Just to update: I received the California Math version and it is quite similar to what Math in Focus has, which I've been viewing online. (And it was only a few dollars -- for that price, I'm buying a 2nd so they can just write on the blacklines instead of having to make copies!) The content looks identical, the set-up of the book is slightly different. What I viewed online from the MiF book has all the hands-on workshops at the front of the book, all blacklines and worksheets at the back. The California version has Addition workshops, then addition worksheets. Then subtraction, multiplication, etc., and templates (10s frames, spinners) at the back. Anyway, my summer math plan for oldest DD is facts fluency! Many of the workshops are fun, manipulatives-based. I'll be continuing our use of these, plus math games, over the summer. Just wanted to throw this out to anyone who might be looking for math facts practice ideas!

We've only used the print version and it was.... blah. I *wish* that the color version was available for purchase pre-printed! (Especially for those with less-than-ideal printer situations!) I'd pay a few extra $$ for the convenience of it!

If money were no problem: tumbling classes for both girls piano lessons and a piano for our house (I guess I'd have to build on to the house to have room for a piano... but you said $$ was no problem...) art classes at the local art school membership at the local pool :p

My newly-turned 7 year old is doing 2 lessons a week (over 4 days). ETA: Most of the lessons are 2 pages each so we do 1 page/day. Some of the sections have 3-page lessons, so we've taken longer on those.

Has anyone used this Math in Focus resource? It looks pretty awesome! I've been reading it online (you can view it in full at the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt MiF virtual sampling site) but I just purchased the "California Math: Achieving Facts Fluency" (from Amazon) which appears to be basically the same thing. I hope. ;) Anyway, it covers addition/subtraction/multiplication/division. There are hands-on workshops that teach different techniques, as well as worksheets to use. I had planned on using Two Plus Two is Not Five with my oldest, to work on facts, but I think I much prefer the layout of this book. It seems to teach some of the same "tricks" ... but with manipulatives (there are worksheets included in the back). Anyone use it?

:bigear: I'd be glad just to hear about either program from someone who's used them.

I'm still playing around with our math options for next year, and I'm contemplating the combination of MCP Math + Mathematical Reasoning (Critical Thinking Company). I'd be interested in hearing some reviews from others who have experience with either (these aren't often mentioned here...) FIRST: MCP 2 would be our "main" program. Something straight-forward and simple, a mastery program to help DD become solid on her math facts. It appeals to me visually; the teacher's guide appears open-and-go. It's inexpensive. SECOND: I am looking at Mathematical Reasoning Book B or C for my upcoming 2nd grader (any thoughts on which??). MR is spiral and has a mental/logic focus. I thought it might complement MCP nicely. What do you think? Would the combination be overkill? (Reviews have led me to wonder if either are sufficient alone... which is one reason I'm thinking of combining.) *FWIW: We have tried several other (popular) math programs -- I am interested in positive or negative reviews of the above-mentioned programs. If you've used one or the other, what do you think of this combination?

I assumed that Singapore (as well as Saxon) were designed/intended for school use, but publishers have made guides (such as the HIG) that adapt the program for family use.... but IDK. *Not that it matters terribly* but I was just curious what out there has been developed with hs'ers in mind.

I know many popular programs were designed to be used in a private/Christian school setting (BJU, Abeka, CLE, R&S...) And some are for regular classroom use (Singapore, Math in Focus). I was just curious: what programs were actually designed to be used in a homeschool setting? One-on-one, parent and child?

Not to derail the thread, but for those that had their children reading regular books, did you use the curser for them? (I know the OP said she did...)

We just started A&P and I LOVE it. It's just what my struggling reader needed! (I'm using it with my rising 2nd grader -- I can't speak over long term or for older students.) I just know that I am so glad I gave this one a go!

double post

1-2-3 Draw books are similar the ones that pitterpatter posted. I think they're simpler than DWN.

Love the look of this! Thanks for sharing. :)

I'm with you on this! This thread will probably change the way I let my children loose at the library. (We're in a very small town with librarians who know us from seeing us so often -- my 5 yr old often wanders around the entire place. Um...not anymore!)

I've got Mosdos on my list for 3rd... assuming that their Opal level is released by then... (It is supposed to be out by now, IIRC, but I haven't seen it added yet.)

I'm interested in hearing, too. I spent much of yesterday debating about purchasing "Jot it Down" for this coming school year. :p I think it looks great...

We have the GeoCards for next year and I think they look great. Not exactly sure how we'll be using them, but they look great. :p

Have you decided on what you're using? This sounds a lot like my soon-to-be 2nd grader: My DD has also struggled with reading... another reason I've put off writing. (I hate the idea of having DD write things -- copywork -- that she can't read!) I'm still wondering if we'll do a formal writing program this year. Maybe a Spectrum workbook... it looks do-able.

You can buy the teacher's materials from CBD.com but boy! they're pricey (like $70, IIRC!). I think it's the same thing as the "Teacher's Visual Packet." We're currently finishing up BJU 1 but I've not purchased them. I've only just recently bought the student materials (and honestly, I prefer using my own "stuff" from my bin of math manipulatives). RE: unifix cubes -- I actually like them. We used them quite a bit when introducing addition/subtraction. I'm not familiar with MUS blocks, though.... I bought a basic package of Unifix cubes (maybe 100? 120?) and have never used them all at one time.

NM, found the answer...

I just have to say: I followed a link you posted for this series sometime in the last month.... The sample that I viewed was from the 1st grade book and it shows how children can tell the difference b/t "b" and "d." It has been the ONLY thing I've found that my oldest DD has remembered and USED on her own! So, if nothing else, thanks for that link! DD now independently does the "finger thing" they show and figures it out on her own. :thumbup: :party:

I like the amount of spiral in BJU. I know it's considered mastery, but I originally went to BJU b/c I was attracted to the constant review. We started this year with Singapore and tried CLE along the way, so I have some *brief* experience with them all. :p There's been just enough review scattered throughout the lessons to keep things fresh for DD, but not having to do the same thing every day.

Haha, I've edited my above post at least 3-4 times since originally typing it out! :D :D ETA: Actually I must've been updating a different 2nd grade thread! My above list was way old, hehe. Changed it!

Just bumping this thread: I received this teacher's guide & a couple of the workbooks in the mail today. I've read through it but I'm not sure what I'm missing... I'm not sure where the teaching is? Each lesson plan seems to give a few examples of different things, but doesn't tell you what to really do with them or how to approach it. Seeing as how it's a program for struggling readers/dyslexics, I was hoping for a bit more detail. Maybe I've been spoiled by AAR's step-by-step guide, but I can't make heads-nor-tails of this. Maybe after I've had a chance to sit down and more thoroughly read the beginning, I'll understand better. (But I must admit, Dancing Bears is looking more and more appealing...)