A [Hopefully Final] Change in Math Curriculum

Over the years, we have used several different Math programs for JJ. He is one of the "lucky" kiddos who has always struggled with Math, so we have had some difficulty finding which curriculum works best for him. Some of our choices have included:

• Kumon Math workbooks
• Developmental Mathematics
• Mastering Mathematics - by Letz Farmer
• K5 Learning - online program
• ACE Paces (Accelerated Christian Education)   

All of these curriculum have pros and cons. They all worked well for awhile and helped JJ to learn, and to advance in his math skills. However, none of them really helped explain the math process to him in a way that he could understand. I have noticed I have been able to do most of his math problems on my own and get the correct answers, however, explaining HOW to do them in a way that HE will understand has been more difficult.

At the beginning of last school year (2016), we were using ACE paces for his Math. He was doing well with it for the most part but, eventually, hit a brick wall. So, we started using Math Antics to help explain different concepts, and found it to be very helpful at times. But, Math Antics isn't a full math curriculum. So, I once again, began the search for a different curriculum, one that is more visual like the Math Antics videos. I had heard about Teaching Textbooks from so many people and, I don't know why, but I never really wanted to go that route. I'm guessing the price was a bit of a deterrent. Plus, I just didn't have any experience with it and was used to using a workbook approach. But, I asked around in my homeschool circles to see if anyone was ready to sell the level 7 CD's, and I found a good deal on a used set. (One thing nice about Teaching Textbooks is that, even if you buy the curricula used, you can call the company and they will gladly give you an access code to be able to use it on your own computer.)

So, at the start of second semester last year, shortly after Christmas break, we started using TEACHING TEXTBOOKS. It still hasn't been without some difficulty. However, it has helped greatly to explain HOW to do the math problems. JJ went from making C's (and sometimes lower) with ACE paces, to making A's and B's with Teaching Textbooks. Plus, it is self-grading, which makes it a lot easier on me, too. Success!

So, hopefully, we will be able to continue with Teaching Textbooks throughout the rest of JJ's school years, although I am not opposed to supplementing with other curriculum if needed. I don't anticipate him getting into the higher levels of math before finishing High School (Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, etc.) but that's okay! He isn't interested in a career that will need those higher levels of math. So, we will have him continue to work at his level, and move on at his own pace. That is the beauty of individualized home education.

Math Antics Saved the Day

Adding something new and more complex to my son's Math curriculum usually causes him a boat load of anxiety and he tends to shut down and not want to continue. This morning was one of those mornings. After awhile of trying the new concept, we both grew frustrated and wanted to quit, but I decided we were not going to give up. We did take a little break (sometimes that is necessary), but we kept working through it. 

While we were on our break, I decided to look online for a video that could explain the math concepts in a more visual way. In my search, I found a website, Math Antics, with a math video that really helped. After watching the video, my son understood the concept a little better and was able to complete his work.  I'm sure we will be using this website again in the future. Here is the link, and a little more information about them:

ABOUT Math Antics (as found on the website):  It is the work of two individuals, Rob and Jeremy, who want to make learning math a little easier for everyone. We know that many students struggle with math and that many teachers and parents need better tools to help students succeed. Our goal is to provide simple and engaging math resources that make learning math more fun for students of all ages.

All of the video lessons on Math Antics are FREE. It is not a complete curriculum, but they include fun videos that cover concepts in arithmetic, fractions, geometry, percents, and algebra basics. You have the option to subscribe for $20. 00 per year, but that is only if you want to use the exercises and worksheets that go along with their videos.   

In the FAQ's on the Math Antics website, it says this about their main goals:  Our math lessons are organized by subject rather than grade level. Our goal is to create math videos that clearly explain math concepts to students of any age. At this time we do not have plans to align with common core or any other specific math standards. One of our main goals for Math Antics is to be as universal as possible. That is why we don't organize our content by grade. While the majority of students may learn a particular skill or concept in a particular grade, we don't want to discourage older students from going back to learn or review the fundamentals.

Kid Snippets Math is Like Life at Our House

Kid Snippets have been going around on the Internet for awhile, and they are so good. They get kids to talk about a given topic, then the adults act out the scene with the kids voices dubbed in. This one about Math is probably my favorite. Not only is it funny, it also reminds me of what math is like in our home! I would consider JJ as the "teacher" and EL as the "student." Check it out!

KID SNIPPETS:  MATH CLASS