Name: Teach Them Diligently (Branson)
Start: 2025-05-15T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-05-17T23:59:59-05:00
Location: Branson, MO

This topic has 4 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 5 months ago by DawnD.

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

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November 5, 2010 at 5:37 pm
amandajhilburn
Participant
Are there any of you who have used Math U See all the way through at least jr. high?
I am having issues with the scope and sequence, I guess you could say. I realized when we started using this that some concepts would be delayed and I was not that bothered by that. However, right now my 3rd grader cannot count money, measure with inches and centimeters, or correctly tell temperature. He scored on the 1st grade level on the A.C.E. diagnostic test that I gave him online this morning. My 4th grader, which I was not that worried about, passed only half of the 3rd grade level.
After thinking I would just stick it out with MUS, I now am 2nd guessing myself. I know people say that once they finish about 6th grade that they will have learned all the math concepts that all other programs teach, but I’m just not very comfortable waiting.
I also do not want to have to make up my own stuff to fill in any gaps that bother me, like money or time or whatever. If I am buying a math program to teach math, I want it to have what I need. I don’t mind practice or drill, but I don’t want to find something else to try and teach money, graphs, time, temperature, etc.
I am seriously thinking about using Christian Light for math.
November 5, 2010 at 6:43 pm
art
Participant
Wow, I was just thinking of asking this same question here the other day and didn’t. I guess my problem comes because I know kids can do some of these other things earlier-and it serves them. Also, I have to administer standardized tests each year in my state. Maybe it’s pride, but I don’t like really low test scores. Maybe the test scores wouldn’t bother me if I didn’t also feel they were behind. I did just start MUS a few weeks ago, and the kids are half way through their books already.
Can’t wait to hear answers to this–especially from bookworm, who I think has used it all through.
November 5, 2010 at 6:49 pm
LindseyD
Participant
I haven’t used MUS all the way through yet, but I would say that supplementing with some of your own planned practice with money, measuring, etc. would be the only way to ensure your children’s proficiency in those areas. Our children receive an allowance every week. Through that allowance they are learning what a dollar bill looks like, what quarters look like, that four quarters make one dollar, etc. It’s not part of our MUS curriculum, and it’s not a big, scheduled deal either. They’re simply learning about money by handling the real stuff.
I guess there’s never a perfect, catch-all curriculum out there. I’m interested to see if Michelle posts as well. She’s always full of great wisdom.
Blessings,
Lindsey
November 6, 2010 at 3:31 am
tiffgriffin
Participant
Currently I have two boys in 5th(Epsilon) and 7th grade(pre-algebra). We have been using MUS for 4 years now. Last year I had them take the Stanford test and both placed in the above average category for math. I had some of the same concerns early on, however I continued on because they finally understood math. That had a greater value to me than keeping up with the schools.
When they were younger we would play store or restaurant. For store, I would give them real money to use and have them buy toys out of their closet. I would have note cards with prices on them and tell them to buy x number of toys, calculate their bill, determine the smallest number of dollars and coins to pay in, etc. For restaurant I had a simple menu of lunch items. They would place their order and have to calculate their bill, how much change they would receive if they over paid, etc. It was fun for them and really easy to implement.
I have a clock in their room and used life to teach telling time and adding 15 or 30 min. etc.
We pay based on chores completed well. All chores are written on a chart, totaled at the end of the week. Any item I purchase on their behalf is deducted. A great way to learn about adding and subtracting money.
Anyways, I really want to encourage you that MUS does cover it all eventually. Some of the items that are not times when you would like can easily be added in.
November 9, 2010 at 7:53 pm
DawnD
Participant
You know, with ACE if all they don’t know in the lower grade is the measuring type stuff you can just do that 1 PACE. All the measuring is in 1 PACE booklet. Then you could do that 1 and go into a higher grade level. In CLE math I’m sure this is repeated again. Doesn’t necessarily mean they have mastered it before this, but worked on it.
Every math program covers topics at different times. I have a 4th grader that is working on those things too.
HTH!