Well just take a minute, breathe and re-boot. There's no perfect child nor perfect curriculum. One of the reasons to homeschool is to meet the needs of your individual child, not 30 kids in a classroom.
To best meet the needs of your child you must first determine how they learn. You can read up on all the different learning styles and there are even tests to determine your child's style. I found I already knew based on how they go about their daily lives. For example, can your child do a chore by having it explained verbally, by watching someone else do it, or by doing it themselves. There you have your auditory, visual or kinesthetic learners. Some children like my own have more than one learning style, however one may be more comfortable for them. So when looking for curriculum I try to find one that meets more than one style.
That brings me to todays curriculum, Math. Many new homeschooler's freak out about choosing a math curriculum. In our case, it hasn't been perfect but I find math to be one of the easiest.
There are so many new math curricula that address all the learning styles in one way or another. Plus, most good ones have a placement test to help you place your child at the right level. Remember, this is individualized instruction so don't get hung up on grade level. It's better to focus on the skills and whether they have mastered them or not. Math skills build on one another so it's best to make sure they know the basics before moving on.
All that said, I have tried a, cough, cough, few different math curriculums over the years. I will share my personal pros and cons of those this week, beginning with elementary math. Please note, I am not paid, nor do I represent any of these companies.
Elementary Math:
1. Math U See - This was our first homeschool math curriculum. I used it with T when he came home half way through 4th grade and didn't really know his multiplication tables. Yet, he tested above average in the state skills test, go figure. This was a perfect fit for him.
Pros-
This curriculum is simple, hands on and not overwhelming. We could move at our own pace. It addressed all learning styles.
The lesson is taught on DVD, by Steve Demme, who is quirky but fun. So if your not comfortable or confident in teaching math is a great solution.
It also offers manipulatives for the kinesthetic or hands on learner. I hate to admit it but T did not use the blocks much, however he did use the fraction overlays.
It also offers placement tests to help ease a parent's mind about buying the correct level.
Cons-
It can be boring, and a little dry. Poogie was bored out of her mind. She would do a whole lesson in one day.
It's a mastery curriculum. You learn each skill and master it before you move on. For example, Delta level focuses on division, where as, Epsilon focuses on fractions. Many students and parents are not comfortable with this type of curriculum and that's ok. But for your child it may just be what they need.
I have personally used Math U See on and off for both of my children. Even though, it didn't suit Poogie's learning style in the beginning we are now using it for Pre-Algebra and she is doing well.
Tomorrow I will talk about Rod & Staff math, Poogie's favorite and T's kryptonite, lol.
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