somo_chickenlady
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Posts posted by somo_chickenlady
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Hi Kara,
Welcome to the boards. We use CLE Math for the Primary grades (1st-6th) with our younger children and are very happy with the quality of the program. It is good for mostly independant learning. It seems to be regarded as a very solid program which is 'spiral' based vs. a 'mastery' approach. However we did use Math-U-See before which is mastery based. We switched because our younger children weren't retaining as much. We also found that they like CLE more.
Lifepac is Alpha Omega which I am not as familiar with nor does it come up as much. Here is one review I found with different parents' experiences: http://www.homeschoolmath.net/curriculum_reviews/alpha_omega.php
When speaking of Math most consider it separately even for those who use all inclusive programs such as Sonlight/Alpha Omega. The reason for this is that evey child is different and while one may thrive with CLE or Lifepac another may do much better with Singapore, Math Mammoth, Math-U-See, Saxon, AoPS, etc... In addition children are at different levels developmentally for their age. While some are ready to start Algebra in the 6th grade others may wait until 9th or 10th. Consequently most parents tend to focus on the next level such as learning Algebra or Pre-Algebra this year. Then they explore the various options which include things like level of rigor, style of instruction (more parent directed vs. independant), computer based, video lectures or not, spiral vs. mastery approach, etc... Children typically respond better to one approach over another. Otherwise it can be like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole which becomes frustrating for all parties involved. That being the case you may want to show him a few programs and see how he likes them. Most Math programs have free trials and samples for this very reason.
If your son follows most public schools he is probably going to be in Pre-Algebra or Algebra for his 8th grade year. That is really where I would start. Actually I am researching that for my son this year as well. We are already using Math-U-See (MUS) Pre-Algebra. However I'm looking for something a little more challenging for him because I think he is ready for it. So we are looking into these programs which come highly recommended: Kinetic Books, Derek Owens, TabletClass. Of course there are many more options. But in doing the research these seem like a good fit for our ds11.
I hope this helps some.
It did, thanks! Thank you for the link, it was very helpful. :) To the bolded - he started learning Algebra in 6th grade in the school he went to for PK-6th. The school he was in last year was not that far, and that is a big reason why we are home schooling him now. Rather than help him succeed and build on the skills he already has, they held him back with the rest of the class. I'm currently having him take the placement test for CLE, so we'll see where he needs to be. I would prefer a more independent study program b/c I am TERRIBLE at math, so I wouldn't be much help to him anyway. LOL
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We live half an hour from a grocery store, 45 from Walmart/Target/etc. We moved here 18 months ago, and up until now DS attended public school. Honestly, I don't want him "socializing" with any of the kids in his class anyway. ;) DS isn't a really big social creature to begin with, neither am I. We go to church on Sunday and he has youth group on Wednesday. I am also looking at getting involved in a couple homeschooling groups in the area for additional socializing when needed.
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Does anyone here have experience or knowledge of both CLE and Lifepac 8th grade math? Which do you prefer?
My son was in public school up until now, but we have decided to home school him. I need a curriculum that basically tells me exactly what to do. I will be using Lifepac for history, science, and language arts. The person I'm getting them from does not have math so I have to purchase a separate math, and I've narrowed it down to CLE or the matching Lifepac. I'm not sure what, if any, the differences are. The price is pretty much exactly the same for both of them, so that isn't a deciding factor for me.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!
CLE vs Lifepac - 8th grade math
in Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges
Posted · Edited by somo_chickenlady
Probably pre-algebra, b/c he is taking the diagnostic test and there is some that he has forgotten. The school he was in last year wasn't doing it yet, so some of it didn't retain in his memory.
ETA - After doing the diagnostic, I think he would be best suited in the 7th grade level CLE math. It seems like a really good program, though, so I think that is what we will go with. Thanks!