We're about halfway through the school year and I'm still tweaking things.
We began the year using Singapore Math. Later we added Horizons Math because I was concerned Doc was getting great theory, but not a lot of practical application. Lately I've been concerned that we still haven't hit on the right approach. Doc really wants to understand the why behind everything, not just the what.
I'm also not very crazy about the idea of using 2 separate math curriculums. Our schedule is going to become more full each year and I really don't want to waste valuable time, energy or money. Not to mention the fact that Obi Wan-da will become more involved with schoolwork next year. Yesterday I decided to take advantage of our cootie induced school break and address the situation.
I really liked the idea of Math-U-See when I first started researching curriculum a couple of years ago. The only reason I decided against it was that it doesn't follow the traditional scope and sequence used by other math programs and therefore can present a problem when testing comes up. The thing is the moms I know who use it love it and say their kids are understanding math, not just doing math. Placing priority on understanding over doing is one of the reasons we decided to homeschool in the first place. So I decided to give it a try.
I could just wait until next year to make the switch, but because of the variation in scope and sequence I figure it's better to start now for the sake of continuity. So I ordered the Primer curriculum.
We'll "see" how it goes:)
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3 comments:
The new program you ordered sounds similar to what my kids use in school. They use Everyday Math and the teachers will incorporate into other subjects.
I suggest using Saxon math for the lower grades. Need to find something else once you hit the middle and high school grades. It's so thorough..even teaches check writing and balancing check books in 2nd and 3rd grade.
I hate even saying this but here's something I learned the hard way when it comes to math... you have to use it or loose it. Maybe the more hands on teaching during "lesson" days and then the sticking with a more "test" oriented simple workbook problems the rest of the time... even during summer... I know, I know... but that's where the loose it came into play with my kids!
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