****ANOTHER UPDATE**** We did end up using "Mastering Essential Math skills" (books 1 & 2) for my older son and they were great! All of his basic math skills were cemented and I felt really good about it. I ended up sending the Classic Curriculum back for my younger son. It just wasn't a fit. We ended up printing out the EasyPeasy printable workbook and also using some Rod & Staff. It has worked pretty well for him. He is just a challenge because of the dyslexia (possible dyscalculia) issues he has.

Thank you everyone for all of your thoughts. I have been looking at curriculum until me head was spinning. I finally place my order last night. I am going to use "Mastering Essential Math skills". I ordered book 1 and 2. It should fill in any gaps and my son should be ready for pre-algebra in 8th grade. My younger son is dylexic and really prefers black & white, straight forward pages. I decided to use the "Classic Curriculum Arithmetic Series", level 4 that goes along with Rays Arithmetic for next year. It will give him a solid foundation and then I can spend hours and hours looking at what comes next.... ;) Blessings to you all!

ifIonlyhadabrain: He actually knows his multiplication facts better than his addition and subtraction facts....not sure why. I've noticed the retention problem with fractions and a few other things. As I was looking at CL, for example, I noticed that they have the kids reduce the fractions before they multiply in 5th grade, which I also learned in school, but had forgotten (I am not a math whiz). TT doesn't even show them how to do that and he's in 6th grade! I wouldn't be so concerned if he didn't appear to be TWO grade behind other curriculum. I have no idea how to make up two grade levels, especially since we do math year-round already! I am also concerned because I believe he will need a strong math background for his areas of interest when it comes time for college or learning a trade. What are some good, strong math programs that don't have all the bells and whistles? I also don't want any common core. Rod & Staff seems good, but he hates writing and I prefer a consumable workbook format. I am SOOOO hard to please! :tongue_smilie: I have been homeschooling for 15 years and STILL don't have the math issue resolved! UGH!

Hello. I am new to the "Well Trained Mind" forum, so forgive me if I'm asking a question that has been asked a lot. I have been using Teaching Textbooks with my son for 3 years (4th - 6th). It has seemed to work well for us, until recently. My son doesn't seem to have the concepts cemented in his brain. We only use the written textbook for the last 2 years because my son needs to put pencil to paper to learn. I actually use the workbook to teach him the concepts myself and I am VERY hands on with him and his learning. I was considering switching curriculum because of the retention issues. I have been looking at other curriculum and now I am REALLY frustrated because I am seeing how far behind he is compared to the scope and sequence in other programs. He will be in 7th grade next year and would have to start in 5th grade if I wanted to use Christian Light (which looks really good, BTW). I am at a loss. He LOVES science and I could see him wanting to go into that field for his profession, which means he needs to do really well in math! ANY input would be greatly appreciated, especially from people who have had a similar experience. Blessings..... **********UPDATE********* Thank you everyone for all of your thoughts. I have been looking at curriculum until me head was spinning. I finally place my order last night. I am going to use "Mastering Essential Math skills". I ordered book 1 and 2. It should fill in any gaps and my son should be ready for pre-algebra in 8th grade. My younger son is dylexic and really prefers black & white, straight forward pages. I decided to use the "Classic Curriculum Arithmetic Series", level 4 that goes along with Rays Arithmetic for next year. It will give him a solid foundation and then I can spend hours and hours looking at what comes next.... ;) Blessings to you all!