Completed MUS Zeta & switching to TT

[Faith Dean]

I'm looking for some thoughts on math curriculum for going into 7th grade.

 

We are using MUS for all seven of my kids and plan to continue with it as the mastery-approach has worked well.

 

My dd9 and dd11 have recently completed Zeta but math time has been a bloody battle just about every day. We have progressed slowly, steadily, and they have gotten every concept but not without a TON of drama, tears, and frustration. I've had them do all the review pages to slow down the pace and keep them from being overwhelmed (i.e. make sure they really have cemented the concepts) but it still has not made the subject easier on all of us emotionally. I just don't think I can face MUS pre-algebra with them right now even though technically it should be a seamless transition and Steve Demme has been with us the whole journey. I'm sick of the fight of it. Not that they aren't ready conceptually but the emotional side of tweenhood is taking its toll. We've been using Math Mammoth to keep some concepts fresh but that is not going very well either. We've also tried Life of Fred which has been a complete waste of time. I keep coming back to MUS - but then I am not a math person either and the very thought of algebra anything makes me break out in a sweat. I need some serious hand-holding.

 

I almost think that I need to remove myself entirely from their math instruction for a little bit and do something completely different - like Teaching Textbooks. Knowing that TT is a year behind, I don't think either of these two dds are headed for engineering/maths. They are artistic, lingual people and math is only to be survived as far as they are concerned. I wonder if TT will set us back far enough not to be worth it? Will we end up having to take "real" algebra classes at some point in high school anyway if they are college-bound and need the SAT/ACT? Are there other independent math programs that would remove the relationship aspect of lessons each day? I think the girls need a break from my voice as much as I need a break from their drama. Should I just bite the bullet and dig in with MUS for round 7?

 

Any suggestions appreciated!

 

[Shellydon]

We gave TT a try as a fun summer math last month.  We typically use Math U See. The scope and sequence is different, so there were a few things my kids had not covered, but overall, we found it to be 2 years behind.   My kids *hated* it.  All I can say is you'll just have to try and see if they like it.  Can you you do an online math class like Potter's School, Bob Jones or Derek Owens?

[Lucy]

We used mus from the beginning (and love it!) and when my dd hit algebra,it was a struggle for her and for dad who taught it - like you said, an age thing. It took us two years! And now we are playing catch-up. We switched to TT and my kids are all doing well with it - once they got past the silly-kid help in the corner. (After the lesson, they turn the volume off so they don't have to hear "time out for hint!" And just turn it back on if the teacher is talking) It is a year behind, but if you move up a year, it's fine. My best friend used it all the way through and her daughter just scored in the 99th percentile on her SAT! Her other kids score crazy high in math in their standardized test. So it didn't seem to set them back! :)  TT has taken out the "teacher intensive" part of math and erased almost all of the tears and complaints - not because it's sooooo easy (we don't find that to be true) but because every problem has an explanation if needed. Dad still helps when needed, but its much more rare. It has been a huge blessing here.  BTW, my oldest is a comp sci major.