|
| Mathematics |
We are now offering math resources as a part of our curriculum line.
|
|
 |
Horizons Math
 Horizons Math has been a favorite with parents because it is so easy to use. Each grade has its own two worktexts, which are largely self-explanatory. They are full-color with interesting problems and illustrations, making this program a favorite with students as well. Pages are perforated so they can be removed for completion, if desired. We sell the worktexts separately, or we can special order the complete kit, which includes the teacher’s guide.
|
Saxon Math
 Saxon Math is a proven resource for homeschoolers. How come? Written by a homeschooling father, this series allows parents to work with students step-by-step to mastery of ever-greater concepts. Short lessons at the beginning of each lesson provide instruction in the day’s concept. Saxon’s primary strength is the way in which the concepts are presented; each day’s concept is a small expansion upon what has already been mastered by the student. The lessons, therefore, are usually easily comprehended by the student because they have been prepared for the next “baby” step upwards. This lightens the parental workload, too, as students catch on quickly to each new concept.
Another of Saxon’s strengths is its constant review of concepts previously mastered. Each lesson has practice problems on the day’s concept, then follows up with questions from previous lessons to keep mastery fresh and students prepared to move forward. Therefore, students do not complete a chapter on addition, then move to another section on clocks, then to measurement, etc. These kinds of math are interwoven together in both the lesson order and the review, an approach that allows students to retain the concepts extremely well.
One of the weaknesses of this program that parents report is that there is too much review, too many review questions to complete per lesson. Most parents remedy this by assigning only two-thirds of the problems to the student, using leftover problems for reinforcement of any concepts the student is troubled by in their independent work. It is also felt that Saxon allows students to do computational problems well, but some students may have difficulty transitioning to real-life problems.
|
Life of Fred
 Life of Fred books reach students like no other math books we’ve ever seen.
They feature the character Fred, who discovers all sorts of useful facts and
real-life examples, to demonstrate to the student how what they are using will
be a part of their everyday lives. For students who really excel at the
humanities (such as history, language arts, art and culture), but who struggle
with mathematics, this series is perfect! Life of Fred books use examples drawn
from the humanities to help teach concepts in a way that connects better with
these learners. But they're still fantastic for students who love math as well!
Each book is self-teaching, and the books are top quality hardcovers. A student
will not write in it - you’ll use and reuse these wonderful books! They are
comprehensive and later courses are written at the college level. Some books
have a “Home Companion,” which divides the books into daily assignments,
provides a full answer key, and additional practice for those who need it. Other
books have a “City Answers” answer key. What we love about these books is how
they use stories from the humanities (history, culture or adventures) to teach
mathematical concepts! But above all they are just a delight! Here’s what some
moms said:
. . . On Saturday, my friend lent me her copy of “Life of Fred: Fractions.” That
evening after supper, I started to read it and giggled so much my [11-year-old]
daughter came and sat beside me to see what I was reading. . . . We got a piece
of paper and a pencil, and she wouldn’t stop until we had read five lessons. . .
. She said: “This is the funniest math book I have ever seen.”
. . . From the time I was in 2nd grade, I cried my way through math. . . Now,
here I am with your book. . . giggling over the story lines, working out
problems and actually “getting it” for the first time in my life!!!! :) And
that’s a very good thing since I am now a homeschool mother of 5. . . .
. . . Even my 7 and 6 year olds are BEGGING me to read the story of Fred to
them!!!! Enough so that they’re grabbing paper and pencils attempting to answer
the questions with their sibling so I’ll read more!!! It seems too good to be
true.
|
|
|
|
|
|
