I read one thread about what math curriculum mom's were using to supplement TOG. Many (if not the majority) commented they did not like Saxon and had switched. Most seemed to like Math U See.

I was disappointed because I was thinking of using it and it is affordable. In the past I heard folks rave about Saxon as a good program. I do believe in repetition and practice drills with math to get the basics cemented in their heads. It may not always be fun - but I'm ok with that.

Anyhow, my 4th grade daughter (mildly autistic) has no problem memorizing math facts and doing basic math problems, but she has trouble with word problems (her reading comprehension lags behind her reading level) and has trouble with math that requires more abstract thought. I'm probably going to homeschool her next fall (5th grade).

With that in mind... do you have any Math curriculum suggestions for a future homeschooler on a bit of a budget?

I love Saxon and have only used that program. I am not to keen on Math U See, takes a lot more work from MOM and it's a different way of learning math. I like just the basics. I think Saxon would be good for your daughter..just the basics..not alot of abstract, there are story problems but also plenty of other basic problems and drill.

I also love Saxon. We used it w/ our dd, who is now graduated, and are continuing to use it w/ our dss. There are word problems, so that may be a concern for you, and since she's at the 4th grade level, it may be difficult for her to jump right in. You may want to try to get your hands on a used copy and see how it goes, or explore other options. I have friends who use Math U See and have looked at the materials and it doesn't appeal to me or my dss at all.

Thank you both. I feel better now.

My first post on this forum, I'm sooo excited!!!

Ok, so I have 2 children. I love Saxon, and used it exclusively until it didn't "work" for my second child. Then we switched to MUS, which worked well for the second child. Then I tried to use a higher level of MUS with my first child. End result is I have 1 using each of the curriculums and , as a result, I love both of them for very different reasons. The down side is that I have no idea why the particular child needs the particular program as we have no idetifiable or noticeable learning disabilities. They just do.

In short, both are very good programs. If you or your child is doing well with either one, then I would suggest using that one. The whole "don't fix it if it isn't broke" thing. Just my opinion. Hope it helps someone.

The other Tracy in Swthwst MO.

We started homeschooling in January, and chose Saxon as our math program, on the recommendation of a homeschooling friend, after previewing her copy. The kids did the placement tests with humorous results, both tested at 7/6, which is grade appropriate for my DD, but 2 years advanced for my DS. So now the kids act as a math co-op for each other, marveling at how they get the same answer two different ways, and loving every minute of it.

I am also supplementing their Saxon with Jacob's Mathematics a Human Endeavor. This is a winning combination for us. It balances out fundamentals and review (Saxon)with a thought provoking and extremely fun challenge(Jacobs).

In short, I wouldn't worry so much about which program garners the most positive responses from others, but focus on finding a program that produces positive results for you and your child.

Unless of course you are a former teacher, hopelessly addicted to curriculum review and modification - but my issues are a whole other story.

Hope this helps.

I have used Saxon Math for a very long time, mainly at the higher levels (Algebra and up). I also did try the lower levels but ended up using Horizons Math (Alpha-Omega Publishers) through 6th grade for my three younger kids. Currently my youngest son is in Horizons Math 4, my daughter is using Algebra 1/2 and my son is doing Advanced Math. I have them use the DIVE CDs (www.diveintomath.com) which do the math lesson on the computer along with practice problems. It is very helpful for auditory learners and especially at the upper levels it gives added instruction from a different perspective than the book. The CD costs $50 but can be purchased with the set of books at some places. (Rainbow Resource is one.) If you don't buy them together be sure to check edition numbers carefully.

Hope this helps,
Vivian in AZ with six kids ranging in age from 26-9!

Saxon is horrible!!! I did it for three years. One year we went with the dive program one year (recommended by saxon) and the guy leaves out stuff that is essential to comply with the saxon program. The books overlap ridiculousely into the previous year. I'm using Mc Dougal Littel this year and love it. http://www.mcdougallittell.com/ml/math.htm

I can't speak about the DIVE CDs - haven't used one. I also haven't actually taught Saxon yet, but I have looked over 5/4 kit that just came in the mail and have read many reviews by homeschooling parents.

The way I understand it, Saxon repeats previous skills for the purpose of helping the student warm up with something more familiar and keep up the skills they've already learned. (if you don't use it, you lose it) If you have a student that excells at math and doesn't need all that review, you can just have them skip some of the problems.

My daughter has mild autism and struggles with word problems and abstract concepts. I've looked at other math curricula and felt that most of them were too abstract for her to grasp. She needs some math remediation, too. I felt that Saxon 5/4 would give her that, along with confidence from doing some familiar things over. We'll see....

I enjoy Saxon because it is basic and very well organized. Everything is learned and in the proper order. It is also very affordable since I feel confident enough with the Elementary material to only purchase the workbooks once. We do not use them and write answers in a notebook or I make when necessary.

One problem I hear with it is that it is boring. I think it would be if you required your child to do every lesson. First, the first half of every year is a review of the last year for the most part. Orally ask your child things to ensure mastery and then skip!! Secondly, there is a great deal of review. Once your child has mastered, skip similar lessons. Perhaps come back for review. It is a tried and true program and not overly complicated and, if used properly, a great program.

BTW, to make the story problems using the same concepts but change the names and even situation to people we know. Makes it more fun and personal.

Saxon doesn't work well with my oldest dd but we are giving it another try this year with algebra because it was the best we could find that was affordable for us. We are getting through it much better than we did when we used Saxon at a lower level.

Yes and No
I have four children (oldest is graduating in two weeks) and we have used Saxon with them all to varying levels of success. The oldest didn't start Saxon until Alg I - she did math for three hours a day, tears, frustration, but she wouldn't give up. She never made the logic connections. I might also add that I did Alg. 1/2, Alg.I and Alg II on my own so that I could explain things as she went. Didn't help. My middle two began Saxon at the 6/5 and 7/6 levels and didn't seem to struggle as much. My youngest started Saxon in the 4/5 book and he just whizzes right through it. So I think a lot of the success with Saxon depends on when you start and the bent of your child. My oldest three are doing TT and my yougest will continue with Saxon until Alg 1/2 which is when I will decided if we will switch to TT or stay with Saxon. When we took the ACT I did not see a math score that justified three hours of work a day and constant frustration.
I found out recently that Saxon has made a disk that has a teacher woking every problem on each lesson. This tool would have kept me in Saxon (probably). Anyway that is my two cents.
debi

As many people do, we started with Saxon when we began homeschooling. It was a competent program. . .but. . .my goal with homeschooling was and is to make my children fall in love in with learning, so that they will always want to do it always. To that end, we switched to Math U See and it was a very good decision. My younger two now love math--and even my 16 year old is more tolerant of it (she was in public school until 3rd grade, where I think the goal is to make kids hate math LOL). I enjoy math with my kids now, and I used to dread it with Saxon.

As for the budget aspect, until this year, I never bought new workbooks. There are enough pages/per week to make it possible. Now that I will be going into child #3, I am getting new workbooks, but the teacher books and DVDs are good forever!

I have used MUS for 3 years now, my oldest dd is 14yo (just turned 14 this week) and is in Zeta. MUS has been great for all my kids but last week dd asked to look at other options. She needs something that review constantly, she watched the DIVE cd and loved it. That being said one lady told me that Saxon is great at giving confidence to children who struggle in math.

I think in your situation Saxon would probably work well, have her take the placement test to see where she tests in at.
hth
lori

I had the privelege of graduating two young men (2005). They were hschooled the whole way through their school years. During the latter part of their schooling we were able to break-away from Saxon because Teaching Textbooks came on the scene. We loved it! They scored high on their college entrance tests. The instructor on the cd's went over every question and every answer (if needed). It freed me up from having to teach higher level math.
Now I am teaching two younger children and they love Teaching Textbooks. They have now published books starting at 5th grade with a 4th grade book in the works.
I have personally met and talked with the two young men that created and published this curriculum. They were both math majors through college and have put what they learned to work! \
This program works for me and I was so glad to get out from under Saxon. Saxon is meant for a public school setting where the students are given busy work to keep them busy so the teacher has time to help the slower students. I used it for a long time, it's OK, but now my children beg for math and they NEVER did that using Saxon.