If you're reluctant to try MUS...

[stephanie]

I'm so excited about this. Ds12 has always used Saxon, but this year he has really struggled, hardly ever passing his work or tests. So I tried a switch to MUS, but was very reluctant b/c of the talk that I've heard that MUS wasn't "up to par" with other curriculum. Well, we've been doing MUS for over 2 months now and have never looked back to Saxon. I had to order the Epsilon from MUS so I'm waiting on that order. In turn we had to do some Saxon today. So I just picked up where we left off. We did the lesson and I cut him loose to do the work. I was so excited for him b/c he made a 77 on his worksheet which was all 30 problems. I know this is not what most require of dc's on their work, but we're talking about a kid who was making 30's and 40's on everything in Saxon! He was saying, "Hey Mom, I know how to do this! Mr. Steve showed me an easier way!" I understand that this may not be the case all the time, but for an ADHD/SPD kid I thought that was spectacular! I'm just giving kudos to MUS! Thanks for letting me share!

[Sophia]

I remember when you were posting about switching math programs.

So glad you found what works:)

[Mama Anna]

Hey! You may be the very person I'm wanting to talk to. You see, my dd has been plodding through Saxon K and I've been rather dissatisfied with it. My main beef is the incredible amount of repetition in the Teacher's Manual and the ridiculous ease of the "assessments." She's getting bored with it, even though she enjoys the manipulative aspect of it. I've been pondering MUS for next year, but I've wanted to talk to someone who has made the switch. I realize we're talking about different levels here, but what did your son like/dislike about each program?

 

Thanks!

Mama Anna

[Sue G in PA]

I got the Teacher manual and DVD (used) and just watched the first lessons tonight. My gut tells me ds6 is going to LOVE this math program! I"m so thrilled. My ds6 has Aspergers and I know that Mr. Demme has experience w/ spec. needs kids b/c his youngest son has Downs Syndrome. I'm thinking Mr. Demme and my son will "get along" well. I'm also contemplating the switch for my ds9 who has yet to master his addition/subtraction or mult/div. tables. He also uses Saxon and does well, but it's the use of his fingers to add/subtract and mult/div. that gets me. Glad it's working for your son!

[Kris]

Thank you so much for posting this. I've received the demo DVD but haven't been able to watch it yet. I really need to find a better "match" for my son. I don't mind spending money, but wasting money is bad bad bad and I'm afraid of going to yet another math program that he might have trouble with.

 

One more "plus" for MUS, looks like. :-)

[Sue G in PA]

BUT, Saxon definitely was NOT working in that he just hated it. He eventually just refused to even look at his lessons. He could do it. He could add, tell time, etc. It wasn't that he couldn't "get it". He just didn't like the format and so I knew I had to switch. I'd met Mr. Demme before this, seen the Demo, heard the pos. talk and neg. talk about MUS but really...I just had to take the chance. Something had to give. So, I'm hoping THIS is it and that MUS will work for him. He LOVES tv so perhaps this DVD program will be the "key". Plus, as I said, Mr. Demme has a way with spec. needs kids (all kids really). If only ALL my dc were the same, KWIM? I have 2 who thrive on Saxon and 2 who can't stand it (although they "get it"). Just wondering what my upcoming 2 will gravitate towards :)

[Lori D.]

Isn't it a blessing to find the program that finally *works* for a child who struggles? I feel so lucky to be homeschooling at a time when there are so many curriculum choices -- and more coming out all the time!

 

Congratulations! And -- you go girl! : ) Warmest regards, Lori D.

[Kris]

BUT, Saxon definitely was NOT working in that he just hated it. He eventually just refused to even look at his lessons. He could do it. He could add, tell time, etc. It wasn't that he couldn't "get it". He just didn't like the format and so I knew I had to switch. I'd met Mr. Demme before this, seen the Demo, heard the pos. talk and neg. talk about MUS but really...I just had to take the chance. Something had to give. So, I'm hoping THIS is it and that MUS will work for him. He LOVES tv so perhaps this DVD program will be the "key". Plus, as I said, Mr. Demme has a way with spec. needs kids (all kids really). If only ALL my dc were the same, KWIM? I have 2 who thrive on Saxon and 2 who can't stand it (although they "get it"). Just wondering what my upcoming 2 will gravitate towards :)

 

Yes, I do know what you mean! I don't know what I'd do if I had to figure all that out. I'm glad I'm just having to do one. Sounds like you're doing a great job!

 

I really don't know if he hates Saxon or math in general. I know he's frustrated -- he's not alone. ;-)

 

I think I probably will try MUS. I really hope it will work and, if nothing else, it seems to get scooped up pretty quickly from the For Sale boards, so I'll probably be able to recoup some of the investment. :-)