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pumpkinmom
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| Posted: Feb 27 2014 at 9:45pm | IP Logged
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I'm at the conclusion with my oldest that he may not succeed in math and just learning basic math is as far as we are going to get. We've tried about everything and it's not the curriculum, but just the student. (It could be a little bit of the teacher as I struggled with math like him until I finally had two teachers two years in a row who actually knew how to teach math to me. I hate to admit it, but it could be me . . . . I don't want to say that too loud.)
Obviously he is going to take high school math of Algebra and Geometry. He won't be taking any advance math.
I guess I'm asking how hard do I push him right now? We are using Math-U-See, if that makes a difference. We spend about 4 days on a lesson. He may understand it or at least can do the work. He is normally ready to move on after 4 days because he is tired of doing the same thing for that long. But, hang on! The next week when it comes back on the review lessons he usually has already forgotten it. He has been multiplying fractions for a couple of months and then he didn't do it for two days and he forgot how. Even reviewing it didn't bring it back completely. It was like teaching it from the beginning again. This is very stressful for both of us. I honestly can't do this every day. I know he is stressed because I'm not allowed to leave his side while he does math. Do I lower my expectations and not expect him to remember? Move on if he can't master the topic? We are already behind being ready for algebra in 9th grade, so moving slower isn't the best option. I've tried to include more math time during the day, but he won't. I don't blame him.
I'm not sure if I'm making any sense, but teaching math is really stressing me out! Teaching math to my youngest is much easier!
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Cassie
Homeschooling my little patch of Ds-14 and Ds-10
Tending the Pumpkin Patch
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Erica Sanchez
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| Posted: Feb 27 2014 at 11:46pm | IP Logged
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I really like the Key To math series. When math wasn't going well with my second child (we had used MCP and Math U See), I tried this series for fractions, decimals and percentages. They are inexpensive and almost look handwritten which for whatever reason appealed to this child. Each series starts with very, very basic concepts and moves to more complicated ones but only focuses on that topic. No new topics are introduced or reviewed so you are are able to concentrate just on fractions or whatever. We have had a lot of success with these simple workbooks.
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Have a beautiful and fun day!
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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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Feb 27 2014 at 11:53pm | IP Logged
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I've heard good things about the Key to series as well, though I haven't used it.
I have one that almost freezes up when facing fractions in a math book.. I give her a "cheat sheet" with the rules for things like "if you're + or - then you find the common denominator" and then I define common denominator.. but the rules end up only being like 4 or so items and so she's able to work the problems without getting frustrated and doing that is what gets her checking her cheat sheet less. Also, she can increase and reduce fractions by adding or multiplying no problem in the kitchen.. but seeing it in a math book is the problem.
But the other point.. is if you're not planning on higher math anyway.. unless you're already planning on Algebra and Geometry taking 2 years each.. I don't see why you couldn't slow down if that's what it takes.
I'd rather take it slow if it means that they'll get everyday math than worry about getting through a course of Algebra. Tons of options if it comes down to needing it for post high school. Like taking it through a community college (online at home) or the remedial classes at a university etc.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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jawgee
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| Posted: Feb 28 2014 at 6:12am | IP Logged
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Have you considered a more independent math program, like maybe Teaching Textbooks? Or maybe you can continue with MUS but use videos from Khan Academy to help him understand new concepts?
My son is strong in math, but sometimes the way I explain things doesn't click with him. He understands things better when my DH teaches - I think their brains just work in similar ways.
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Monica
C (12/2001), N (11/2005), M (5/2008), J (8/2009) and three angels
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Kathryn
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| Posted: Feb 28 2014 at 7:20pm | IP Logged
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We've used Horizons Math for a couple of yrs and find it quite a challenge with DS esp since the teacher's manual stinks!  At any rate, he's not strong in math and I really don't want to teach high school math to him so I have the Life of Fred Fractions that I bought years ago. I'm looking into their pre-algebra text for DS next year. Some might not consider it a full curriculum or meaty "enough" but I find myself trying to "keep up with the Jones'" in terms of his curriculum and I've known all along he doesn't fit that mold. So, if there's a program like this one that will work and he can do more independently and still get credit for Algebra and Geometry then I'm going for it...whether he's then ready for an SAT or college or not.
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Kathryn in TX
(dd 16, ds 15, dd 8, dd 5)
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Kathryn
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| Posted: Feb 28 2014 at 7:21pm | IP Logged
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Here's their link for your reading pleasure that I just looked up today myself.
Life of Fred
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Kathryn in TX
(dd 16, ds 15, dd 8, dd 5)
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4Real Forums : Living and Loving Numbers
Topic: Math goals for a struggling older student
