Homeschool World Forum

[LisaMKH]

I do not want anything watered down. I also do not want anything that is only labeled challenging because it is confusing, not just thorough. My children are young and very good at math. I want something that will appeal to their age levels, yet be thorough and teach well. They both plan careers in the maths.

I was considering Jacobs but I saw the copyright date was 1979 so now I am concerned that it is out of date. I was also considering Lials, but then was told that it has small print and is really aimed at an older child, possibly college aged, and my children's eyes might gloss over trying to do it. I really liked the way Teaching Textbooks looks, but have read an occassional post that while it is an excellent program, it might not be the most thorough. I have heard mixed reviews on NEM (Singapore Maths higher level math). I like BJU Algebra, but I also heard it too might not be complete, but that was from someone making generalizations about Christian materials. I am not interested in Foersters as I read that it takes a discovery math approach. I am completely unwilling to even consider Videotext or Saxon again. I definitely cannot stand Videotext and I think Saxon just is not a fit for my children. And I have heard mized reviews on U of Chicago math.

So..I am down to U of Chicago, Teaching Textbooks, NEM, Lial's, Jacobs, and BJU. Help!!!!!!!!

[corywingate]

I started using mathusee at mathusee.com. a couple of months ago and it has been a God send. It has taken all the frustration out of learning math for my 10 year-old.

[isamama]

Have you heard of HH publishing's Interactive math series? I first bought Lial, and still love it, but my dd needed something that baby stepped her into Algebra. Now she loves it and is in the 2nd book (it's a 2-book series for Alg I). As for its completeness I have two comments to share.

1) They don't completely cover slope formulas til you are in their 3rd book (Intermediate Alg).

2) My dd23 used these books to brush up on her skills in order to tutor on campus. Both she, and her dh, were very impressed with what they contained and how the material was presented. Dd23 has a degree in English Lit and has returned to get a Physics degree.

I don't want to waste the Lial curriculum I purchased, so I told dd I'll have her run through that when she finishes HH. IMO Two layers of Algegra will stand the test of time vs. one - just like painting your house.
_________________
I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow. - Woodrow Wilson.

[elliemaejune]

A homeschooling friend who is a certified math teacher and has been tutoring/teaching math for 20 years is a great fan of Lial's.

[cornopean]

hey! check out Ray's Arithmetic. www.raysarithmetic.com

[ozmum]

We have used Saxon for general math and Algebra but we have just gone over to System Math .It is very throrough .My boys prefer listening to reading .And that is what it is about .You get dvds with visual lessons and you print out worksheets to go with the lesson.There are Algebra modules .oh and you can only buy the modules you need.

you can have a look at it at http://www.systemath.com/

I will add, this is not fancy .But so far it is working well for us.
The teacher presenting is pleasant and doesn't go through concepts too fast .