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LLMom
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| Posted: July 02 2013 at 1:22pm | IP Logged
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Anyone want to share their reviews of this math program? I have an advanced 9 year old who hates Saxon (but he hates almost anything schooly  ) and he wants to do TT like his sister (who is a struggling math student--TT has been a godsend for her) I love that I don't have to do all of the teaching and grading, but I have heard it is not advanced enough for a child who is good in math, and that it won't prepare them for math majors in college. Reviews are mixed online. Many say that TT is not a good program.
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Lisa
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knowloveserve
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| Posted: July 02 2013 at 5:27pm | IP Logged
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Depends on what's important to you. Math is not a fight I want to spend time fighting in my home so we do TT.
It is easier... On mom and student. Their program is at least one full grade level behind (my 7 yo will start TT3 this fall. My 4th grader does TT5, etc.) but if you go into that knowing it, you will be fine.
If my children want to get serious about college entrance or math careers as they get older, they can beef up on math on their own. I don't really see the big deal with this.
Some are upset because after TT, their children test poorly on standardized tests. This might be a concern for you. It's not for me. I am aiming for "adequate or better" in math in deference to other subjects that are more important to what our family goals are.
But if I had an older math whiz, we'd probably have a serious talk about vocational goals and he would be encouraged to prepare more seriously for them.
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kristacecilia
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| Posted: July 02 2013 at 5:42pm | IP Logged
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I tried it and it did not work well for my family. It did not meet the home education goals/ideals that we have. I would never say it's a good math program. I might say it's an adequate math program if you don't want to emphasize math much or have a student who is really struggling and has responded to nothing else. I would definitely not recommend it for a student who is excelling in math, is advanced, or is showing a real aptitude for math.
I switched to Math Mammoth and Life of Fred. If your son is advanced he might really like the Life of Fred books in conjunction with a regular math program. Math Mammoth is also a student directed program like TT, so in that regard it's the same. It is a much more thorough, foundational, and challenging math program compared to TT, though.
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Krista
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roomintheheart
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| Posted: July 04 2013 at 9:30am | IP Logged
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Here is our transition experience with Teaching Textbooks. We switched a couple of years ago.
Oldest son: Used Saxon 1/2 Alg (tears every day) then switched to TT Alg. 1. No more tears, but he did get hung up at the end and really struggled with it. We ended up using the Keys To series to finish Alg. 1, because he just couldn't get it with TT. He went to public HS this year, and transitioned just fine in math--I think he got B's, which is what I would expect from him.
Oldest daughter: Used Saxon 7/6 in 6th grade. She thought it was too easy. I switched her to TT Pre-Alg. for 7th because I was feeling swamped/overwhelmed with correcting and wanted the self-correcting feature. She thought it was too easy, as well. After using Saxon, she scored in the 98th percentile on the CAT test. After using TT, she scored in the 99th percentile on the PASS test.
Middle daughter: Used Seton's Math 2 (tears every day). Switched to TT 3--she loved it; I think we had tears only 2 days all year long. She scored 88th percentile in math on the PASS test (we were not required to test after 2nd grade, so I can't compare with that year.)
Both of my girls surpassed the RIT scores expected for their grade on the PASS test after using TT.
If math is a struggle for you or your student, then TT is a great solution. If I'd seen any of my kids' math scores fall way down after using TT, I'd switch back--but they haven't. I guess great math scores won't help get you to heaven, but a pleasant attitude and cheerful work ethic can, so I worry more about that than the academics. But I don't claim to be the greatest teacher ever.
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mariB
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| Posted: July 05 2013 at 6:09am | IP Logged
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One of my sons aced his math class in college this year and he only used TT through high school. He raves about it.
Our second son also excels in math and used only TT in high school and is using as a review this summer for his college math class.
Our third son is in high school and is using TT with ease.
Our daughter who used TT pre-algebra did not like it so much. She prefers Saxon. She is not a mathwiz but understands the explanations much better with the DIVE CD. Since our youngest is 9 (so I am not having to tend to little ones), I sit down and do the math lessons along side with her and I am really enjoying it.
Our third grader is enjoying TT Math 4 and doing well with it so I will see whether we continue with TT or Saxon in the future with her.
I guess there is a lot of good to say about TT as well as Saxon. Whatever works...and if it's not broke DON'T FIX IT! 
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marib-Mother to 22ds,21ds,18ds,15dd,11dd and wife to an amazing man for 23 years
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leanne maree
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| Posted: July 05 2013 at 7:17am | IP Logged
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We have used both Saxon and TT.
We hav stuck to TT
It sees to work with dd
She likes the visual explanations and its independanxevt gives her.
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Leanne
Loving wife to Dermot and Adoring mother to Louise, Kristie, Kieran & Brid
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jawgee
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| Posted: July 05 2013 at 7:53am | IP Logged
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We love TT. Be sure you do their online placement test because their levels seem to be about one full grade behind (so, a typical 4th grader may actually need TT5).
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Monica
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stacykay
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For my new high school grad, we have used a conglomeration of programs! Started with Saxon for K, then switched to Abeka for 1rst-3rd, then to Saxon for 5/4 and 6/5, began 7/6, got bogged down, switched to TT, using 7 and pre-Algebra, Life of Fred (Fractions and Decimals and Percents,) and then a bit of Saxon Alg. 1/2. He ended up going to a Catholic high school, was put into honors math, and did very well on ACT, 33 for math, and did not have to take the math placement test for his college.
He thought TT was helpful in that it gave different ways of looking at solving problems, much the way, from grade to grade, students in school have teachers who teach differently. He was glad we used it.
It might look like overkill in math, but the TT lessons were "easier" to accomplish than Saxon, so he sometimes did more than one a day. Also, the Life of Fred is more book reading that he found interesting. He did that along with his other "main" math programs. I did not have him turn in any work for LOF, he just read it. If he wanted to work out a problem, he did, but I just had him read it as an extra.
So, focusing on your question, I'd say TT levels are about a grade behind; they can be helpful for the Saxon burnout; they offer a different way of thinking through problems; my dss (now using with current 6th grader) like the video explanation; you can always switch back; and they are great when you need to have 'someone else takeover' when you are feeling overwhelmed. I think so much depends on your dc's learning styles and needs at the moment.
In Christ,
Stacy in MI
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Erica Sanchez
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We use it for the higher levels and love it. I did not realize that they are a grade level behind, but that must be for the younger levels. I am baffled by what almost seems like a bashing of this math program based on standardized test scores (not from you, Krista, but in the homeschooling world in general). We are using Algebra, Algebra II and Geometry with good success. Math-U-See seems to be taking a beating lately as well, but the two families in our local group that have really strong math students have both used Math-U-See from beginning to end with huge success. Just my thoughts. I also do not claim to be the best teacher, but I did well in Math and completed Calculus in high school.
That said, I got to see the Life of Fred books at our local conference and they look great. I was told they can be used alone and I am not doubting that, but I did think they would be a really good and fun supplement to another more traditional program.
I so want to pick a math program and use it from K through 12th. I don't know anyone who has done that except the two Math-U-See users mentioned above. Hmmmm....
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stacykay
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| Posted: July 05 2013 at 4:29pm | IP Logged
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I know what you mean, Erica. Some friends cautioned me when I mentioned using TT.
We have only used TT for grade school, so that is all we have for reference for grade levels. One of my friends used it until high school, and then opted to send her son to a public high school. He did just fine. I am not sure how "high" he went in TT, though. I know he used pre-algegra in 7th grade, so I am guessing he did algebra 1 in 8th grade. (Btw, most of the private grade schools around here are doing algebra in 8th grade, with pre-algebra in 7th.)
One of my dearest friends used MUS for her three boys all of the way through, although she did send them to our local community college for a year of math, during their senior year. They all found the cc math course (calculus) fairly easy. They all did fantastic on the ACT, and they all received full academic scholarships!
The only other program I know that anyone used all the way through was Saxon. That family utilized the Saxon math using this
dvd program. She was using this program way before Saxon came out with their dvds. Her oldest just graduated, so I will ask her how she thinks it all went.
I have to say, I wish I knew about TT textbooks (not even sure if it was around) back when my 22yods was at home. He and Saxon did not mix, and TT would have probably been a great fit for him. Just a reiteration, if it works for your dc, go for it!
In Christ,
Stacy in MI
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kristacecilia
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| Posted: July 06 2013 at 5:37am | IP Logged
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Erica Sanchez wrote:
| We use it for the higher levels and love it. I did not realize that they are a grade level behind, but that must be for the younger levels. I am baffled by what almost seems like a bashing of this math program based on standardized test scores (not from you, Krista, but in the homeschooling world in general). |
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Oh good, I was hoping no one would feel like I was bashing anything. I was just trying to offer my opinion based on my experience, which was limited to only TT3, btw.
I think my biggest problem with TT is that it was so... single faceted. Watch this on the computer and then do these problems on the computer. For me, it felt like it lost a lot of the interactive, hands on, manipulative feel that my kids respond well to. Also, personally, I really am not a fan of the bright and shiny, game-show feel. I prefer simpler, hands-on, very solid math programs. So obviously it wasn't going to be a good fit.
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jawgee
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kristacecilia wrote:
| I think my biggest problem with TT is that it was so... single faceted. Watch this on the computer and then do these problems on the computer. For me, it felt like it lost a lot of the interactive, hands on, manipulative feel that my kids respond well to. Also, personally, I really am not a fan of the bright and shiny, game-show feel. I prefer simpler, hands-on, very solid math programs. So obviously it wasn't going to be a good fit. |
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I agree with that - for the younger years. As children become more independent in their schoolwork, though, and manipulatives take a backseat to actually doing long problems, I really like the style of TT. My oldest DS had a terrible experience with Saxon, even though he is a strong math student, and TT is a great fit for us.
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pumpkinmom
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Thinking about the bad reviews that TT (and MUS) get I've noticed a common problem. The parent steps away from the program and the child does it 100% independent. Most kids (but not all)need a parent's help and guidance and some even need to physical have the parent showing the work (and not a computer or someone on tv). It seems like many of the bad review the parent would just check the scores and think their child was doing good. If they had been watching over the shoulder a little more carefully they may have picked up some problems the kid was having and jumped in to help before it became a big problem (no actually learning and just short term get enough problems correct).
I did this same thing with MUS because of bad advice when we first starting homeschooling. A fellow homeschooler told me all I had to do was have my child watch the DVD and give him the worksheet. Nothing needed to be done on my part because it was 100% independent. Completely wrong!  Lesson learned and now I sit down and do math with my children.
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jawgee
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| Posted: July 06 2013 at 12:25pm | IP Logged
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pumpkinmom wrote:
| Thinking about the bad reviews that TT (and MUS) get I've noticed a common problem. The parent steps away from the program and the child does it 100% independent. |
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That's a good observation. The laptop for TT is right in the middle of our homeschool room so that I can monitor if DS seems to be struggling with something or if what I think should be an easy problem is taking too long - which means he isn't grasping a key concept. Several times I've pulled up a chair, we've watched a similar lesson on Khan Academy, I've taught it to him the way I learned it, or I've sent him downstairs to ask DH (who works from home) to elaborate on a particular topic.
So even though it's quite independent, in my experience it's best for the parent to be monitoring during each lesson. Actually, my DS's friend does each lesson together with his dad. Imagine how much more fruitful each lesson must be when his dad is there to offer commentary or a different explanation!
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Erica Sanchez
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Oh, yes, great observations, Monica and Cassie. I was often doing dishes when my oldest was doing TT Algebra and above at the computer in the kitchen so could hear the lessons and be available to stop and help when needed.
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Erica in San Diego
(dh)Cash, Emily, Grace, Nicholas, Isabella, Annie, Luke, Max, Peter, 2 little souls ++, and sweet Rose who is legally ours!
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jawgee
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| Posted: July 08 2013 at 6:19am | IP Logged
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LLMom wrote:
| I have an advanced 9 year old who hates Saxon |
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That's exactly when my oldest switched over to TT. He was 9, very good at math, and hated Saxon. He's been doing TT almost 2 years now and we plan to continue with it.
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Monica
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leanne maree
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| Posted: July 16 2013 at 9:51pm | IP Logged
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Just re-entering this conversation.
We have been using TT for 2 years now.
Dd 15 works quite independently. But at times needs parental guidance.
She uses an exercise book for her maths. She sets out each question as I taught her years ago.
She snips the lesson plan into a word doc and refers back to it when necessary
The only issue we have us that the expansion of numbers. Ie , 8 is 2.2.2. This was foreign to my dh and myself as we were both taught in UK or Australia. Otherwise it's been a great fit. (This expansion is also taught in Saxon).
Maths is not her fave subject.
She probably will not go beyond Algrebra II but that's enough for her.
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Leanne
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4Real Forums : Living and Loving Numbers
Topic: teaching textbooks
