possible. And yes, a used copy is a must as the budget is lacking and I will only be using it with one child.
__________________
Cassie
Homeschooling my little patch of Ds-14 and Ds-10
Tending the Pumpkin Patch
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4Real Forums : Living and Loving Numbers
Topic: Getting started with Saxon, need help!
