3rd/4th gr. BJU distance Learning math?

[Meadowlark]

If you're familiar with either 3rd or 4th grade distance learning math, I'd love to hear about it. I'm in a difficult season of life and something has to give. We use BJU math and I really like it, but with adding more kids in the mix soon-I have to outsource something.

 

I guess I just want to be reassured that it's quality and will hold my kids' attention. Also, I noticed a $99 sale right now but I will need to start in August. Does anyone know if it usually goes on sale at that time?

 

Thanks!

[SweetandSimple]

I have mixed feelings. I love BJU's elementary math, and plan on using it for all of my kids until I switch them to liveonlinemath (which I also love, but doesn't start until the 6th or 7th grade.)

 

We've had the 3rd grade online program here this year. My daughter liked last year's online program (2nd) but the 3rd didn't hold her attention as well... and the lessons feel really long. In theory, 30 minutes doesn't sound long, but then the kids still have to do the worksheets, and so it felt like a lot of work. Also, there is A LOT of pausing during the videos to work out problems, arrange manipulatives, etc  so it ends up taking longer than 30 minutes to get through it. It just made our day feel really long... just getting math done each day was a major accomplishment!

 

My daughter much prefers for me to teach the lessons, so that is what we are doing. I will admit, though, that I am a much poorer teacher than the video teachers, who do a great job of explaining and reviewing everything. I add in math facts apps and things for review.

 

Also, I found that it was a little bit of a hassle making sure that my daughter had the right manipulatives and papers for each lesson. When I am teaching the lesson myself, I can just grab those things if I need them. But when you are setting the child up in front of the video, you want to have it all ready for them to use during the video.  Sometimes on especially busy days I would let my daughter just watch the video and tell her that she didn't have to use the manipulatives and things...which helped speed up the process.

 

I do think that it is really high-quality, though. If it was cheaper, it would be great to have on hand to use sometimes for more difficult topics, but perhaps not every day.

 

In summary:  the program is very nicely done, but probably won't give you as much time as you think due to the things you have to do to organize it. And of course, if your kids don't understand something (because it is a tricky concept or because they weren't paying attention) you'll have to teach it again anyway. It is extremely expensive. I doubt that I'll ever purchase the DLO option again, but we'll see!

 

I am not an expert at the pricing, but this $99 sale is as good as it gets. There are usually some sales in August, but it usually more like 10%... sometimes you can get get 50% off if you buy six different courses, I think. 

 

Good luck!

 

[Meadowlark]

Thanks for that! What I don't get is, why oh why do they have a sale in JANUARY? I realize there are homeschoolers who start a new school year in January, but as far as I know, most don't. Why not offer the sale in August or September? I just don't get it. If they really want my business, give me a good deal when I need it.