Saxon Math

[Momvic5]

Luckily i have a bright child who is way ahead, because it doesnt teach kids how to actually do the concepts, and to do math in their head, fith graders should NOT be using scientific calculators


ok vent over

I have to wonder what they are doing.... I am using the 5th grade homeschool version with my 4th grader, and we have not used a calculator at all. On a rare occassion, they will have you get a calculator out so that the child can begin to learn how to use one, but it is never recommended to be used for their work. I have used all of the books starting at 1st grade and ending at Algebra 1. A graphing calculator was recommended at the end of the Algebra 1 book for graphing...that is it.

 

[Momvic5]

I've never used it, but have seen the program and couldn't get past the boring factor and the scripted teacher's guide. .

If I am remembering right, I think only the K-3rd grade books have scripted teachers' guides. After that, the concepts are taught directly to the student through the student's workbook, and once they reach pre-algebra, the concepts are taught in the student's textbook. Starting at 4th grade, teachers' guides are a thing of the past - only a solution book is available.

 

[HelenePA]

Love both math and phonics, they know how to code words but I dont!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I had to use it in the high school I taught math in, and I didn't like it at all, at least for Algebra. When they introduced a new concept, there was so little of it at a time. I found myself constantly giving extra practice students wanted when learning something new. But I couldn't say how negative I really felt about the Saxon program because the administration (who didn't teach high school math) loved it.

 

[Pembo]

My own kids schools use Saxon Math through 6th grade. My kids like it okay.

The school I teach it uses it...it is very difficult to use for the child who needs more repetitive work on the day's concept. I teach special ed and have had 2 kids that I had to use an alternative math curriculum. They both needed more problems for the day's concept and had a very tough time with every problem of the homework being a different concept. So I think it is good for some but not all.

 

[Ppufi]

I never enjoyed it much as a student, for some classes. I always found there were some bizarre questions for homework that were never taught in the lesson. It got me prepared though.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

When I taught, I used the 2nd grade version and loved it. There's no rule that says you have to use the "script" verbatim. I liked having the script as a reference in case I forgot something. I loved that it reviewed concepts daily and I never had to worry about or plan extra for the Math homework.

 

[Wishing on a star]

If I am correct, the Saxon that schools use and the Saxon that Homeschoolers can get are two different things.

I have also come to the conclusion that, like many things, Saxon is a love/hate proposition.

We HATED Saxon for our son in early elementary.
Absolutely HATED it.

 

[Feralpeg]

The school where I teach uses Saxon math. I like it because it continuously reinforces the concepts previously learned. It isn't like many programs, where you learn a concept and then move on. Kids tend to forget those concepts. The concepts are reintroduced over and over. By using the concepts repeatedly, the kids really learn them.

 

[golfgal]

HATE, HATE, HATE, HATE, HATE, HATE , HATE, HATE, HATE I cant say it enough,our school switch to it and it is terrible.

Luckily i have a bright child who is way ahead, because it doesnt teach kids how to actually do the concepts, and to do math in their head, fith graders should NOT be using scientific calculators

and the fact that they have to send home a guide so parents can help with the home work nope nope

just another prime example of the downturn of the american educational system



ok vent over

I TOTALLY disagree-the K-4th lessons are TOTALLY focused on learning concepts and doing math in their heads. Our kids never used a calculator with their Saxon math, ever. Our school sent home guides IF kids needed help but our kids never needed the help.

 

[Wishing on a star]

The school where I teach uses Saxon math. I like it because it continuously reinforces the concepts previously learned. It isn't like many programs, where you learn a concept and then move on. Kids tend to forget those concepts. The concepts are reintroduced over and over. By using the concepts repeatedly, the kids really learn them.

Yes, I know that this is one reason that some like Saxon.

However, I feel that it has a huge problem (and hated it) because it goes WAY to far with this.

For example, it might have 3 addition, one time, one fraction, 2 subraction, 3 word problems, etc... etc... etc. all CRAM PACKED (talking small, fine, print here) onto each worksheet.

Sorry, but my kid was not able to memorize basic math facts such as addition/multiplication tables, etc... by having 3 problems.... There was NO focus at all on mastering any of these simple essential skills. (The teacher would have to take this on herself, in addition to everything else that they are trying to focus on AT ONE TIME.

There is such a thing as concept-overload.
There is such a thing as completely refusing to focus on any one concept long enough for some learners to 'get it'.

We HATED Saxon for our son for early elementary.

When they took away his SPED math, was the day I pulled him out of the school.

Like I said, Saxon can be a love-hate curriculum.

Each person's mileage may vary.

 

[scrapquitler]

If I am remembering right, I think only the K-3rd grade books have scripted teachers' guides. After that, the concepts are taught directly to the student through the student's workbook, and once they reach pre-algebra, the concepts are taught in the student's textbook. Starting at 4th grade, teachers' guides are a thing of the past - only a solution book is available.

And the kids can work it independently for the most part. We used Algebra 1/2 for my DD for 7th and 8th grade (it took her two years to work thru it). She did it independently, asking Dad for help when she needed it (because I am an Algebra idiot). Now she is in public school, 9th grade. The first quarter interim reports just came out last week. So far she has a 99% average in Algebra 1. I guess that the Saxon prepped her adequately.

 

[Momvic5]

Yes, I know that this is one reason that some like Saxon.

However, I feel that it has a huge problem (and hated it) because it goes WAY to far with this.

For example, it might have 3 addition, one time, one fraction, 2 subraction, 3 word problems, etc... etc... etc. all CRAM PACKED (talking small, fine, print here) onto each worksheet.

Sorry, but my kid was not able to memorize basic math facts such as addition/multiplication tables, etc... by having 3 problems.... There was NO focus at all on mastering any of these simple essential skills. (The teacher would have to take this on herself, in addition to everything else that they are trying to focus on AT ONE TIME.There is such a thing as concept-overload.
There is such a thing as completely refusing to focus on any one concept long enough for some learners to 'get it'.

We HATED Saxon for our son for early elementary.

When they took away his SPED math, was the day I pulled him out of the school.

Like I said, Saxon can be a love-hate curriculum.

Each person's mileage may vary.

I wonder how different the homeschool version is from the school version - meaning the teaching of facts and concepts - not the presentation. In the homeschool version, the daily quizzes are essential in teaching the *facts*. Without the daily quizzes, I could see how the facts would be hard to learn because the daily lessons are comprehensive and not just focused on the facts. In the homeschool version, the daily lessons are not meant to teach the *facts*. The facts are drilled and practiced through flash cards and timed quizzes, and the daily lessons put the facts into concepts. I have to wonder if the quizzes are being used in the school version, and if they are used, I wonder if they are being used to strengthen the daily lessons. Now I am curious to see a school version......

I will agree Saxon Math is not for everyone. It is especially hard to like and use if you are use to another curriculum.

 

[Momvic5]

And the kids can work it independently for the most part. We used Algebra 1/2 for my DD for 7th and 8th grade (it took her two years to work thru it). She did it independently, asking Dad for help when she needed it (because I am an Algebra idiot). Now she is in public school, 9th grade. The first quarter interim reports just came out last week. So far she has a 99% average in Algebra 1. I guess that the Saxon prepped her adequately.

for your daughter!

 

[100acrewoodsfan]

I agree that Saxon is either love it or hate it. My parents pulled me out of public school in 6th grade and we home schooled through high school. My mom loved Saxon but I HATED it. My mom like all the repetition because it helped her remember the math so she could teach me. On the other hand, I was an advanced student and all the repetition drove me crazy. Math went from my favorite subject to my least favorite. It really depends on the student, if they are the kind of kid that will do something once and remember it forever don't use Saxon, if they need the practice use it.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

When son was in private school they used Everyday Mathematics....HATED that book! I pulled him out to homeschool him in part because his math skills (as well as science, social studies, etc.) skills were so poor. We went backwards....I took him back to 3rd grade Singapore Math and we marched through 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade Singapore Math -- which we both loved!

This year I enrolled him in Saxon Pre-Algebra through our homeschool group and while Saxon is very, very dry he is doing great! Each week he does 4 problem sets and takes 1 test. It's a lot of work, but he has demonstrated incredible mastery...has a 97 average at this point.

So, what's good about Saxon....lots of problems means lots of practice....what's bad about Saxon....very dry and boring (though Engineer husband would say that it is straightforward and to the point).

I think what matters is your child's learning style. Singapore taught my DS to do a lot of math in his head and taught him to check his work through estimation (a great skill builder). I think in many ways the Singapore has prepared him to do well in Saxon. If his math skills were still what they were nearly 2 years ago, I think we'd have tears and arguments with every math lesson.

So, in short, Singapore showed him that he could do math and that he wasn't the dummy his private school teachers thought he was in math. Singapore gave him confidence and tools that he is now able to successfully apply in Saxon.

Hope this helps!

K