1st grade math and history

[Guest christine4512]

I am trying to decide between A Beka, Saxon and Math U See for math. We used Modern Curriculum Press last year. My son liked it, but I'd like to switch.

 

And for history, I'm trying to decide between SOTW and Mystery of History. We used SOTW last year for ancients, but I am considering Mystery of History. I liked SOTW, but thought it lacked acknowledging God's sovereignty in history.

 

I appreciate any thoughts you have!

[Chris in VA]

I think each program you've listed is strong.

 

I prefer Saxon and SOTW. You will get many opinions on Saxon :D.

 

I like saving MOH until logic stage, and using SOTW with bible readings alongside (for SOTW 1). Paula's Archives (google it for the website) has a list coordinating readings. You are correct that SOTW is not providential, but you can certainly provide that viewpoint. I just think it can't be beat for clarity, ease of use (especially with the Activity Guide, which I can't recommend enough), appropriateness to the age-level...plus there are book recommendations and great activities, coloring pages, mapwork--it's terrific. It also covers slightly more time in each book, so you can get thru the 4 year cycle a little easier.

 

Oops, I see you are talking about SOTW and MOH for the second year--both are really good. I still prefer SOTW for grammar stage, and it does bring you closer to the Early Mod period by the end. I will use MOH 2 for logic. I like the church history.

[H_Household]

For Math....I'll throw in Bob Jones. Started with Saxon but didn't like the format. I think MUS is more similar to BJ style. I have friends who love it but I've been happy with BJ and plan to stick with that. I think you have to decide what kind of math works best for your kids....my kids do better to stick with a topic for a period of time with lots of review.

For History....I wanted the biblical part of MOH too so we started that in 1st but gave up.....it was too difficult for where he was. We got SOTW and love it. It is not the same with bible stories but the format works so much better for younger children. Plus the Activity book is awesome with maps, coloring pages, questions, narration and great activities. You can always add some of the MOH stories into SOTW but I think you'll find as Chris said that it will work better for older kids.....I'm saving mine for upper elementary.

[Mommy to monkeys]

Any particular reason that you have it lowered down to those 3? Do you know if you want a spiral or a mastery program? Abeka and Saxon spiral while MUS is mastery. I would actually recommend CLE if you want a spiral math program and MUS is you want mastery.

 

And history-My vote for a 1rst grader would be story of the world hands down.:D

[Guest christine4512]

Thanks for your replies. With all the strong leanings toward SOTW I will stick with that. Maybe there is a good timeline out there that will help me figure out how all the major events in history fit in with biblical history.

 

I picked those three math programs because they seem like the three that TWTM favored. My oldest is going into first grade and I don't have much experience!

[RootAnn]

The question on "spiral" vs. "mastery" is a good one to ask yourself. Also think about how your oldest learns best (if you know) - auditory, visual, hands-on, etc.

 

A spiral program will introduce a concept (or part of a concept) and have a few examples for the child to work on, then there will be review of previous concepts from past lessons. If your child tends to forget things they haven't seen in awhile, you'll want to make sure your program has sufficient review each lesson.

 

A mastery program will introduce only *one* concept at a time and work on it until your child has "mastered" it. (Some mastery programs include review. I believe MUS has some review built-in, but I'm not positive.)

 

My kids (so far) do best with a spiral math program because of the frequency of review and the fact that they get the new concepts in chunks they can easily digest. However, I know some children get VERY frustrated by spiral programs because they don't seem to get enough practice before moving onto something else or they can't see the "whole picture" before getting something else thrown at them. (A Beka might introduce carrying to the tens place, then measurement the next day, then add counting by 25s, then geometrical shapes, then carrying to the hundreds place, then money (quarters), then halving shapes, etc. It can be frustrating for the child.)

 

Once you have in your head "spiral / mastery," you narrow down your math choices some. How does your child learn best? How much time do you have to teach? Do you want a "scripted program" where it tells you how to teach your child at each step of the way? Does your child like color/flashy workbook pages or is that distracting to them? Etc.

 

Everyone has their "favorite" math program - the best one for you is the one that fits your way to teach and your child's way to learn.

 

Try to answer these questions and then come back and the Hive Mind can best help you narrow down your choices based on what fits your family best. What SWB said in TWTM might not be the best choice for you. (And, honestly, if MCP worked fine, you might not want to switch. If it ain't broke & all that ....)