A new math curriculum called iLearn had launched a pilot program to homeshcoolers where homescholers can use the program free of charge for the upcoming year in exchange for monthly feedback. The iLearn math program is geared to 4th through 8th graders, which are the grades when math problems begin. The automated program will determine your childs level and needs, and instruct that child according to the findings. iPASS, which is part of the iLearn program, “uses a unique instructional style, including an engaging multimedia format with graphics, animation and narration” to teach students. Is it a good or even … Continue reading →

(This is the second part of a blog about using Saxon. If you haven’t yet, check out the first part.) The Math Drills From very early on, Saxon is strong when it comes to giving kids good number sense. Part of ‘number sense’ is understanding and being able to readily recall their facts. However, my kids would find the drills tedious. So we stopped doing them. We use math dice instead. We have all types of dice, but our dice have up to 12 sides and the kids roll them and add, subtract or multiple as appropriate. Another thing I … Continue reading →

This blog is an answer to a question about how I skip around Saxon. If you’re not familiar with Saxon, it can best be described as an incremental approach to mathematics. The lessons are scripted and it is designed that you take the lessons in order. This drives some people nutty. However, I think that you can easily adapt Saxon to fit your needs and we have done so in our house, particularly with our son Alex, who is gifted in this area. Understanding the Saxon Plan Essentially Saxon follows the same pattern from K-12. You introduce a concept, you … Continue reading →

I mentioned in my last blog in homeschooling, why some people really hate Saxon math. I have a friend who thinks that it is the worst possible curriculum on the market. She swears that her children were put grade levels behind by the program. I only half believe her, partly because we really like Saxon math. Here’s why: It makes sense. . . Saxon math makes so much sense. You may be going through lessons on left and right (and yes, in the kindergarten level there are two lessons on your left hand and your right hand) thinking what on … Continue reading →

Some people hate it and some people love it. However, it is arguably one of the best selling math programs for homeschoolers. In future blogs, I will cover why Saxon math works well for people and how to use it to counter balance some of the ‘negatives’ of Saxon math. But first let’s talk about why people hate it. Saxon math is constantly reviewing. Many people feel that Saxon goes too slow. In your first few months of any year you will spend time reviewing. In addition, every single lesson has some review. This is because the basic philosophy is … Continue reading →