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3browneyedboys4me

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Posts posted by 3browneyedboys4me

    Math curriculum question??

    in High School and Self-Education Board

    Posted

    Hi there,

    I do not have a high schooler- yet! ;) But, I am trying to prepare! I REALLY need to know what direction to start heading toward in the area of MATH! I have seen a lot of programs, heard so much about all of them, BUT at the end of the day, which math HONESTLY prepares the kids for college?

     

    I dont' have a strong opinion on teaching styles, etc. I just need an honest 'heads up' from anyone out there that has taught thru high school and can say whether or not some of these popular homeschool math programs worked. If so, which ones? Why or why not?

     

    I really appreciate your thoughts!

     

    :001_smile:

    I am very nervous about switching to MUS...HELP!

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    Do you all think that MUS really prepares students for the higher level math concepts- algebra, geometry, Calculus, etc?? I am really liking this and thinking of switching, but I want to make sure it REALLY gives a good foundation for college?

     

    Anyone used it thru high school and had good/bad experiences with college? My oldest is just in 5th grade, but MUS is set up that if I were to switch I would almost feel like I need to stay with it or it's going to be hard to not be 'behind' in another program (just b/c it's mastery oriented).

     

    Any thoughts on this?

    Anyone having a hard time deciding IF they want to HS next year?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I think as the years go by you become more confident. You realize that there is so much more to homeschooling than JUST the academics. :001_smile:

     

    Just be patient and kind with yourself. There are honestly years like what you are describing. I can easily look back and say that 'this grade or that grade' was a hard year. There are years that I 'tried' different programs and regretted it. :001_huh: But, you just keep pushing forward and learning and realize that 'trying, regretting,and learning' are part of the process. ;)

     

    Don't feel bad about being burnt out. I think it happens to most of us. It does to me. :D

     

    Good luck!

    :grouphug:

    Could anyone do a compare/contrast between Saxon 6/5 and BJU 5th grade?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I'm still searching out programs for next year and I'm intrigued by BJU!:001_smile: When my kids were younger I avoided all programs like BJU, Abeka, etc..,but now that they are becoming older elementary aged kids I'm beginning to see the value of having complete and thorough programs. I've already elected to use their reading and science for next year, and I thought why not ask about the math?:D

     

    My only math experience has been Horizons for K-2 and then, we switched this year to Saxon 5/4 for my 4th grader. It's not been a very good experience, but I feel like after reading many Saxon reviews or 'bad' experience is for the same complaints of so many ppl. The skipping around, wordy-ness, etc...

     

     

    Looking forward to your advice!

    Thanks!

    Please help with math for rising 5th grader??

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    he's very smart and CAN do 'grade level' (whatever that really means) work. He CAN do Saxon, but he struggles with the 'details' of each problem b/c it's back and forth with one thing to the next. Not nearly enough repetition to feel like you've mastered any one concept until you've missed it enough times that it becomes a glaring issue. I'm also noticing that many of the problems that he's struggling w/ are the multi-step word problems. The problems that give lots of info and you have to sit there and decide what info is meaningful and how to apply it. There seem to be quite a bit of these types of problems in 5/4. He can do the basic concept problems- division, multiplication, converting fractions and decimals. He's actually quite good at it. But, boy, ask him to convert a M to a ML and then determine 1/8 of it (all with lots more words than I just used), and you've got him more than a little confused. It's the lengthy language that I 'think' is getting him confused. And, I have to admit, there's been more than one problem that's had me scratching my head too!

    Please help with math for rising 5th grader??

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    always go back to it being so repetitive. I'm just so afraid he will be lacking in other areas. I'm thinking that the concept is great, but you must stick with it all the way through (meaning not change curriculums) or you could find yourself behind in certain areas. But, I don't know. I've not looked at it enough to really know that answer. I will keep plugging away. I like the idea of letting him decide-what a great idea! :)

     

    I have to admit. I looked over MMM too and really liked level 5 too! It reallllly seemed to explain the concepts in great detail. I didn't see any concepts that appeared to be missing. It seemed very complete to me. I like that.

     

    I've heard of the 'paces' program, but I know nothing of it. I will need to look over it to know. I actually had a young man that was in college that had been homeschooled tell me that he used that program and LOVED it. He mentioned that he felt quite prepared for college. So, that's good to know! :)

     

    Thanks again! I'm learning so much!

    Please help with math for rising 5th grader??

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I feel like I'm banging my head up against a wall...saying the same thing over and over. All the while, he's giving me the same look that he gives me daily. So, I know that the speech is no more effective than the math- lol!

     

    I feel so much better. I know that I just have to make the necessary adjustments. And, I CAN do that! So, there is always hope! I told him today that I would be looking at new math curriculum and he said, "thank you so much!" So, it's a relief for us both!

     

    I so appreciate your help and kind words. It's hard when your oldest has the LD. I feel bad for him, and I wonder how he will feel when his younger brother gets a bit older and is doing more difficult math. They all have their gifts and he leans more toward History. So, we'll see. :001_smile:

     

    Thanks again! Have a blessed evening!

    Please help with math for rising 5th grader??

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted · Edited by 3browneyedboys4me

    Melissa, your words were very comforting. It's especially helpful/hopeful to hear another mom that has been in my shoes. :) I've worked so hard and feel like I'm failing. That is my biggest concern for him. I believe you are right- I need to ditch Saxon. I thought this all year, but I was reluctant b/c everyone seemed to think that Saxon was "the" best program to prepare for college. I have not been impressed at all. It's been difficult all year for him, but I just hadn't been able to figure out 'what' it was that wasn't working. I've talked to several friends and just still was frustrated. But, after reading your post and realizing he most definately needs a mastery program (which is what I've been thinking all year but wouldn't let myself accept b/c I thought it might be too easy for him).What makes more sense when a child has a LD? :glare: I guess I just never thought about it like that!

     

    Thank you for the info. I will be doing some more research tonight!

    Please help with math for rising 5th grader??

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I am so frustrated after an entire year of my son struggling with his math. He's never been an 'easy' student and has been tested in Kindergarten for a learning disability. I never followed up with the hundreds of dollars worth of recommended tests, but I was told there was a strong indication that he had a learning disability that leaned toward dyslexia. Over the years, friends that have knowledge of this learning disability have told me they thought my son had it too. (through observing him in 'class' settings w/co-ops and things) So, knowing this, I work extra hard with him on all of his subjects, but this year is just a killer. I've put so much time and energy into his education, and I'm just not seeing the fruits of my labor! I feel like I'm behind with my 2nd grader and Kindergartener b/c I'm always holding my 4th graders hand. I'm very discouraged today after a fourth math test that resulted in a F! About half the incorrect problems were truly wrong b/c he didn't know the answer, but the other half were foolish mistakes where he wasn't paying attn. His attn is a HUGE problem too. It's just like moving mountains to get him thru his work. I'm just honestly EXHAUSTED!

     

    So, my real problem is that I'm trying to figure what needs to be done. Should I lower my expectations and work level for him? He's been doing Saxon 5/4 this year, and it's been a challenge ALL year. Not one bit has been easy for him. It's required indepth thought (which means his focus has to be HIGH, and it never is) and lot's of word problems. Is there a better Math out there? I don't want him behind, but at this point, I'm considering making him do 5/4 AGAIN. I know in my heart he can do the work. He just won't apply himself. I don't know how to make that happen. I'm not that way. I have always done above and beyond what was expected. He's a bare minimum kinda kid.

     

    Any thoughts on a better math curriculum? Maybe something for kids with learning disabilities? He's really smart and has the potential so I want to be very careful not to make this too easy for him, but I also can't continue to push him forward when he is averaging "c" or "d" work. Even if it's all silly mistakes and I know that he knows what he did wrong, math is exact. He has to learn to be precise in his work.

     

    Any thoughts, ideas, choices???

     

    Thanks!!!

    Any recommendations for a reading/comprehension program?

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I am pretty familiar with BJU reading. I actually had a chance to read through it and see what it's like. I am very impressed with it. I do understand what you are saying about wanting a more living book approach. I guess that's what inspired me to ask about my other options.

     

    So, the Christian Light looks very nice! I was thinking it seems just like enough without becoming to consuming. Michelle, could you give me anymore info on this program? I have browsed the website, but I can't get a real feel for what it will be like. Did your children find the stories engaging? could you explain the 'lightunit sets'? Are they just workbooks that ask comprehension questions??

     

    I really appreciate the help!

    Thanks so much!!

    Would you share your reading programs with me??

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    My oldest struggles with dyslexia too. He's reading at grade level, but I always feel like I should work with him constantly as to not lose ground. Believe it or not, it never occurred to me to have them in a 'formal' reading curriculum until mid year. :confused: They've always gone through the phonics programs we use until about 3rd grade. At that point, my son has just been reading various books. Then, I saw something about BJU reading. I realized they made programs for older kids. A light bulb went off!:tongue_smilie: I thought what a great idea for them. Duh, right? This idea didn't occur to me b/c we don't use a boxed curriculum set. I just thought that once we finished phonics- they are readers and don't need anything else. And, I guess some might agree with that; I don't know! Honestly, they will probably be fine without one. I just really like the idea of a formal, systematic program that guides them daily on lessons, comprehension, vocabulary, etc. Both of my sons that are reading, have no issues with comprehension, but I would really like them to have more practice at it. If for no other reason, test time!

     

    I would probably lean more towards a christian curriculum. But, for reading, I don't have a really strong preference.

     

     

    thanks so much!

    Looking for a Good Reading/Comprehension Program

    in K-8 Curriculum Board

    Posted

    I had planned on using BJU reading 5 for next year. But, now, you guys have me thinking about these other options. :001_smile: Do you all recommend using these over a formal reading program like BJU??

     

    I don't mean to jump in and take over the post. I was just very curious about the answers, and now I'm wondering if I should rethink my plan!:tongue_smilie:

     

    Thanks!

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