Homeschool World Forum

kkapfe · User Joined: 13 Jun 2006 Posts: 55 Location: Illinois

My daughter (previously homeschooled until this year, now in private school 3rd grade) just took the saxon placement test. According to their scores, she should begin in book 76. Is this crazy for an 8 year old? We went through the test together and I explained a new concept if we came across one however, she supplied the answers and then did some extra problems that I made up to show that she new how to do it. I am going to be bringing her home at Christmas break to be homeschooled again. Should I really put her in 76 or make her start 54 instead?

Theodore · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 7:34 pm Post subject:

I'm sure the placement test is accurate, no point holding her back just because she's a bit ahead. I know of homeschooled kids who've done Calculus at age 12...
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mschickie · User Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 136

I would start with 76 and if you find she is having a hard time with it then you can always go back to the 54 book. My concern is that you had to go over some of the concepts when she was taking the test. The best way to get an accurate assesment is to just let them do it. If they do not know a concept well then they could not do that problem and it gives you the information you need to know. You really want to make sure they she has a good foundation on basic arithmetic, fractions and so on as you are moving towards algebra. Now do I think an 8 year old can handle 76 yes there are some who are ready. Look at both books and see what you really think she can do.

rhi · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 6:07 pm Post subject:

I was actually told by our mentor teacher that Saxon is about 2 years behind where a child should be. But I'm not sure if that's true. She wants my dd to skip pr-algebra and go straight into algebra. But my dd is really good with math.
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mschickie · User Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 136

Saxon is actually used by many ps districts. As a former Math teacher I can tell you it is not behind other programs just set up differently. A traditional program will work through one topic at a time where as Saxon breaks it up and then will build upon it. There is alot more review and practice of topics that have been covered in previous sections than in most traditional textbooks. Maybe that is why they said it was two years behind because of the review building, I do not know. I can tell you that in the high school courses they go into alot more depth than traditional textbooks and use terminology that is traditionally used in college courses. Sd has done so much better with Saxon and is really excelling in Math now.

ruby.mein · User Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 15

mschickie · User Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 136

Kids who do Calculus at 12 are the exception not the rule. It would depend on the child. I do know one child locally who is homeschooled who will be doing Calculus at age 12 or 13. He is a math and science wiz kid. The boy writes computer programs for fun. To him he is enjoying his child. Now do I think my kids are ready for Calculus at that age, no. I would not even attempt it. It really just depends on the child.

rhi · Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 8:24 pm Post subject:

elliemaejune

Theodore · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 9:40 am Post subject: