jenn4 Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 I am a newbie on this forum. I recently read TWTM and it changed the way I think about educating my children. It was just what I have been loooking for. Anyway, my question: Can anyone recommend a Math Curriculum other than MUS? We have been using MUS for 4 years now and need a change. This is what I don't like about it: 1. I don't "get" the blocks. Using them makes me and my daughter more confused. 2. We never watch the video. Like I said, I don't understand the blocks. 3. I never use the TM. I know this is my fault. I just don't like it. 4. It takes only 5 minutes for my girls to complete the page. TWTM suggests 45 minutes for math. So, I have been supplementing with other math workbooks which is working. Okay, obviously I am not a math person. I had planned to switch to TT so I wouldn't have to do the teaching, but I recently read not-so-good reviews. I think I need something scripted, so that when I have to teach a concept I don't mess it up, being the math-phobic person I am. I love Rightstart Math even though it takes a long time. I love using the abacus and the math games. I love that it tells me exactly what to say and do. I love that it skips around so that we don't get so frustrated. But, it only goes up to multiplication. I appreciate any feedback! Jenn4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arcara Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 A lot of people like TT, and it might be a good option for you. I haven't used it, so I can't give you any personal experience :) We use Saxon and I think it's been great. You have to make sure the take the placement test and use it at the right level. I've learned how to make the program work for us in the early grades (K-3) instead of doing EVERY single thing in the TM. I focus on the things my dd needs and I don't constantly review things that she knows. For my older dd, who is in Saxon 65, I learned to I needed work with her, instead of using the DIVE CDs, to introduce the lessons, and then I do about 10 of the mixed practice problems with her to cut down on her written work. A lot of people do use the DIVE CDs and like them. This dd, though, has trouble switching back and forth between things, so lessons were taking forever when she had to switch between her fact practice, mental math section, then start the CD, then move onto the written mixed practice. Anyway, this is our experience! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 We also use Saxon. People either love it or hate it. It has worked for us, and I have sons who have graduated, gone on to college, and done well. I agree that you should have your dc take the placement test online. It's hard sometimes, with so much out there, to find what works for you. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 We like Right Start for the younger years and will probably go with Life of Fred and/or Chalkdust when we finish RS E. Singapore is very popular with "mathy" kids, and Saxon for those that are not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyAberlin Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 If you like RightStart then go with that. I thought it went up through geometry? Then after you finish the series, if they haven't written anymore levels at that point, I would re evaluate and choose the curriculum you will do next. I use MUS and to understand the blocks you really have to watch the video and read the TM. I wouldn't know what to do with the workbook pages otherwise and I'm a math tutor. But if you don't like it, then I would switch. Everyone is different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonesloonybin Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 I know that Rightstart recommends Videotext for use after you finish all the RS levels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn4 Posted March 26, 2009 Author Share Posted March 26, 2009 Thanks for the input so far. I printed a copy of the placement test for Saxon. I looked at Life of Fred and Chalkdust. I was mistaken about RightStart ending at multiplication. Sorry about that. My problem is that my 2 girls have had no exposure to decimals or fractions or geometry (well minimal geometry) because MUS is mastery. Next year would be all fractions for dd12 and all division for dd10. I am about to cry. Can I not change from a mastery program? My dd12 tested at the 5/4 level in Saxon and dd10 would be even lower. DD 12 was sooo upset taking that placement test. Switching them to RightStart seems like a major change. We would have to start at a lower level and then do transition lessons. Big sigh!!! Jenn4:confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staci in MO Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 If all your older daughter is missing is fractions, you may be able to use the Key to Fractions books to get her up to speed. The Key to... books are pretty self-explanatory, so you probably won't have to do a lot of teaching. How did your younger dd do on the test besides not doing division? Would "division boot camp" over the summer do the trick? Actually, for the older dd, you could just do Life of Fred Fractions and then Decimals. I'm not familiar with MUS, Rightstart, or Saxon, so I can't comment specifically on what they would need to know to transition in, but maybe you can just shore up weak areas over the summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetbaby Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Have you looked at MEP? We switched from MUS to MEP. It's spiral and critical thinking + fun. Oh, it's free too. There's a support group on yahoo. They have some helpful suggestions in the Files section for placement according to what curriculum you are currently using. Just a thought:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosy Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 We use Saxon. It's dry, but it works. I know it's frustrating to feel like you're (or she is) taking a step back, but it won't take them long to get back up to their grade level or higher. I would start them both in Saxon 54 and skip the parts they've already learned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arcara Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 I would disagree with the post that said Saxon is for non-mathy kids :) I think I have the kinds of kids that could do well with just about any math program. I just haven't tried that many because I believe in "Don't fix what isn't broken." Stronger math kids just go through it more quickly. Almost any program can be adjusted to the needs of your kids. We all homeschool to meet our kids where they are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Have you looked at MEP? We switched from MUS to MEP. It's spiral and critical thinking + fun. Oh, it's free too. There's a support group on yahoo. They have some helpful suggestions in the Files section for placement according to what curriculum you are currently using. Just a thought:001_smile: Someone who doesn't get MUS is going to get MEP??? :lol: I don't think so. I love MEP, but what a brain-stretcher :D Crazy notion here, but wouldn't MUS (and the blocks) be a tad more comprehensible if one took the time to watch Steve Demme's videos? The man does seem to have a great gift for explaining things clearly, and in terms almost anyone can understand. Why have them, and not use them? Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 I was wondering about the videos, too, like Spy Car. It would seem the whole point of MUS. Well anyway, I'd go with Saxon, since I personally love it, and it seems to fit every need you say you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melabella Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Hi Jenn, I just sent you a PM. I have Saxon 54 if you would like to look at it or give it a try. I'll be glad to bring it to you tomorrow. I think both dd's could use it. DD10 would probably need to go slower and go through all of the lessons. Division is introduced in 54. DD12 could probably pick and choose lessons to cover any gaps. Melanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 (edited) 1. I don't "get" the blocks. Using them makes me and my daughter more confused. 2. We never watch the video. Like I said, I don't understand the blocks. 3. I never use the TM. I know this is my fault. I just don't like it. 4. It takes only 5 minutes for my girls to complete the page. TWTM suggests 45 minutes for math. So, I have been supplementing with other math workbooks which is working. When I was having trouble with MUS, someone told me to watch the video with DD every day. Why don't you just speed MUS up, so that you can get them up to speed and they can enter a new curriculum with the skills they need? If they are done in 5 minutes, then they should be able to catch up in no time. That said, we didn't like MUS. I liked the concept but it didn't work. DD hated math so much (mostly because she was bored to tears) that she asked to be put in school. Then she needed extra drill, which she hates. We switched to Abeka. BJU is not as spiral as Saxon or Abeka, you might want to look at that. Abeka spells everything out for the teacher, including when and how to drill facts. I am very happy. Anyone know: Is MUS the only program that is so Mastery based? Edited March 26, 2009 by Lovedtodeath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ELaurie Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 I like Professor B Math. You'll find a link to the sample CD's in my signature line. The CD's are scripted, with clear explanations for each concept. No blocks are required :001_smile: Professor B Math does not cover geometry or measurement, so I use the Key to series for that. Let me know if you have questions :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn4 Posted March 27, 2009 Author Share Posted March 27, 2009 Thank you for everyone's help! To clarify, I have used MUS for 3 years now. I have watched the videos. I understand the idea behind the videos and blocks. Steve Demme does a great job of explaining. The problem is me. I watch a video and I just don't understand it enough to explain it with blocks to my dd. I end up teaching her the old-fashioned way. So, why use a program I don't like to use. What I am thinking now is trying Saxon. I looked at 7/6 text and I think my daughter could handle it. I will try to get her up to speed on decimals and fractions using the Key To series. Thank you everyone. Sometimes even if a curriculum is great, we get to a point where we just need to try something new.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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