Math advice please…

It sounds like you have tried so many things you’ve confused him (he’s only 3rd grade and you’ve done 5 different curricula?). You can’t have stuck with any one thing very long to let him adjust and learn how that curriculum approaches math. Choose one. Start at the beginning. But first –

If he’s decided he hates math and can’t do it then you may need to take a few months off completely and begin again with a fresh attitude.

Just my 2 cents.

Okay, that helps! I should say I have a math hater who we literally did what I suggest – take a few months off of math and then start over. I wanted it to be too easy at first to rebuild her confidence. We had used Saxon for K, 1, and 2. It didn’t work for my oldest. So we took time off then started 3rd grade with Math U See, which we have stuck with ever since (she’s in 6th and is more than halfway through the 5th ‘year’).

The other thing starting over fresh and almost too easy is gives you a strong stand for not putting up with the crying/whining/complaining when math is pulled out. You know what you are asking your child to do is reasonable in amount and difficulty. All theatrics are then met with “Sit there until you choose to finish your work.” And no food until you’ve done it. Be sure the math should take no more than 15 minutes and have them begin at least an hour before the next meal. Then stick to your guns. At this point his hysterics over math are probably as much habit as real difficulty. ((HUGS)) Been there, done that. Creating new habits is hard.

http://www.triviumpursuit.com/articles/research_on_teaching_math.php

This is an article that is from the book Teaching the Trivium by the Bluedorns. They have other compelling information within the book that began to sway my opinion about teaching math. About two years ago I read this for the first time, and I was super skeptical. Then I read it again a few months later and could see some sense in it. Then about a year ago I was ready to ditch the math books altogether, and asked my husband about it, and he said he wanted to look into it more first. So I waited, and waited…and finally this year I took off the math books from their schedule altogether. It’s been wonderful, we have more time to do other things that really matter right now, and I basically do what art just suggested. I look at the TOC once in a while, and make sure to make everyday life experiences teachable moments (fractions with cooking, groups of numbers when they gather the eggs, etc. etc.). Also instead of math workbooks I will schedule in a time to play games. (monopoly, chess, solitaire, chutes and ladders, dominoes, right start math games… )

The ages of my children are 3rd grade and down.

@heather You asked, “if the SCM Math book recently released can help [you] ditch the math books more confidently?” I would wholeheartedly say “yes.”  If you have 15-20 minutes a day to spend with your child on math, you can apply Charlotte’s methods and teach textbook free Grades 1-5. In the introductions to the chapters on Manipulatives and Mental and Oral Math you are shown what a lesson would look like, given examples throughout those chapters and the chapter on Elementary Arithmetic has lots of examples.

For those days that mom is not as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as usual, or you just need some help with coming up with examples, I would recommend Ray’s Primary Arithmetic **free on google books** as it was written specifically for oral lessons. I would use this in conjunction with the SCM math book. Charlotte’s teachers did utilize certain textbooks — mainly for their examples — but they use pre-decimalized British currency, rendering them most unfriendly for today’s use. As I became more accustomed to using CM’s methods, I found it easier and easier to come up with the examples on my own and the children are also invited to come up with their own, which they love. One thing that was new to me when doing the research for the book was learning that money problems were often preferred. The children each had their own coin purse with which to work problems. Adding this to our homeschool has made a big difference and here is a really simple diy coin purse you and your children could make for handicraft.

I think the research found in the SCM book also dispels a lot of myths regarding CM’s methods and math. It is a relatively short read and is designed to both take you through her over-riding philosophy as well as a practical, step-by-step way to teach specifics. You can download the sample to see exactly which topics are covered. For example, Chapter 2 lays out how to teach one through nine, the meanings of symbols, when and how to introduce the writing of numbers and how often to use written work, the number 10, notation and idea of place value, etc. covering the ground all the way through Elementary Arithmetic which ends with five steps to lead your child how to discover the rule for finding “area.” 

Just as CM’s use of great literature, narration, copywork, and poetry really changes our modern thought on the way our children learn “language arts” her ideas and methods surrounding math truly make it “living.” Charlotte appealed to the beauty and truth of mathematics, and believed that by presenting math in such a living way it trained the child in good habits and would also point to God and His glory. 

@stayinghome I completely know where you are coming from. My oldest son went from loving math to hating it. There were tears and that led me to want to really find out just what CM’s methods were in math as they worked so well with us in other areas of our homeschool. I hope your son will discover the beauty found in math.

Warmly,

Richele 

TEACHING TEXTBOOKS. Have him take the placement test to start at the right level and then let him go. I love the clear explanations, the fact that it walks them through corrections, the easy grading and evaluations, and that they LOVE math!

I know there are those who hate it, but I guarantee you it isn’t the kids! All my kids love it!

Yes, it is about a grade level behind…but just buy the right grade level!

We have used Saxon, Singapore, MUS, and numerous additional workbooks, etc…I can tell you that math drill combined with Teaching Textbooks has worked wonders for both my ‘math oriented’ kids, and those who previously hated math.

At the very least, go to the website and let him work through the sample lessons. He will get some fun practice, if nothing else ;0).

I thought I had found “the math program” with Teaching Textbooks. I have three sons that I switched over to TT at the beginning of last year. We started using TT grade 3, TT grade 7 and TT Pre-Algebra. All three of my sons thought it was the coolest thing at first. After 4 weeks, they were really struggling with how slow it moved and they were not grasping the teachings. They all begged me to do something else. After seeing their grades steadily decrease and continually hearing them say “I’m not getting it or I don’t understand”, I decided to switch. My third grader is now happily in Modern Curriculum Press (MCP) math and LOVING it. My other two sons are using the “Learn Math Fast System”. I do have to supplement review work, but it was well worth the investment. They are learning so much and retraining it too. 

This is honestly what I love about homeschooling… One program can work wonderfully for one family but is a total bomb for another. What a blessing it is that we can pick and choose the right curriculum and teaching style that best fits our uniquely designed kids, our homeschool and our belief systems. 

Tammy

Glad to hear you put the workbooks aside.  🙂  Curricula are great, but they have their place, and it isn’t everywhere, all of the time.  What is important is that your son increases in his understanding of mathematical concepts and that he enjoys learning it enough to want to keep going.