Homeschool World Forum

[bedashwood]

Has anyone any experience or know of anyone who has experience with MASTERING MATHEMATICS by Letz Farmer? Its supposedly for grades 1 thru 6. We are currently using Horizons math for 1st and we like it somewhat, but it is very flashy and very dependent on me (the teacher). I have 2 other highly “active” children that vacuume my time and I would prefer something less distracting, a little more student independent, yet similar in scope and sequence to horizons. We are going to finish Horizons 1st for this year, but for next year, I hope to switch. The Mastering Mathematics looks wonderful at a glance, but it is not spiral – its sequential mastery. ( I know there are pros and cons to both.) There are also Making Math Meaningful, and Miquon Math. I am overwhelmed! Everyting gets good reviews! Ahh!!! Please share your experiences with any of these! Thanks!

[Jill]

I used Mastering Math with both my kids - one average math student who came out of ps in 2nd grade and was really struggling in math and one "math mind" who started with Mastering Math in K. I started the second grader on page 1, and we worked quickly to master the skills that were covered.

I finished the program with both kids. One finished at the end of 6th grade and my other one finished mid-5th. My older went into Teaching Textbooks 7 because it seemed like it would be a review and I wanted to build her confidence in math. She blew through it and made an A on every lesson. The younger went directly into Pre-Algebra (didn't need the confidence building as much), again, no problems.

Check out my more detailed review here http://www.homeschool-by-design.com/mastering-mathematics.html. I haven't updated it since my 2nd child finished. I need to. Some of my friends feel it doesn't provide enough practice problems. Overall, it gets a THUMBS UP from me based on the results I got with my kids. It's no frills and covers what they need to know for 1-6 grade at a VERY reasonable price per year.

Best wishes!
_________________
Jill
http://www.homeschool-by-design.com
Where love and learning go hand in hand.

[bedashwood]

Your reply was very helpful! thanks!

[pecangrove]

If I were to switch math it would probably be to CLE math or Rod and Staff. They both seem like less-distracting layouts, so you may want to take a look at them.
_________________
It's ok if you don't know where you're going,
so long as you know the ONE who does.

[sartasd]

I second the CLE Christian LIght Education.

Both of my kids LOVE CLE. The math is mostly done independently.
I only have to assist a little bit.
_________________
Sharon