Help me talk DH into beast academy

[Whereneverever]

My dd1 is 7. She's getting ready to start Saxon 5/4. I really think she'd love Beast Academy, but my DH has some reservations.

 

First, he's worried it will be a step back and we honestly don't have time for two math programs. There's no accelerating because of the release schedule.

 

He's also worried because he's never heard of AOPS and doesn't want some unknown, unproven company. He wants solid math.

 

He is worried that the cartooniness will be a distraction and a dissuading factor if we need to switch into something less fun.

 

Speaking of switching, he's worried that we will become massive curricula hoppers. We started with Miquon and Singapore and then moved to Saxon about a year ago. I am kinda guilty as charged here. :tongue_smilie:

 

Any help? :bigear:

[stripe]

I don't know about your child, but AOPS is certainly not a fly by night operation. I think he could have a point about the cartoons. I think the approach may be very different.

 

(My husband is very happy with me in charge of math, though, and figures whatever I approve of is okay. I tried to get him to look at Facebook samples but he never did.)

[melmichigan]

I think it would depend on why you moved from SM.

[Snickerdoodle]

Have him listen to the lecture by the founder of AoPS.

[ErinE]

I guess I would talk you out of it. It doesn't sound like Beast Academy will have multi-year curriculum for quite some time. If you aren't interested in doing two programs, then Beast Academy isn't for you. Also, as much as I love the AoPS philosophy towards math, it won't be until we have the full sequence that judgement can be passed on the merits of the elementary curriculum. I'm hoping BA can enhance our math learning, but I'm staying with Singapore as our core spine until pre-algebra/algebra, unless I really like Beast Academy AND additional years are released in a timely manner.

[Whereneverever]

I don't know about your child, but AOPS is certainly not a fly by night operation. I think he could have a point about the cartoons. I think the approach may be very different.

 

(My husband is very happy with me in charge of math, though, and figures whatever I approve of is okay. I tried to get him to look at Facebook samples but he never did.)

 

He likes to be involved as much as he is able. I think it's mostly holes in the curricula and being perpetual jumpers that worries him.

 

 

I think it would depend on why you moved from SM.

 

She just didn't like it. And she was flying through it. She also enjoys all the calendar and clock stuff in Saxon.

 

Have him listen to the lecture by the founder of AoPS.

Ok, will do.

 

I guess I would talk you out of it. It doesn't sound like Beast Academy will have multi-year curriculum for quite some time. If you aren't interested in doing two programs, then Beast Academy isn't for you. Also, as much as I love the AoPS philosophy towards math, it won't be until we have the full sequence that judgement can be passed on the merits of the elementary curriculum. I'm hoping BA can enhance our math learning, but I'm staying with Singapore as our core spine until pre-algebra/algebra, unless I really like Beast Academy AND additional years are released in a timely manner.

 

Well, that's some rain on my parade. But true. Hmm.

 

Why can't they release it quicker? :lol:

[stripe]

I think it's good to have a reason to switch. Because you think it will offer something else. I think his concerns are appropriate so are leading to a thoughtful evaluation and that's a good thing.

[SunnyDays]

I feel your pain, but those are valid points. At this point, even though it's meant to be a full curriculum, it's hard to justify a full switch when you are looking for a *sole* curriculum.

 

What about just getting the guidebooks and letting her read through them for fun? It doesn't have to be a full curriculum that you work through, and you don't even have to get the workbooks. But she might just enjoy the reading.

[Mrs Twain]

I think your dh has a good point about not wanting to switch math programs often. I have heard people say they regretted doing that and wished they had just stayed with one program all the way through because their kids suffered academically from the frequent changes in curricula.

 

Personally, I favor choosing one solid math program and then supplementing it where you think it is weak or deficient.

[ChandlerMom]

Add me to the list of dissuaders. I would love to do BA with my 8yo, but she's just way too far beyond it. Looking at the placement thing, a couple puzzle/spatial parts that I thought would be hard for her she solved quickly. The little bits of greater depth just aren't worth it and we can cover other ways (such as Zacarro's books). IMO, if your dd is doing well with Saxon, stick with it. Don't get sucked in to the shiniest most exciting "new thing". If it doesn't fit level-wise, it just doesn't fit and I agree it would be a step back. There's tons of AOPS for her down the road, if it proves a good fit.

 

Honestly, if Saxon works, why go all comic book with her? My younger 2 might really enjoy the visual candy, but I've got a year or two before they'd need BA and I'm looking forward to seeing what people who really use it have to say by then. NOT that I expect it to be bad, but I think there will be more info on for whom it'd be a best fit.

 

Using multiple curric's can provide different views, but switching main curries too much just leaves holes and is highly inefficient. I have to side with dh on this one. Sorry, I know I'm not saying what you want to hear. Of course, that's just my 2cents. You know your child and situation best. Heck, I'd love an excuse to order it for myself! LOL

[Whereneverever]

Ok, so anyone want to talk me into loving Saxon again and banishing the newest shiniest syndrome?:D

[SunnyDays]

Ok, so anyone want to talk me into loving Saxon again and banishing the newest shiniest syndrome?:D

 

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

 

It is *hard* to resist shiny-new-toy syndrome. I've been struggling with that myself lately. But if you have a program that your child enjoys, and that WORKS for you... why mess with a good thing??

[Spy Car]

Ok, so anyone want to talk me into loving Saxon again and banishing the newest shiniest syndrome?:D

 

No way! I used the sample chapter of Beast Academy with my son and I'm telling you this thing rocks! I could not be more excited to dip into a deeper pool of BA materials.

 

Dare to be great!!! :D

 

Bill

[lorisuewho]

He is worried that the cartooniness will be a distraction and a dissuading factor if we need to switch into something less fun.

 

 

I don't know if it was discussed here at the hive at all, but the comic book style is actually stopping me from getting all excited about this curriculum. I absolutely think it could be very engaging for children. However, the Charlotte Mason in me isn't so thrilled about purple beasts.

[stripe]

However, the Charlotte Mason in me isn't so thrilled about purple beasts.

I think we're all familiar with this quotation: "no child should use a multiplication table until he has made one," but how about this one:

How interesting arithmetic and geometry might be if we gave a short history of their principal theorems; if the child were mentally present at the labours of a Pythagoras, a Plato, a Euclid, or in modern times of a Viète, a Descartes, a Pascal, or a Leibnitz. Great theories, instead of being lifeless and anonymous abstractions, would become human, living truths, each with its own history, like a statue by Michael Angelo, or like a painting by Raphael (Vol. II, Parents and Children, p. 128).

 

....So why not a purple beast? I think one needs to look at the content and whether it promotes deep thinking, not just its shiny 21st century appearance.

 

I mean, per this article by Simply Charlotte Mason, she said “But a child cannot dream parts of speech, and any grown-up twaddle attempting to personify such abstractions offends a small person who with all his love of play and nonsense has a serious mind” (Vol. 6, p. 210), which would seem to rule out Grammar Land, yet people use that with great delight and claim it is a living book, good for CM fans.

[Caribbean Queen]

Your husband's right. Beast Academy is 3rd grade math. You don't need to buy any 3rd grade math.

 

How interesting arithmetic and geometry might be if we gave a short history of their principal theorems; if the child were mentally present at the labours of a Pythagoras, a Plato, a Euclid, or in modern times of a Viète, a Descartes, a Pascal, or a Leibnitz. Great theories, instead of being lifeless and anonymous abstractions, would become human, living truths, each with its own history, like a statue by Michael Angelo, or like a painting by Raphael (Vol. II, Parents and Children, p. 128).

 

....So why not a purple beast? I think one needs to look at the content and whether it promotes deep thinking, not just its shiny 21st century appearance.

:001_huh:

[lorisuewho]

I am obviously not familiar with BA beyond the sample pages. I believe it could really be a great curriculum to make children think and to make math become alive. The question I need to ask myself is, "Do I want my children looking upon cartoon beasts every day for a substantial part of their day?" This question will be answered by each family differently.

[Whereneverever]

Your husband's right. Beast Academy is 3rd grade math. You don't need to buy any 3rd grade math.

 

 

:001_huh:

 

I think it does boil down simply to that. And :iagree:

[Whereneverever]

Yes. Is Saxon 5/4 equivalent to ba3? She's already doing multiplication and division, as well as fractions and decimals.

[nmoira]

 

But didn't she say her child was about to start Saxon 5/4?

I didn't catch ages upthread, but I wouldn't switch to BA in this case. If the OP would like some "fun" math supplements, I'd recommend the Murderous Math series.

[NotAVampireLvr]

In our case my DH is the same way. Your husband does have valid arguments. We are also using it to supplement because of the unknown about when the rest of the series will be published. We're at the perfect stage for it though - so if they do release a book a year we'll be on track with them. Because they are not all released there's no way I would make it our only math curriculum.

[Whereneverever]

I didn't catch ages upthread, but I wouldn't switch to BA in this case. If the OP would like some "fun" math supplements, I'd recommend the Murderous Math series.

 

She's seven.

 

I'll have to check those out, thanks!

[nmoira]

She's seven.

 

I'll have to check those out, thanks!

They don't have exercises... they're just ideas and concepts books, wrapped up in a fun story.

[Spy Car]

She's seven.

 

I'll have to check those out, thanks!

 

Get Beast Academy. The depth of the mathematical education she will get vs Saxon is hard to overestimate. I know Saxon 4/5. It has to be one of the most boring math books ever.

 

BA will give her depth. And is fun. And will stretch her brain.

 

You are going to the trouble of educating her at home. Why not go for greatness rather than using a boring public school book?

 

Can she explain the role of the Distributive Property of Multiplication in her problem-solving strategies? If she can maybe you don't "need" Beast Academy. But if she gives you a *blank* look then know all so-called 3rd and 4th grade math books are not created equal.

 

Bill

[nmoira]

Get Beast Academy. The depth of the mathematical education she will get vs Saxon is hard to overestimate. I know Saxon 4/5. It has to be one of the most boring math books ever.

 

BA will give her depth. And is fun. And will stretch her brain.

I agree. But the child has already finished 3rd grade math, and only half the 3rd grade BA program is out. There are other ways to give her depth, including:

 

Primary Grade Challenge Math

Hands-on Equations

MEP (distributive property covered extensively in 2B)

 

I would consider moving her into MEP. She might have to take a step back and start in 3A, but MEP has the advantage of being complete as well as having depth. :001_smile:

[Spy Car]

I agree. But the child has already finished 3rd grade math, and only half the 3rd grade BA program is out. There are other ways to give her depth, including:

 

Primary Grade Challenge Math

Hands-on Equations

MEP (distributive property covered extensively in 2B)

 

I would consider moving her into MEP. She might have to take a step back and start in 3A, but MEP has the advantage of being complete as well as having depth. :001_smile:

 

All the programs you mention are good ones. No argument.

 

But this child is 7. We both know that 3rd Grade Saxon (or Saxon 4/5) is not going to be remotely similar to the depth of teaching in BA. Not even close!

 

And Saxon is a time-suck that doesn't leave every child chomping at the bit to do more "math."

 

BA will be plenty challenging for any 7 year old. Saxon 4/5 is a snore.

 

Bill

[Whereneverever]

All the programs you mention are good ones. No argument.

 

But this child is 7. We both know that 3rd Grade Saxon (or Saxon 4/5) is not going to be remotely similar to the depth of teaching in BA. Not even close!

 

And Saxon is a time-suck that doesn't leave every child chomping at the bit to do more "math."

 

BA will be plenty challenging for any 7 year old. Saxon 4/5 is a snore.

 

Bill

 

I should note at this point that she is also working through LOF elementary series and I have the original cwp books and she is about 3/4 through the third book in that, too.

 

She does know the Distributative property by name.

 

If third and fourth were released, this would be an easy decision. The listed scope and sequence make me (and my husband) nervous, though. I suspect at the rate she is going through math books we will be at prealgebra in a year... If I can keep her in materials. I don't know if BA would fill that place, though, and it's far too expensive for just a supplement.

 

You guys are making me more unsure, not less. :tongue_smilie:

[Spy Car]

I should note at this point that she is also working through LOF elementary series and I have the original cwp books and she is about 3/4 through the third book in that, too.

 

She does know the Distributative property by name.

 

If third and fourth were released, this would be an easy decision. The listed scope and sequence make me (and my husband) nervous, though. I suspect at the rate she is going through math books we will be at prealgebra in a year... If I can keep her in materials. I don't know if BA would fill that place, though, and it's far too expensive for just a supplement.

 

You guys are making me more unsure, not less. :tongue_smilie:

 

BA is NOT going to be a supplement. The practice books (not including the Guide/textbook) look to be 900 pages of VERY challenging work for a single year.

 

The work required for the sample chapter was considerable for my 7 year old son who is flying through Primary Mathematics (Singapore) 3A/B.

 

There is no need to be nervous. Do you really want to be in "Prealgebra" in a year using "shallow" materials, or does it make sense to use mathematically deep materials now? There is really no comparison between the depth of how Singapore 3B/B treated Area and Perimeter (the sample chapter topic) and the way BA did. I'm told BA blows away the coverage of the topic in PM 4 as well.

 

BA is designed for young mathematicians. It sounds like that is what you've got on your hands. This decision should be a "no brainer."

 

Bill

[Whereneverever]

BA is NOT going to be a supplement. The practice books (not including the Guide/textbook) look to be 900 pages of VERY challenging work for a single year.

 

The work required for the sample chapter was considerable for my 7 year old son who is flying through Primary Mathematics (Singapore) 3A/B.

 

There is no need to be nervous. Do you really want to be in "Prealgebra" in a year using "shallow" materials, or does it make sense to use mathematically deep materials now? There is really no comparison between the depth of how Singapore 3B/B treated Area and Perimeter (the sample chapter topic) and the way BA did. I'm told BA blows away the coverage of the topic in PM 4 as well.

 

BA is designed for young mathematicians. It sounds like that is what you've got on your hands. This decision should be a "no brainer."

 

Bill

 

I referred to it as a supplement not as a slam, but out of concern for running out of levels since it is being published slowly for where we are.

 

I have the BA sample, as well, which is what really whetted my interest in the beginning. My DD loved the presentation, but the material was not what I would really call work for her. I like the depth and ideas, but I am worried the level is not right.

 

I don't know the best course to go with math. At this point I'm baffled. She is totally and completely opposed to using Singapore as her base again and Saxon gets so slammed here...

 

She doesn't mind MEP when I print pages for her to do but I really don't want to keep up with printing a curriculum.

[SunnyDays]

Saxon does get slammed here, but that doesn't mean it's a bad program. Many people don't prefer it... but it's a proven program that gets results. I will say I'm surprised your daughter doesn't mind it, with all the drill I know my "mathy" son wouldn't care for it. But it still doesn't mean it's a bad program.

 

If there were more levels of BA out I would say go for it, because I really do think BA is going to be a great program. But for us, I know it's not going to come out fast enough so we're not making the switch, although we are ordering the BA guide books for extra fun math reading.

 

Bill, as you may have noticed, has very strong opinions about math. :D The programs he likes are good ones, and we're using them as well. But that doesn't mean everyone has to use them or they are forever doomed to failure in math.

 

I'm not trying to talk you into or out of anything. :)

 

One consideration... depending on what level of MEP you're using, have you looked at the online worksheets? That may be something she enjoys for the practice.

 

http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm - Scroll to the bottom of this page and look for MEP News, then interactive pages.

[LaughingCat]

Why not just take an early "summer break" from Saxon to do the BA books currently available and then make the decision afterward? At that point you'll know if it's working (plus the next set will be out and you can go forward with BA). Or if it's too easy, then start Saxon 4/5 in the fall without having lost anything.

[Spy Car]

I referred to it as a supplement not as a slam, but out of concern for running out of levels since it is being published slowly for where we are.

 

We are in a similar boat. I too hope they release the level 4 and 5 books in good order (3C/D appear to be on track). I didn't take "supplement" as a slam. I like challenging supplements. I'm just trying to suggest that the BA materials, based on doing the sample chapter, are not something a child is going to breeze through. This includes math-adept children who might fly through other programs. This one will take time and good number of mental clock cycles. I think a few people who think this is "comic book math" may be in for a rude awakening when they confront how demanding the practice books are, but children who thrive on challenging math should love it.

 

I have the BA sample, as well, which is what really whetted my interest in the beginning. My DD loved the presentation, but the material was not what I would really call work for her. I like the depth and ideas, but I am worried the level is not right.

 

You certainly know better than I do. She must be a very extraordinary 7 year old if the level of mathematics is beneath her. But if that's the case Saxon 4/5 hardly sounds like the answer.

 

I don't know the best course to go with math. At this point I'm baffled. She is totally and completely opposed to using Singapore as her base again and Saxon gets so slammed here...

 

She doesn't mind MEP when I print pages for her to do but I really don't want to keep up with printing a curriculum.

 

I'm not sure what to tell you. Moira mentioned some interesting and challenging alternatives (including MEP). The latter is free for the cost of printing. Worst case scenario let Kinkos do it.

 

Bill

[Whereneverever]

Why not just take an early "summer break" from Saxon to do the BA books currently available and then make the decision afterward? At that point you'll know if it's working (plus the next set will be out and you can go forward with BA). Or if it's too easy, then start Saxon 4/5 in the fall without having lost anything.

 

Because, honestly, it's a lot of money for something to use for fun over the summer. A year of BA 3 is about twice the cost of Saxon 5/4.

 

I could maybe justify that if I was sure it wasn't going to be a step back as well as being confident that it would be out in time to keep going. Does that make sense?

[JenC3]

Saxon is a spiral program so she will be doing a full semester of review in 5/4 anyway. And 5/4 is a new author and a completely different format from what she is used to in 3. My friend's dd8 (same track as your dd) is going to repeat 5/4 next year b/c 5/4 was so different.

 

We used Saxon 1 & 2. We had 3, started it and were just done. I switched to MM and then TT and finally dd liked math again. She is thrilled to use BA and we are almost done with 3rd grade math. A new format and going deeper are what we desire. She will be in pre-algebra by 11 so why rush?

 

You can't compare the first 3 Saxons to a program like BA. Is she crazy fast at all the operations? My dd is doing division as well, but elementary math is so repetitive. One needs to have a Firm grasp on all operations and have speed at them before upper level math. JMO.

[JenC3]

Also think of math as it is, a language which must have repetitive study over years until you deeply understand how it is constructed. You can't just memorize vocab and some grammar rules and be proficient.

[Whereneverever]

We are in a similar boat. I too hope they release the level 4 and 5 books in good order (3C/D appear to be on track). I didn't take "supplement" as a slam. I like challenging supplements. I'm just trying to suggest that the BA materials, based on doing the sample chapter, are not something a child is going to breeze through. This includes math-adept children who might fly through other programs. This one will take time and good number of mental clock cycles. I think a few people who think this is "comic book math" may be in for a rude awakening when they confront how demanding the practice books are, but children who thrive on challenging math should love it.

 

 

 

You certainly know better than I do. She must be a very extraordinary 7 year old if the level of mathematics is beneath her. But if that's the case Saxon 4/5 hardly sounds like the answer.

 

 

 

I'm not sure what to tell you. Moira mentioned some interesting and challenging alternatives (including MEP). The latter is free for the cost of printing. Worst case scenario let Kinkos do it.

 

Bill

 

Well, she is nearly eight. I appreciate your input. I'm certainly not sure if Saxon is the answer... I just don't know if another presentation of third grade math, even in a different way, is.

[JenC3]

Because, honestly, it's a lot of money for something to use for fun over the summer. A year of BA 3 is about twice the cost of Saxon 5/4.

 

I could maybe justify that if I was sure it wasn't going to be a step back as well as being confident that it would be out in time to keep going. Does that make sense?

 

Really, I can't believe BA will be a step back. I've owned Saxon 3 and seen sample pages of BA. No comparison.

[Whereneverever]

Saxon is a spiral program so she will be doing a full semester of review in 5/4 anyway. And 5/4 is a new author and a completely different format from what she is used to in 3. My friend's dd8 (same track as your dd) is going to repeat 5/4 next year b/c 5/4 was so different.

 

We used Saxon 1 & 2. We had 3, started it and were just done. I switched to MM and then TT and finally dd liked math again. She is thrilled to use BA and we are almost done with 3rd grade math. A new format and going deeper are what we desire. She will be in pre-algebra by 11 so why rush?

 

You can't compare the first 3 Saxons to a program like BA. Is she crazy fast at all the operations? My dd is doing division as well, but elementary math is so repetitive. One needs to have a Firm grasp on all operations and have speed at them before upper level math. JMO.

 

She doesn't dislike Saxon, though. She doesn't mind sitting down and finishing her work quickly. I will probably skip most of the review sheets since we don't take summer off.

 

Her computational speed is fine. She's taken standardized testing the last two years and didn't miss any of the problems in math, despite finishing with a lot of time left. I think I actually posted about that last year in surprise. :tongue_smilie:

[Spy Car]

Saxon does get slammed here, but that doesn't mean it's a bad program. Many people don't prefer it... but it's a proven program that gets results. I will say I'm surprised your daughter doesn't mind it, with all the drill I know my "mathy" son wouldn't care for it. But it still doesn't mean it's a bad program.

 

If there were more levels of BA out I would say go for it, because I really do think BA is going to be a great program. But for us, I know it's not going to come out fast enough so we're not making the switch, although we are ordering the BA guide books for extra fun math reading.

 

Bill, as you may have noticed, has very strong opinions about math. :D The programs he likes are good ones, and we're using them as well. But that doesn't mean everyone has to use them or they are forever doomed to failure in math.

 

I'm not trying to talk you into or out of anything. :)

 

One consideration... depending on what level of MEP you're using, have you looked at the online worksheets? That may be something she enjoys for the practice.

 

http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm - Scroll to the bottom of this page and look for MEP News, then interactive pages.

 

Note that I've never said Saxon is a "bad" math program. I would fully expect that a student who diligently worked though Saxon would have the procedural competence to do well on standardized tests and be able to pursue fields like engineering in college.

 

That said, the level of depth of Saxon mathematically speaking does not come close to that offered in more challenging alternatives. If I had a math-adept child (which I do :D) I would go for "greatness" rather than basic competence. For me the level of math in Saxon sets too low a bar given the existence of other alternatives. But that just one man's opinion.

 

Bill

[Roadrunner]

Here is my perspective. I have a son (just turned 7) who is doing SM3, so not as advanced as your child, but also speeding ahead. I look at math with an end goal. I know I want to land in AoPS pre-algebra no sooner than 5th grade when he is 10-11ish. Reading all the posts about AoPS convinced me that maturity is required to do their algebra (around 6th grade) and since that's the program we want to use, I am going to take the next four years and study arithmetic in depth and have fun with it. I know Beast Academy is challenging (I have a sample chapter). I think MEP is wonderful (I was too confused about all the materials so we didn't use it) and I am considering it if we run out of Beast math to do. Frankly, I saw some problems in the sample chapter that would take considerable time. There is always SM CWP.

My understanding is a child can pursue algebra much sooner than 6th grade, but most likely not with AoPS (I am not talking about outliers). If your end-goal is to work with AoPS, then maybe slowing down isn't a bad thing. If you plan on pursuing different math program, than maybe "stepping back" isn't the best decision.

[JenC3]

You should go with your gut, but I'm not a fan of Saxon. I know 2 very bright children who began having problems with Saxon 5/4 in 3rd grade. I just wonder if it isn't written with an older child in mind. I can't say since I don't own it haven't used it, but I do know you are dealing with a new author, thus a new presentation of the material. She will also have to write out all of her own problems which for some young children is more work.

Edited March 14, 2012 by JenC3

[Spy Car]

I would like to see thermal imaging of brain activity of children using "challenging" math materials (like MEP, BA, IPs, or PGCM) vs the same children doing procedural math work. I bet the results would be telling ;)

 

Bill

Edited March 14, 2012 by Spy Car

[nmoira]

I would like to see thermal imaging of brain activity of children using "challenging" math materials (like MEP, BA, IPs, or PGCM) vs Rhe same children doing procedural math work. I bet the results would be telling ;)

 

Bill

There's a thread on the Accelerated board discussing this very thing. But I think you knew that. :001_smile:

[Spy Car]

There's a thread on the Accelerated board discussing this very thing. But I think you knew that. :001_smile:

 

Actually, I did not.

 

Off to go look :auto:

 

Bill

 

ETA: I can't find it. Do you have a title or link?

Edited March 14, 2012 by Spy Car

[kitten18]

OP - I don't think you have anything to lose, you have two younger children coming up that could use it.:thumbup:

 

 

I use multiple math programs. I don't think of it as "curriculum hopping", it's curriculum combining.;)

[LucyStoner]

Really, I can't believe BA will be a step back. I've owned Saxon 3 and seen sample pages of BA. No comparison.

 

:iagree:

 

I checked out Saxon in my homeschooling center library and what we have seen so far from BA is definitely more challenging than Saxon 3 and 5/4.

 

My son is nearly nine and very math oriented and I think there will be value in it for us, especially in 3B and 3C and 3D.

[Whereneverever]

OP - I don't think you have anything to lose, you have two younger children coming up that could use it.:thumbup:

 

 

I use multiple math programs. I don't think of it as "curriculum hopping", it's curriculum combining.;)

 

I'll have three soon, actually. ;)

[ErinE]

nm

Edited March 15, 2012 by ErinE

[hsmom27]

If you can afford it, it sounds like you should do it. I have to agree with all the pp that Saxon 3 cannot in any way be compared to BA. Plus you have the added advantage of several youngers being able to use it later on.

 

I can't afford it and I already own all SM 1-5, so that's what my youngers will be using. However, my ODS used through SM5 (no workbook, just IP & CWPs) and at 9 is now flying through AoPS pre-algebra. I have to say he LOVES the AoPS; where he didn't love the SM. If I could rewind time and go back I'd have used BA with him, but he hasn't needed it to do really well with AoPS. At this rate he'll finish the Pre-Alg book in less than 4 months, and we'll just move on to the Intro to Alg.

 

All that is to say BA isn't necessary to move on to AoPS. However, if I could use it before AoPS, I would.

Edited March 14, 2012 by littlewigglebutts
typos

[Carol in Cal.]

I don't know anything about Beast Academy, but my biggest regret in homeschooling is switching away from Saxon.

 

We switched back later, but this set my DD back.

 

If you can afford both, it doesn't hurt to add something like that as a supplement, especially since you can then use it for your younger children, but I would continue with Saxon as your spine if it is working for your DD.

 

Also, if you are looking for supplementation, you might consider critical thinking and logic workbooks.