MooCow Posted February 17, 2013 Posted February 17, 2013 My ds is currently doing Saxton Math 3. So far, it's been the best fit. We tried Horizons, LOF, CLE, Ray's, Stayer-Upton, and Dreambox in the past. None were a good fit. So, I've been looking at Saxton's next levels, and I am so confused! There is an "Intermediate 3", and 5/4..... I am not sure what to put him in next year. Can anyone help me? Thank you! Quote
Ann.without.an.e Posted February 17, 2013 Posted February 17, 2013 I actually prefer Saxon when at 5/4 and above. It is written to the student and it is less teacher intensive. I am not that crazy about the levels for 3 and under. I say move into 5/4 and take it at a slower pace if needed. Quote
stm4him Posted February 17, 2013 Posted February 17, 2013 I own both the regular level 3 and the intermediate level and have compared them side by side. Intermediate goes much faster and is written directly to the student. My plan is that my kids will do both levels because even though they are supposed to cover the same level of material I think the pacing of Intermediate and getting used to the format of the textbook (vs. scripted lessons taught by Mom) is difficult for a lot of kids. They have to learn how to read the lesson and understand what they are being asked. They have to learn to write out all the answers and show their work, etc. I just think it is worth the time of taking them through that process using Math that is familiar to them but not overly redundant so that they build confidence in taking over the responsibility of learning their math lesson more independently. Intermediate was put out there because a lot of kids had a hard time transitioning from regular 3 to 5/4 and so my younger ones will do Saxon one year ahead when they are little and then do Intermediate in 3rd grade and 5/4 in 4th, etc. They can still get through calculus that way. Hope that helps! Quote
Guest Posted February 17, 2013 Posted February 17, 2013 I own both the regular level 3 and the intermediate level and have compared them side by side. Intermediate goes much faster and is written directly to the student. My plan is that my kids will do both levels because even though they are supposed to cover the same level of material I think the pacing of Intermediate and getting used to the format of the textbook (vs. scripted lessons taught by Mom) is difficult for a lot of kids. They have to learn how to read the lesson and understand what they are being asked. They have to learn to write out all the answers and show their work, etc. I just think it is worth the time of taking them through that process using Math that is familiar to them but not overly redundant so that they build confidence in taking over the responsibility of learning their math lesson more independently. Intermediate was put out there because a lot of kids had a hard time transitioning from regular 3 to 5/4 and so my younger ones will do Saxon one year ahead when they are little and then do Intermediate in 3rd grade and 5/4 in 4th, etc. They can still get through calculus that way. Hope that helps! I've seen you post this before...is there a difference in the independence/format of Saxon 3 Intermediate and Saxon 5/4 that makes the transition easier? Or are you just saying that you want something that is a review while your kids learn the new format? I am concerned about the change of pace between Saxon 3 and Saxon 5/4, but I have also heard that Saxon 5/4 is a lot of review. My son has had no problems with Saxon 3, and I don't really want to repeat the same information with him again in Saxon 3 Intermediate and then review it again in Saxon 5/4. He's ready to move on right now, as is...The idea of switching the 5/4 format is freaking mom out, though. Just trying to think this through... Quote
Ellie Posted February 18, 2013 Posted February 18, 2013 My ds is currently doing Saxton Math 3. So far, it's been the best fit. We tried Horizons, LOF, CLE, Ray's, Stayer-Upton, and Dreambox in the past. None were a good fit. So, I've been looking at Saxton's next levels, and I am so confused! There is an "Intermediate 3", and 5/4..... I am not sure what to put him in next year. Can anyone help me? Thank you! ::psst:: Notice that it is Saxon, not SaxTon. :-) Quote
Lugrita Posted February 18, 2013 Posted February 18, 2013 We've had no issues going from Saxon 3 to Saxon 5/4 (and I did a dance of joy when my second-youngest started 5/4 this year...only one child left to get through those horribly-thick Saxon teachers' books!). I have walked each of my older children through the format, and then I've gratefully let them go. They've been fine - no intermediate level or hand-holding needed. I had no clue that an intermediate level existed until I read this thread, actually. :) Don't worry about it - it's a change of format, but the program is still very much the same. You can read the first lesson or so with your child to get him used to it, but then it's likely that you will both feel comfortable with it. Quote
Chris in VA Posted February 18, 2013 Posted February 18, 2013 We did Saxon a year ahead, so when did reached the change in format I was concerned about her copying the problems. I gave her her a lead over, as they say, by making a couple weeks of worksheets with the problems already copied for her. It helped her make the transition. Quote
MooCow Posted February 18, 2013 Author Posted February 18, 2013 ::psst:: Notice that it is Saxon, not SaxTon. :-) LOL....that must be why nothing came up when I did a search :D Quote
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