As I was creating the exhausting but complete and current homeschool curriculum glossary, it dawned on my that, people might want to search by subject matter, and might be interested in what I recommend. Having spent all of that time researching curriculums, I also wanted more mileage out of that well spent time and knowledge gained. Therefore, I will spend some time presenting my top curriculum picks in each subject.
AAA Math is not listed in the homeschool curriculum glossary because it is not exactly a homeschool curriculum. It is instead an online resource. I do however recommend it to anyone looking to use the internet to homeschool. If find it is a great guide and tell you what math functions your child should know at each grade level, plus provides great online instruction and math drills. AAA Math.com used to be a completely free resource, but over time, I have noticed that they are now charging for some lessons, which they will send to you in the form of a CD. I am not opposed to paying for these lessons, but parents can find other sources for these few lessons if they need to.
Developmental Math, the workbook series mentioned in the homeschool curriculum glossary is a self- teaching program. I am all of for self-teaching programs. Recommended in Mary Pride’s Big Book of Home Learning, this program is a foundation driven, no frills approach to math. I like it because once kids get in the middle school grades, parents regurgitation of math skills gets slower and slower (I know mine did), so having such a clear cut teaching program will help the parent remember to how to teach the function, or allow the child to take the book and run.
Professor B Math is a CD Rom program that promises children will master each concept. What more can you ask for? Well, it also de-fragments math, causing it to resemble a continuous story that flows well instead of jumping around from subject so subject. Using Professor B Math, you the parent can watch the CDs together which will allow you to better instruct your children in concepts that you may need to refresh as well.
Saxon Math is an excellent math program provided you are the disciplined, structured type. (Classical, and eclectic homeschoolers with a high emphasis on structure) Saxon Math is designed to be done daily without fail. You cannot take short cuts or skip around with this program or you will create holes in your child’s math knowledge. When used properly, Saxon Math will progressively teach your kids new skills while helping them retain math knowledge they have already learned. Parents teaching middle school math and above will want to purchase the teachers manual as well.
Teaching Textbooks is the program my kids will be using next year, and I am very excited about it. This individual approach to math, which utilizes lessons and review on DVD, is an awesome tool for individual learners. My only worry is that the kids may not need my help at all.
Special mention: Times Tales is not exactly a math curriculum but a great tool to help your child learn and cement their multiplication facts. Many people have come to me asking what to do about a middle schooler having problems in math, and every time, I have traced the problem back to the child not knowing multiplication facts well. If they cannot multiply, they cannot divide, or understand fractions and decimals. Using Times Tales for just as short period will help your child get past this hurdle and propel them confidently into middle school math.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start with the 2006 homeschool blog in review!