Making The Switch (Math)

Math has been the one area about which we have had considerable concerns, as homeschool parents. We actually spend more time, energy, and effort on THIS area of study that most any other subject - in the selection of resources and in actually teaching it. It is our opinion that strong math skills are essential regardless of what a person chooses to do later in life. It is not a "stressful" topic, but it has definately required more consideration and investigation that any other subject we "teach" here at home.

We have used Saxon Math ( http://saxonpublishers.harcourtachieve.com/en-US/saxonmath_home ) since we began homeschooling. And I believe it has served us well. Five of our six children seem to have a solid understanding of Math. We have one student who truly struggles every day with math. Otherwise, it is actually the strongest subject area for most of our children (unlike their mother - HA !). But it could stand some improvement, and in some cases some excitement. (Can Math BE exciting ?? Cherub 1 says it can, but I am secretly doubtful. HA !)

All things considered, as our children are getting older, we are becoming increasingly aware of the growing limitations (current and potential) on our teaching ability here at home, in the area of Math specifically.

As Cherub 1 prepares to begin high school next fall, we decided a different type of math program might be in good order. And we decided to try this new program before he begins Algebra, so that "new" math and a "new" program do not cause confusion at the same time. Currently, his Math skills are quite strong (he works almost completely independently in Math) so we thought this was a perfect time to learn to work with a new type of Math program. This program, we hope, will make his advanced math a better expereince for him. And should he encounter issues with this type of program (now) OR with Algebra (next year) we will know where the "true" trouble is ....

Cherub 2 really struggles with Math. She is a very strong student (our most-dedicated actually), but for some reason she struggles with Math constantly. So we think that perhaps a "teacher" other than Mom and Dad, and this step-by-step format may be a beneficial change for her too. We also think that it will be extremely beneficial to her to have the ability to see the "actual" problems she has worked incorrectly then solved step by step, rather than just seeing the answer list and not knowing how to work the problem correctly (or just where she went wrong).

Cherub 3 has always been a solid Math student. He is actually quite strong in Math, but it is not his "favorite" subject to say the least. It seemed to us that he may also benefit from this new approach - and perhaps spark some NEW excitement in this area because he loves multi-media approach tools, and adores using the computer for anything and everything.

So -- we are switching our 3 older children (grades, 5, 6, and 8) from Saxon to Teaching Textbooks ( http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/) . Initially, there were several things that made this program appeal to DadToCherubs and I - we will name just a few. One component we liked is the "teacher" giving each lesson (verbal with the use of a "chalkboard" style) rather than just dear ole' Mom or Dad and some paper / pencils. Also we really like the ability to see every specific problem (problems from the workbooks, rather than just more examples !) solved step by step (via computer) if desired, rather than just the sample problems shown in the book, followed by a listing of answers. Time and time again we have heard -- "After trying over and over again, HOW did they get to that answer ??" or "What step did I miss that prevented me from getting to THAT answer ?" or even "I still do not understand how to do these problems - I need to see MORE of them worked.". We, of course, like the "independent" quality of this program - it is our dream to raise THINKERS and LIFE-LONG LEARNERS, who can be INDEPENDENT (of course we are always available to help too !). And finally, DadToCherubs was thrilled with the multi-media approach - he feels computer skills are critical to all students in these modern times.

So, on Monday when we start back-to-school, Cherub 1 will be using Teaching Textbooks. And just as soon as the grade 5 and grade 6 packages arrive (just available for shipping Jan 5th so it might take a few days to arrive) we will begin using Teaching Textbooks with our 5th and 6th grade students as well.

As for our younger three students (grades K, 2, and 3 - who are all VERY strong in Math) - they will continue with their Saxon programs for a few more years.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Saxon Math http://saxonpublishers.harcourtachieve.com/en-US/saxonmath_hom

Teaching Textbooks http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/