Hi Heather, We use Strayer Upton along with LOF. I love the S.U. because it is inexpensive, non-consumable, and extremely thorough. Since we started LOF last year, we basically use the SU for more practice on each of the concepts in Fred. Before that, my kids just worked out of the SU. We also threw in the SCM Pet Shop Business Math in there along the way for a bit. I think the Strayer Upton is wonderful, but I bet Ray’s is also. And I know that you can get Ray’s for free online. The SU books are definitely not “fun” or “silly” and they are definitely textbooks. My kids don’t love them, but they are effective and good. I rarely make my kids do the entire page of problems unless it’s one of their pages that just has 7 or 8 story problems. I think it works beautifully with LOF, but if LOF hadn’t come along, I would have been very happy to just continue on strictly using Strayer Upton. I believe TimberDoodle recommends Strayer Upton and I think I remember them having a good and thorough review if you want to check that out.
Here is a link to some interesting information regarding a study that was done in the 30’s, I believe, where they tried some alternative ways of teaching math using the Strayer Upton books. I don’t necessarily think it’s a testimonial for SU books, but still interesting reading. http://www.inference.phy.cam.ac.uk/sanjoy/benezet/1.html
