Dec. 1, 2008 - Math U See
Math has never been a fabulous favorite at our house. My husband is an engineer - you'd think some of those genes would have been strong enough to be passed on.....
My middle son - in 4th grade - has expecially struggled. We've been doing Horizons math for K-3 for the past several years. We switch to Saxon math at 4th grade. My middle son has just hated it! He would dawdle, cry, whine, pout.... you name it.... when it came time to do math. It was soooo hard for us! Every night he'd be at the table with that worksheet in front of him - having to sit there until he finished it. He didn't struggle so much with the concepts. He struggled more with the way they were presented and the many problems he had to do. He would be overwhelmed at the seemingly daunting task before him and he just wouldn't get over it without much anguish. Once he did - he had no problem doing the work. But it was like this day after day after day!
After our summer, I hoped things would get better after he had a break from it. Since he hadn't finished his workbook from the previous semester - I had him continue in that one when we started up again in Sept. Big mistake! Day one - same routine as before! Charlotte Mason to the rescue. I decided to chuck the workbook and have him work for 15-20 min a day on his math - as recommended by Miss Mason. I told him that I would set the timer for a certain amount of time and as long as he didn't dawdle during that time and worked diligently then when the timer went off he was done. He really liked that idea! It worked beautifully! So, I began doing some research into different curriculums. I was intrigued by Math-U-See and sent for their demonstration DVD. I tried not to jump in too soon - as I have a habit of doing - and took time to think and pray about this. Well, I finally decided to purchase it for my 4th grader as well as my 7th grader who hasn't done as well with Saxon as I expected. Today the package arrived - and we did our first lessons. Granted - it is only day one - but so far so good! They love the manipulative sets and I really like the DVD lessons. I like the way it is set up with practice sheets that are done only as needed. They aren't overwhelming - either! I have high hopes for this one! I'll have to keep you posted on our progress! I love when we discover what works!!
Comments
Dec. 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Joycemarie
Hi there, I am so glad that you are back! I have missed you. I did this very same thing with my Brittany...it seemed the longer she worked the worse it was...when I shortened her lessons...she began growing and actually moving through her books...isn't that funny? And here, I thought I was the only person that witnessed this. Good to know your not alone huh?
Have a blessed Sunday!
Joyce
