I've been spending the past couple of weeks glued to the internet searching for a math curriculum.  There are so many options that the search can get a bit overwhealming.  I managed to narrow it down to two options which I think seem like good programs and will fit my children's learning style.  My kids are not the sit and just listen type.  It might be because they are still so young or maybe because they inherited my husband's and mine approach to learning.  We are very hands on and learn better by watching and participating, which is why school was for both of us tedious and not very educational.  I have a feeling my kids are the same way.  I can't fathom the thought of my poor babies locked up in a class for hours lathargicaly and blankly staring at a black board while hearing nothing but "blah, blah, blah" from their teaches.  Yuck, that though brings back memories!

Anyways, the two math curriculum I think will fit the bill are Math U-See and Horizons.  Both emphasise learning by using manipulatives and workbooks instead of text books.  MUS uses blocks we must purchase from the company to make math concepts visible and tangible to the kids.  Horizons uses real life materials to do the same.  I'm leaning toward purchasing MUS because the way the blocks are used seems a very good yet simple way for chidren to visualise math.  I think using blocks instead of several types of materials will help my kids focus on the math instead of the objects themselves.  There are other reasons why MUS seems the better choice.  The price for both will be about the same, but for MUS the blocks can be used through out the elementary program.  Even though the workbooks are not colorful like Horizons the program comes with video instructions and we can purchase song which incorporate the Bible with math and I absolutely love that.  I ordered a sample DVD and am eager to watch it!  If I like what the demo DVD shows then we will purchase that program for sure.

Next I will be searching for a grammar program as well as books on history and science which like the MUS music incorporates a Biblical point of view including Creation. 

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Posted by ManyCultures1Family

I just changed curriculum myself, and was in your shoes. ugh! I decided on Math U See and Learning Language Arts Through Literature. Both seem excellent to me. Happy hunting!

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Posted by Monda

I was making the same choice a few weeks ago and decided to go with MUS... One reason I open for it is you can use it through upper level math where I think horizons stops at 6th.

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