Free shipping on USA orders over $129!
Dreaming of a simpler Math, but terrrified!
- This topic has 19 replies, 12 voices, and was last updated 14 years ago by
.
- Posts
Hello all. I currently use ABeka Math with my two daughters (ages 12 and 9). I don’t HATE it, but let’s just say that might be because I was using Saxon before that (ugh!), so anything seemed like an improvement. One thing I DO know is that my kids do not even know their add/sub facts, to say nothing of multi/div facts and they don’t seem to really UNDERSTAND Math….they do what they can to complete the lesson/worksheet and we move on, quickly, to cover what we are “supposed” to cover each day. Lately I’ve been looking at Math U See and I am sooo tempted to switch. Deep down I know they aren’t really “getting” things as I’d hoped they would with ABeka, but CM type Maths just seem too good to be true. We live in NY and testing is required, so that’s another worry of mine…I want them to do well. Also, are things like weights and measures, etc. covered in Math U See? Finally, if I DID switch to Math U See, would I back up to the very early levels with the add/sub facts and start there??? Any suggestions appreciated!
Hm… I think I would backtrack right to addition/subtraction because without that down, nothing is going to make sense. (But I have to admit I don’t have manditory testing to worry about.)
Can’t answer the Math U See questions though….
I think there are placement tests on the MUS website, and also a MUS rep might be able to help. If they get the basic add/subtraction facts, you may not need to back up that far.
Yes, weight and measure and telling time and a bunch of different things are covered in various places in the books.
As for testing. MUS turns out a little bit different than a standard “do a little bit of a whole bunch of stuff every year” curriculum. We have mandatory assessment here too, and while my kids never did BADLY, they always did have questions in the early (k-5th grade-ish) years that they did not know how to do yet, because MUS is so much more focused on one set of skills, THEN moving on to the next set. However, it was never enough to be a problem–they tested a little lower on math than on other subjects, but not dramatically so–and the problem disappeared for us around junior high age. They test very well in math now. We’ve used nothing but MUS our entire homeschool journey–the only thing I’ve never changed! LOL
Michelle D
Hi. I would encourage you to call the Math-U-See people as they are kind and offer loads of help with exactly your type of questions. My sister switched to MUS after Singapore and they are so happy. Her children are 13/10/8/5/2. We’ve used MUS from the start and Steve Demme is a hero around here 🙂
Best,
Richele
Not be difficult or add to your confusion… After years of switching form math program to math program and settling with MUS but not really loving it, I finally found a math program that is great. At first it looks daunting, but it’s really quite simple and it makes sense. It’s called Practical Arithmetics. I got it from http://www.systemath.com. I first learned about it on this forum. It is wonderful! It’s not mastery (like MUS) or spiral (like most other programs) but systematic. Concept builds upon concept and it really makes sense. I wish I would have found it 15 years ago. It’s also cheap. I use MUS from K-2 and then switch to PA in 3rd. The way things are explained are subtle and simple. They just get it without really knowing they are learning.
I second pollysoup’s post! My oldest used Practical Arithmetics for a couple of years and he really learned his math facts; I wish we had stuck with it (I can’t remember now why I ever switched?!). We are back now using Level 6 from http://www.systemath.com and we are both loving it!
Blessings!
Sharity
I really like the look of this Maths Programme, although we are happy with ours. Their statement at the bottom of the home page about the importance of understanding the why not just the how of maths gives you a feel for this great programme.
I have just recently checked out both of these programs and already learned a great tip from Practical Mathematics that I will use for my boys when needed.
I have used Saxon for several years now and not that I don’t like it or that the boys don’t like it (they’ve never complained), but for my 4 yo I just wanted to try something different. So, I printed out the one that Renelle (and some others have suggested), it’s the MEP one. Now, I don’t know the full name, but it looks fun and right up my 4yo’s alley. It can’t hurt to try, and it was free, but looks full, fun and interactive. Will let you all know what I think asap, if you want to know:)
Simplicity, I can relate to a lot in your post re: my DD8! Even though she has been doing well on her Abeka math tests I could see the basics were weak. We recently took 2 weeks to just review basics including multiplication. This time, along with a new eyeglass prescription!, has helped. She did attend a PvS through 2nd grade and I believe she did not get the basics down with their program like she should have. PollySoup and Sharity mentioned Practical Arithmetic, and about a month ago I ordered the 3/4th grade book although we have not used it yet. I originally heard about on this forum also.
my3boys
I think you will find that you love MEP! my kids clamour for it, and I can’t say enough good about it!
Re: MEP – Mathematics Enhancement Programme (boring name!)
I think once you get a handle on reading the lesson plans and tweaking it for your homeschool you’ll find it great. And from grade 3 up there is a free online interactive way of doing it. Definitely a multi-sensory programme. So just in case you’d like the link http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm
Jeanne at http://www.ohpeacefulday.blogspot.com has an article on Are MEP and CM Compatible? as well as other MEP articles worth a look.
We’ve used Wraps-Ups at times to practice multiplication and division, as they just fit in your handbag and are fun for the kids to use.
Blessings
We’re Math-U-See’ers around here, and we love it. We’ve done it from the beginning, and math comes easily to my kids. I agree w/ Bookworm about testing them to see exactly what level they’re at. Even if you did have to start from the beginning, it’s better than them not understanding the basics before moving on to harder concepts.
That’s just my two cents…
Lindsey
Are there any samples of systematic mathematics? I went to the website, and I may be missing it? I wanted to see what the worksheets looked like… Thanks!
http://systemath.com/index.php/20080223423/Video/Sample-Lesson.html
I think that is the only sample they provide.
Sharity
- The topic ‘Dreaming of a simpler Math, but terrrified!’ is closed to new replies.