Comments on: Articles and Reviews

By: Chrissy

Chrissy — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 17:34:01 +0000

Hi Kate! I’m curious as to which online math curriculum you think would be best for my daughter who is technically behind one year in math due to not finding a good curriculum fit for her last school year. This school year we have been using Math-U-See and it did help her gain confidence in math but it is extremely mastery based which she gets tired of doing the same thing again and again. She loves to practice math on the computer using some free apps we have but I am considering teaching textbooks or CTC math for her next year unless you have a better suggestion. She’ll be 8 by then and in 3rd grade. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I can’t wait to start your math with confidence kindergarten level with my son in the fall! Thanks for all you do to help homeschoolers navigate math!
Chrissy

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 17:48:04 +0000

Hi, Kate,
Thank you for all of your amazing content. I’ve been playing the “Subtraction Facts That Stick” games with all three of my kiddos (7, 4 and 3), making modifications for the little ones. They all LOVE the games and beg for more.
My oldest is working through BA2B right now. He was very enthusiastic about Beast Math at the beginning of the school year but hit a snag with regrouping and has been in a funk regarding math ever since. Math was actually his favorite subject in public school and I hate that he’s no longer enjoying it. He’s actually very capable and is ultimately able to do the BA problems correctly but he gets frustrated easily and wants a lot of hand holding. I’m on the fence about whether to continue with BA next year. I love that BA is very open and go but I think my son might benefit from a little more instruction.
I’ve considered Right Start since I know it incorporates a lot of games and he loves your subtraction fact games so much. My only hesitation is that I also have a rising Kindergartener and 3-year-old and I wonder if teaching two levels of Right Start would be too time intensive. I did think about just supplementing BA with Right Start games but I don’t know how well they pair.
I also thought Singapore Math could work but I’ve heard it’s difficult to teach.
Any suggestions? There’s a lot I like about BA but part of the appeal is that it’s somewhat hands-off for the parent. I anticipated that because my son is good at math I could let go of the reins a little and that’s not turning out to be true, at least at this age. Thank you again.

By: Kate

Kate — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 12:24:33 +0000

In reply to ghalieb. Hi Ghalieb, The Learn Math Fast system is geared more towards older learners who need a fast way to review or learn material. I wouldn't recommend it for a third grader, since it moves very quickly, doesn't include much review, and doesn't include much conceptual instruction. Take a look at my guide to choosing curriculum for links to all my reviews and some other possibilities. Happy Math! Kate

By: ghalieb

ghalieb — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 14:19:37 +0000

Hi Kate

I came across the ‘Learn Maths Fast System’ by Jk Mergens and was wondering if you’ve reviewed it and what your thoughts are? We’ve been using Singapore Maths for my daughter in grade 3 with mixed results and looking for a curriculum that explains the concepts in a much easier and user-friendly manner.

Would really appreciate your advice.

Thanks
Ghalieb

By: Manjari

Manjari — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 21:23:54 +0000

Hi Kate,

I had used and liked standard edition of Singapore math primary mathematics books for my kid till 6th grade. I am not leaning towards Dimension math. From 7th grade I am looking for a curriculum that will help me to teach my struggling 7th grader. Please guide me to a curriculum that is similar to Singapore math primary mathematics.