Stellalarella Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Disclaimer I am not related to Fred :), Dr. Schmidt the author, or anybody in Dr. Schmidt’s family. I don’t sell LOF or get kickbacks, etc. etc. etc. :) A Basic Description Life of Fred “Apples†is the first book in a series for elementary arithmetic. Apples has 18 chapters or lessons. Each chapter is a short story about an hour or so in Fred’s life; Fred, being, of course, a five year old university math professor. We read a short narrative about the crazy things that happen in Fred’s life and at the end we get to answer a few questions--usually about 5. The author asks that your student get out a piece of paper and write out her answers, not just skip over to the answer key. Each lesson takes about 5-7 minutes to read and about 5-15 minutes to work through the problems. We do a lesson a day. What’s covered “Apples†dives right in there with math sentences (6 + 1 = 7), solving for the unknown, commutative property, ordinal numbers, knowing the days of the week, sets, months of the year, geometry, counting by fives, and some algebra (3x +4x = 7x), telling time by hours and minutes. He also covers deciduous and evergreen trees, ante meridiem, the life of Archimedes, chess, and the Titanic. I don’t think that’s the exhaustive list, though. Who is this curriculum for? From here on out, what you are reading is just my opinion and experience with the book. First of all, my 13 year old grabbed this book as soon as it came in the door and devoured it. Next, my 10 year old grabbed all four of the elementary books so far and read all of them. Delighted, that’s what her smile kept telling me. I am very happy that my dc are reading books about math. So, this book is for them. I actually purchased this book for my 6 year old son in first grade. We sit on the couch and read it together and then he takes out a piece of paper and he writes down the answers. When he comes to a word that he cannot spell, I just write out the word and have him copy it. I find using this book to be very similar to using “First Language Lessons.†Very often, my 4 year old son joins us because he also wants to hear about Fred. Ds4 does not always know every answer, but with just a bit of time, he can figure them out. Obviously, this kiddo is not writing out the answers, but he is definitely following along and holding his own. I am also reading this book with my 8yo dd. She knows the answers, but the book is not boring for her by any stretch. Also, she is learning science, literature, geometry, and the names of math concepts. She is also benefitting from this book. I am also learning a few things. Apparently, this book is also for me. When can a person start this curriclum? Opinion follows. Well, if your child can count to 10, recognize numbers to 10, count discreet objects, and is not easily upset if they don’t easily know the answer to a problem, then I think you should be fine. If you or your kid gets really upset if she doesn’t know answers, then I can see how this book might get pretty frustrating. For instance, right off the bat, Fred talks about days of the week. If a child doesn’t have a clue about days of the week, it will be a big learning curve to be able to answer the question, “What is the second day of the week?†One of my dc is a perfectionist. Trying to answer this question if she was unprepared would bring about weeping. First her, then me. It doesn’t seem to bother ds6, however. We just practice saying the days of the week and months of year. I know that he’ll get it before the end of first grade. And, anyway, isn’t that what first grade is for? Learning the months, years, your address, etc? I think the book is meant to be a gentle, enjoyable, read-aloud math discovery for children ages 6 to 99. 10-15 minutes a day. Is this a stand alone curriculum? Hmmm. Well, we’re using MUS to teach the concepts, but as I get better at teaching math (because MUS has taught me!) then I depend a little less on MUS workbook pages and more and more on LOF. If you are a really mathy person who is also a good teacher, I don’t see why you couldn’t just use LOF. I can’t wait to start “Butterflies.†Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Thank you for this review! I have been thinking about his for my younger--do you think I should get him Apples, or the next one up (don't remember the name) He's almost done with Singapore 1B, can add numbers well (although doesn't have them "cold"), subtracts well, basic multiplication, ordinals, days of week, month etc. It sounds like it would be a fun add-on even if he knows the stuff, yes? The review is appreciated :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 15, 2011 Author Share Posted August 15, 2011 Hi Halcyon-- You are welcome. :001_smile: I would just get Apples and go up from there. Truly, it is both accessible for the younger crowd AND a stretching experience for older kids. My dd8 is doing multiple digit addition, but she is also going through Apples and enjoying it. Hope that helps you Andrea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 15, 2011 Author Share Posted August 15, 2011 (edited) Hi Halcyon I was looking at your signature and saw your tag for secular homeschooling. Just FYI, LOF does express thoughts about God. Not knowing what you feel is best for your family, I just thought I would share what's in this one particular book. On page 64-65, he describes sets with members. The set of weekdays: (Monday, Tues, Wed, Thur, Friday) = 5. Then he goes through examples of sets with 4 members, 3 members, etc. When he gets to 1, this is what the text reads (except that I am using parenthesis for mathematical brackets) "Lots of sets contain only one member. (You-there is only one of you). (Our sun). (Your nose). (Your one life). (God)." Those kinds of references have generally endeared me to Fred (we've done 5 books going on 6 at our house), but some teachers may prefer to avoid it. Edited August 15, 2011 by Andrea Lowry bad comma placement, extra word inserted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissKNG Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I bought Apples for my big girl and I can't wait to start it with her!! I'm TRYING to hold off until we officially begin the school year (August 29th)! Thanks for the review!! I've already decided to continue with the series! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Inna* Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Thank you! I've been going back and forth on purchasing LOF elementary. Maybe I'll try to squeeze it into our budget... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RainbowSprinkles Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 DisclaimerI am not related to Fred :), Dr. Schmidt the author, or anybody in Dr. Schmidt’s family. I don’t sell LOF or get kickbacks, etc. etc. etc. :) A Basic Description Life of Fred “Apples†is the first book in a series for elementary arithmetic. Apples has 18 chapters or lessons. Each chapter is a short story about an hour or so in Fred’s life; Fred, being, of course, a five year old university math professor. We read a short narrative about the crazy things that happen in Fred’s life and at the end we get to answer a few questions--usually about 5. The author asks that your student get out a piece of paper and write out her answers, not just skip over to the answer key. Each lesson takes about 5-7 minutes to read and about 5-15 minutes to work through the problems. We do a lesson a day. What’s covered “Apples†dives right in there with math sentences (6 + 1 = 7), solving for the unknown, commutative property, ordinal numbers, knowing the days of the week, sets, months of the year, geometry, counting by fives, and some algebra (3x +4x = 7x), telling time by hours and minutes. He also covers deciduous and evergreen trees, ante meridiem, the life of Archimedes, chess, and the Titanic. I don’t think that’s the exhaustive list, though. Who is this curriculum for? From here on out, what you are reading is just my opinion and experience with the book. First of all, my 13 year old grabbed this book as soon as it came in the door and devoured it. Next, my 10 year old grabbed all four of the elementary books so far and read all of them. Delighted, that’s what her smile kept telling me. I am very happy that my dc are reading books about math. So, this book is for them. I actually purchased this book for my 6 year old son in first grade. We sit on the couch and read it together and then he takes out a piece of paper and he writes down the answers. When he comes to a word that he cannot spell, I just write out the word and have him copy it. I find using this book to be very similar to using “First Language Lessons.†Very often, my 4 year old son joins us because he also wants to hear about Fred. Ds4 does not always know every answer, but with just a bit of time, he can figure them out. Obviously, this kiddo is not writing out the answers, but he is definitely following along and holding his own. I am also reading this book with my 8yo dd. She knows the answers, but the book is not boring for her by any stretch. Also, she is learning science, literature, geometry, and the names of math concepts. She is also benefitting from this book. I am also learning a few things. Apparently, this book is also for me. When can a person start this curriclum? Opinion follows. Well, if your child can count to 10, recognize numbers to 10, count discreet objects, and is not easily upset if they don’t easily know the answer to a problem, then I think you should be fine. If you or your kid gets really upset if she doesn’t know answers, then I can see how this book might get pretty frustrating. For instance, right off the bat, Fred talks about days of the week. If a child doesn’t have a clue about days of the week, it will be a big learning curve to be able to answer the question, “What is the second day of the week?†One of my dc is a perfectionist. Trying to answer this question if she was unprepared would bring about weeping. First her, then me. It doesn’t seem to bother ds6, however. We just practice saying the days of the week and months of year. I know that he’ll get it before the end of first grade. And, anyway, isn’t that what first grade is for? Learning the months, years, your address, etc? I think the book is meant to be a gentle, enjoyable, read-aloud math discovery for children ages 6 to 99. 10-15 minutes a day. Is this a stand alone curriculum? Hmmm. Well, we’re using MUS to teach the concepts, but as I get better at teaching math (because MUS has taught me!) then I depend a little less on MUS workbook pages and more and more on LOF. If you are a really mathy person who is also a good teacher, I don’t see why you couldn’t just use LOF. I can’t wait to start “Butterflies.†Great review! Thanks for sharing. I might buy Apples to try while we are still waiting on our main program (Singpore) and maybe we'll continue using it if we love it! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RainbowSprinkles Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 BTW, cool blog! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindyg Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 (God). There are references to God or Sunday school in every book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammy (TX) Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thanks for the review! I must not have been paying attention because I didn't even know about these books - they sound perfect for my younger ones. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satori Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thanks for the review! We plan to start Apples this fall with my dd6. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thanks for the review! We plan to start Apples this fall with my dd6. I enjoy reading what you write about different curricula. I decided to use Startwrite because of you! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deerforest Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 (edited) Great review--My daughter loved it, and we flew through it in under a week. She begged to do it all the time. We are about half-way through Butterflies, but have been delayed by a sudden chicken pox outbreak all over her body! The material isn't difficult for her at all, but these books are doing what I had hoped--giving her a love of math. She just prefers language arts and science, but she has never been that crazy about math in and of itself. But, she loves Fred, and these books are worth their weight in gold for what they are doing to her opinion about math. Edited August 16, 2011 by deerforest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 The material isn't difficult for her at all, but these books are doing what I had hoped--giving her a love of math. She just prefers language arts and science, but she has never been that crazy about math in and of itself. But, she loves Fred, and these books are worth their weight in gold for what they are doing to her opinion about math. :iagree: Yep. Fred does bring the love, doesn't he? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyforlatin Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Is the font a comfortable size for a 6-year old to read on her own? Just as a reference, I find SOTW's font small, but we have the audiobook and I prefer to read history aloud. Grammar Island is perfect of course, but I don't expect most books to have that kind of size. If someone could let me know, I would appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 Is the font a comfortable size for a 6-year old to read on her own? Just as a reference, I find SOTW's font small, but we have the audiobook and I prefer to read history aloud. Grammar Island is perfect of course, but I don't expect most books to have that kind of size. If someone could let me know, I would appreciate it. Yes, it is a larger size font. The letters are about the size of 18 pt. Times New Roman. Not quite, but just about. The letters are not as tightly squeezed together as Times New Roman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrappyhappymama Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thanks for this review! I've been on the fence, but this sounds like a fun supplement for my 6 year old and something my 9 year old will enjoy too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenmama2 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thank you for the review!! I have been waiting to hear a review :D As far as the religion goes in the LOF books' date=' we are secular in our household and I have not been bothered by what is in the LOF books. I am usually pretty picky about what we use as far as references to religion. I have had to explain a few things here and there in the Fractions and the Decimals & Percents books to my oldest... they were simple concepts to explain to him and it was easy for me to just say that some people believe this and do that becaue it's not preachy, it's just a mention of it.[/quote'] Thanks for that clarification. I've been wanting to get this for DD5 but this thread had me worried about the religious content. Now I think I'll go ahead. References don't bother us but preachy would. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I downloaded a sample. I don't really understand. Is reading LOF supposed to be sufficient to actually learn arithmeic facts? He says he doesn't like pages of boring + problems but then also that the child should memorize the facts. How does this happen? "Because LOF is only a supplement"? (In other words, by using something use?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 But LOF doesn't actually provide a method, despite claiming memorization to be important? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 I downloaded a sample. I don't really understand. Is reading LOF supposed to be sufficient to actually learn arithmeic facts? He says he doesn't like pages of boring + problems but then also that the child should memorize the facts. How does this happen? "Because LOF is only a supplement"? (In other words, by using something use?) Hi Stripe I don't think any curriculum is sufficient on its own to memorize math facts. Memorizing math facts is a decision accompanied by work. My dd8 just took 2.5 years to memorize her basic math facts. I thought I was going to lose my mind. LOF Apples is a book about all kinds of math ideas. One of those many concepts is learning addition facts that add up to 7. He continually reviews those basic facts through all 18 lessons in "Apples." (2 + 5, 3 + 4, 1 + 6, 0 + 7). In fact, those are the ONLY math facts in the whole book. In LOF Butterflies, they will be reviewing the "7" facts and learning the "9 facts". In LOF Cats, they start on facts that add up to 11 while continuing to review. In LOF Dogs, they do facts that add up to 13 and, of course, review. In Cats and Dogs he also introduces the concept of place value. My opinion is that most people will enjoy using LOF of Fred as a supplement, meant to spur on a love of math. A few folks will enjoy it as their primary math curriculum, depending on the needs of their children. It's working fine as a stand-alone for ds13 and I think it would be fine for ds4 and ds6. My two other dc need to have MUS instruction first, then enjoy LOF after. Lucky for us, the books are affordable, come with free shipping and are non-consumable. It's possible to sample LOF without having to make a Major commitment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 So do you see the point as just generally spurring an interest in math? I hope you know, I found your review really helpful and it actually made me go to the LOF website -- for the first time. I am just trying to better understand the purpose of LOF. My kids are already math crazed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 So do you see the point as just generally spurring an interest in math? I hope you know, I found your review really helpful and it actually made me go to the LOF website -- for the first time. I am just trying to better understand the purpose of LOF. My kids are already math crazed. I think LOF does a great job in fostering joy and love of math. What else on earth would make a 13 year old boy carry around a math book to show to his peers? :001_smile: :lol: I think Charlotte Mason would have loved LOF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadsandLilysMom Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thank you for the wonderful review. I think my 5 year old would adore these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NittanyJen Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 So do you see the point as just generally spurring an interest in math? I hope you know, I found your review really helpful and it actually made me go to the LOF website -- for the first time. I am just trying to better understand the purpose of LOF. My kids are already math crazed. This applies more to the Fractions and Decimals and percents book than the elementary series, Stripe, but my DS10 has been using LoF Fractions and is *maybe* halfway through Decimals and Percents. Out of curiosity, because it is so well-reviewed, I had him take the AoPS (Art of Problem Solving) Pre-Algebra readiness test, and he aced it in minutes. So, I would say the older LoF books seem to be holding their own, at least. I'd be curious to see how he'd do on the Pre-algebra post-test after finishing LoF pre-algebra, but that will be a little while yet-- though looking it over, it looks as if he could already pass most of it, based on what he's done in LoF and a few other books he's read just out of interest (Penrose, Number Devil, and the like). If you're strictly asking about the elementary series, that probably isn't too helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thank for the review! We are awaiting our copy of Apples... It's on the way! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in VA Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 For those wondering long term... My oldest will be starting LOF Calculus when we start in Sept after LOF being our only curriculum since Algebra 1 and my middle will be starting LOF Geometry having used only LOF since Fractions (although she did have some fractions before starting that book). Both are doing very well, definitely understand, ace all standardized tests presented them so far (including the PSAT's my oldest took as a 10th grader last year) and have easily passed placement tests etc I pull off the web from other curriculums just to "be sure" for me. Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thanks, ladies. I hope I'm not derailing your thread, but I'm clearly struggling here. I don't think I'll buy yet another math book, but I am once again rethinking my approach!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatmansWife Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thanks for the review. I had been undecided about these for awhile....mostly because we aren't Fred users yet and I wasn't sure what I'd think of them. But, a week or so ago I found LOF Fractions at a garage sale and I've been reading it myself. I really like it a lot. So...I *will* be buying the elementary series as well. I'm so glad I got Fractions at that garage sale....otherwise I may have never taken the plunge and given Fred a try. I really think my son will enjoy Fractions and I will start on Apples with dd. I'm excited to learn from all of these books myself! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matermagistra Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 We love love love LoF, so I am very appreciative of the review. Thank you for taking the time to do that. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 Thanks, ladies. I hope I'm not derailing your thread, but I'm clearly struggling here. I don't think I'll buy yet another math book, but I am once again rethinking my approach!!! Hi Stripe You are not derailing the thread. By no means. Questions are great. And actually, it would be helpful to know if someone has some negative opinions, pros-cons, or disappointments regarding the "Apples" book. It's most helpful for me to read all the viewpoints, --even though a LOF lovefest is kinda fun. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Reading reviews on another list, it seems people are buying them as maths themed books for their general collections, not as maths curricula. Same books, but how they are categorised seems to make all the difference, if that makes any sense? Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillysmom216 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Reading reviews on another list, it seems people are buying them as maths themed books for their general collections, not as maths curricula. Same books, but how they are categorised seems to make all the difference, if that makes any sense? Rosie :iagree: I ordered A and B for my 8 year old as a math- themed book. We have devoured Cindy Neuschwander, David Adler and Greg Tang. I'm hoping these will add to the fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkelsh Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Thanks for the great review. I just received Apples and like what I see. I have a 9 yr old and a 6 yr old, and was planning on incorporating it into both of their work. We use Singapore. So, I'm curious. How do you schedule both MUS and Apples without spending a ton of time on math everyday? Thanks, RK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Checking in to say that our copy of Apples arrived yesterday, and my 7 year old devoured the first 6 chapters. We read together, and only stopped for dinner. Love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2GAboys Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 My 10 yr old is using LOF fractions as a supplement and likes it. I have a 7 yr old boy who has his two-fives, 8 and 9 startegies down cold, adds two digit numbers mentally and has a phenomenal understanding of place value all because of RightStart-He is now into 2nd week of level. Anyone use both? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 18, 2011 Author Share Posted August 18, 2011 Thanks for the great review. I just received Apples and like what I see. I have a 9 yr old and a 6 yr old, and was planning on incorporating it into both of their work. We use Singapore. So, I'm curious. How do you schedule both MUS and Apples without spending a ton of time on math everyday? Thanks, RK I cut down MUS assignments to a handful of problems and then some days we have not been using MUS workbook pages at all because he needed just straight-up flash card practice. Apples was greeted so happily at our house that I hadn't thought in terms of scheduling it--DS6 brings me the book and begs to do it. Now that we are done with Apples (it took 3 weeks), I am trying to decide how to proceed. Spend a couple weeks on MUS, then crack open LOF "Butterflies"? All I know is that once we start "Butterflies," we won't be able to put it down. I'm glad you asked me the question. It seems I have a decision to make before I fill out our lesson plan sheets for next week! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC5 Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Thank you for this review. I just started looking into LofF yesterday, and I think my boys will love it. I'm happy to hear how your 4yo is enjoying it, especially. As of yesterday, I have a 4yo, too, and I think he'll want to be a part of this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candacebi Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 I just ordered the elementary set! I can't wait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tardis Girl Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Love the review and thread -- thank you! I definitely will be using Apples with my younger crew. However, since the thread addresses other opinions, I will add that I tried LOF trig with my older high schoolers and they weren't crazy about it after getting a few chapters into it. :( I think -- having used more traditional textbooks in high school years for math -- it was frustrating to them. I thnk with only a year left of high school they felt too rushed and pressured for all they HAVE to do that they couldn't enjoy the less direct style. I was disappointed because they are so literary I though they would love it. :( But will get the younger set hooked earlier! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tothenthdegree Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Great review! We started LoF on Monday and my ds6 and dd4.5 can't get enough of Fred. We were only going to do science on Friday until my DS6 asked to read Fred as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 However, since the thread addresses other opinions, I will add that I tried LOF trig with my older high schoolers and they weren't crazy about it after getting a few chapters into it. :( I think -- having used more traditional textbooks in high school years for math -- it was frustrating to them. I thnk with only a year left of high school they felt too rushed and pressured for all they HAVE to do that they couldn't enjoy the less direct style. I was disappointed because they are so literary I though they would love it. :( But will get the younger set hooked earlier! Hi Stacy i also found that an upper level LOF did not initially go well for one of my dc. I really thought that she knew enough math to start on LOF Fractions, but she would get so easily frustrated, then there would be tears, etc. I spent last year making sure that she had absolutely mastered + - / AND I had her go through the MUS fractions book. Now she's doing LOF Fractions and she LOVES it. After she finishes LOF Fractions she'll do MUS Decimals and then we'll do LOF Decimals. Now I have other dc who can just dive into LOF and revel in the joy and challenge of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Do you think the LOF A-D with extra math fact practice would be sufficient for 2nd/3rd grade? We're currently working through MM, and while I like how thorough it is, I think Ariel would thrive with a more story based approach, as the sheer number of worksheets in MM is a bit too much. However, I've messed with math so much as it is, I'm afraid to try anything new and set her back even farther than she could/should be. She's a bright kid, we just haven't found the right fit yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmarango Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 My dd asks for Fred as a bedtime story so I don't have to worry about scheduling it. I know that the author states that problems should be worked out on paper, but we do them orally. We are a little more than halfway through apples. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs.MacGyver Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Thanks so much for posting this! I guess I haven't even been paying attention because I had no idea that these were even coming out - duh - we've used all the books from Fractions -Pre-Alg w/Economics with DD12, and now DS10 is working through them. The love the books! I am so glad there is something for my little guys now:D FYI: We do supplement with Singapore, using LOF as a reward on Fridays and over the summer. I think LoF is great because they really have to think things through, but they also really have to have a good grasp on the basics. I love the combination of Singapore and LoF -different techniques, but very thorough. DD will be attending public school for 7th grade this year, and I can't wait to see how all of this transitions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 Do you think the LOF A-D with extra math fact practice would be sufficient for 2nd/3rd grade? We're currently working through MM, and while I like how thorough it is, I think Ariel would thrive with a more story based approach, as the sheer number of worksheets in MM is a bit too much. However, I've messed with math so much as it is, I'm afraid to try anything new and set her back even farther than she could/should be. She's a bright kid, we just haven't found the right fit yet. HI Aurelia I don't believe Apples-Dogs would be a self sufficient curriculum for 2nd grade. Books A-D don't cover multiple digit addition/subtraction and regrouping, nor do they cover multiplication, which are three major concepts covered in many 2-3rd grade math programs. The author is writing additional books (these first 4 are the beginning of a set of 12 for elementary if I understand correctly). I do think that the Apples-Dogs books can be an enjoyable challenge for the 7-8 year old crowd because so many other math concepts are covered. I think it would be wonderful for an 8 year old to read the books independently and do the problems on her own. Regarding your concern about worksheets with many problems: I tend to feel like I "have" to have my child do all the math problems on a handout and I certainly have felt that way about our MM worksheets (last year) and MUS workbook pages (last year and this year). (I think MM and MUS are both good curriculums, though.) I am trying to retrain myself to just set out a smaller number of problems. This is particularly needful for dd8, as she gets easily frustrated. The Charlotte Mason suggestion of setting a time limit (about 15-20 minutes) vs. setting a certain number of problems gets better long-term results with her. Then we do verbal math problems for "fun" as we go about our day--you know sitting at the table and doing fun facts with the family, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC5 Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 The author is writing additional books (these first 4 are the beginning of a set of 12 for elementary if I understand correctly). Yep. The next four are supposed to be out around Halloween. http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/32%20Newest%20News.html I'm wondering -- if A-D are good for 1st and 2nd grade, maybe E-H will be 3rd-4th? I was thinking Fractions for 5th, but maybe that's just because we use MUS? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellalarella Posted August 22, 2011 Author Share Posted August 22, 2011 Yep. The next four are supposed to be out around Halloween. http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/32%20Newest%20News.html I'm wondering -- if A-D are good for 1st and 2nd grade, maybe E-H will be 3rd-4th? I was thinking Fractions for 5th, but maybe that's just because we use MUS? Thanks for the link on the next books. :001_smile: We used MUS gamma (multiplication), Math mammoth for division, and MUS epsilon (fractions) for dd10 last year. This year she dove right into LOF Fractions and I anticipate she will be done in 3 weeks. After that I will have her work through MUS Zeta (decimals) and then we'll wrap up her 5th grade year with LOF Decimals. DS13 did LOF Fractions, LOF Decimals, LOF Pre-Algebra Economics and LOF Biology for his 6th grade year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Yep. The next four are supposed to be out around Halloween. http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/32%20Newest%20News.html I'm wondering -- if A-D are good for 1st and 2nd grade, maybe E-H will be 3rd-4th? I was thinking Fractions for 5th, but maybe that's just because we use MUS? My guess is A-D covers 1st and part of 2nd, E-H would be 2nd and part of 3rd, and I-L would be 3rd-4th up to fractions and decimals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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