I was using Saxon 8/7 and switched to the new edition of Fundamentals in Math (7). I like the mastery approach with the harder concepts as you get to pre-algebra and above. I was finding my ds would forget things we had already covered. BJU has many more problems and much harder problems to complete. I am well pleased with this program!!

I just started BJU 7- Fundamentals of Math with my DS and we love it!! We switched from Saxon and I find it much more complete, more challenging because they use larger numbers and more interesting. I like the Teachers Manual because it has extra helps and works out the problem in the solution section. We are very happy with it and I wish we would have switched to BJU sooner.

Yes to Julie. We did try some of the activities with Spelling Power. I do admit we did not do them all. I usually only spend 30 min at the most on spelling. Maybe I need to spend a little longer.

Thanks for the suggestions!! I've heard of AAS, but the others are new to me. I will check out the links. I'm hoping to find something over the Christmas break so we can make a fresh start in January. Since all the other subjects come so easily to him, this has really been frustrating for him. Thanks for all suggestions!!!

Hi, My DS-12 is a terrible speller. He is very gifted in other areas but spelling just doesn't click. He can memorize a word list, do fine on a test and misspell the word that afternoon in a writing assignment. He says if spelling was more enjoyable and we just didn't do workbook pages and memorize lists he thinks he would remember it better. We have tried: Spelling Power, Spelling Workout and Apples Spelling. His older sister is a natural speller(which of course doesn't help!) so we just haven't had this issue before. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! :001_smile:

Thanks for the input! That was my thought all along, but since we have only had ALEKS 2 weeks, I am not that familiar with the program. It has been a nice break from Saxon and I think we will continue to supplement with it. I may just need to investigate other pre-algebra programs to have a change from Saxon. It has been a solid program but he may just need a change.

Hi, My DS has been using Saxon for a while now. He is currently doing 8/7.He has been complaining a lot about math lately so I thought I would give him a break by trying the Aleks free trial. He loves it!!! I will probably keep it as a supplement but wanted to see if anyone has used Aleks exclusively for math. He is really resisting Saxon now that he has found something he likes. Thanks for all your help!!!:001_smile:

Thanks so much for the link to the TE at Follett. I already ordered the book. I REALLY appreciate the help! Have a great Christmas!

Thanks! I just tried Follett with no luck but they may have something in the future. I'll call their customer service Monday. Any other ideas out there would be greatly appreciated. I didn't know there wes a TE for Foresters. Now that I know I've got to have one!

We are enjoying Foresters as well. Where did you get a teachers guide? I have the solutions manual- is this the same? It sounded like yours has lesson plans etc. I would really be interested . Thanks!

I always use the first grade- no matter what. They have to redo the test until they get over 90%. The first priority is that they learn the material, not the grade. That being said, in college they are not going to get multiple chances at the tests. I want them to prepare well and study for the first test, not just figure they'll get a second stab at it.

That is one of the things that looks positive with BJU. I like that the teacher manual is so complete. I just have heard so much about the other programs that I was concerned that BJU's upper math wasn't good. It seems like lots of people do 1-6 then switch.

I haven't seen much on these forums about BJU algebra 1. I was given a set of books, but don't want to start this program if it's not the best for dd. I had been planning to do Foresters based on the feedback on these boards. Anyone have experience with BJU? Is it a solid program? Did your kids do well in higher math levels and testing? Thanks!!!!:001_smile:

Question for you Foresters and MWB users- What do you do about tests? Are there tests available or do you make your own? I am looking very seriously at this program but this is one question I can't figure out. Thanks!

Thanks Ruth. I will look for that post. I really don't want to change curriculum, we have spent a lot on the videotext since we already bought the first 3 modules. But I also don't want to waste our time if this method isn't clicking. She had much of this same material last year and understood it fine. Videotext seems to put things differently than some of the other programs I've seen and I'm not sure if there is a disconnect somewhere.