• Apr. 14, 2009
Math Update
If you follow my blog at all, you probably know about our math struggles. We have used a TON of math programs trying to find something that works. We finally settled on Bob Jones math for a while, but now it's moving into division and I don't feel like Taylor is ready for that. Honestly, she understands the concepts pretty well, and she has place value down pat. You can't trip her up- I've tried.
The problem is that she is still so S-L-O-W at her computation. It would take her literally 5 minutes to do two simple 7+4 or 8-2 type problems. She understands the concept of multiplication and can figure out the answer to every problem up till the sevens because she has learned skip counting up to her 6's. But she in no way has the facts memorized.
Right now in my house I have Bob Jones math grades 1,2,3, and 4. I also have Miquon Math (the whole set), an absolute TON of math manipulatives and various books and games, and most recently I have also bought Mastering Mathmatics. I probably have more that I've forgotten about. That is some pretty big bucks spent on math products.
Like I said, my most recent purchase was Mastering Mathematics. For the week prior to getting it in the mail, I had been doing Miquon starting all the way back at the beginning with the Orange book. Let me tell you, math has been GREAT! I'm hearing things like, "Math is the best! It's my favorite!" or "I love math!" There are giggles and laughs instead of tears. She is going through 9-12 pages a day. I'm setting a timer for 30 minutes and having her do as many pages as she can in that time. I catch her stopping the timer because she wants to do more. Is this the same girl??
I am seriously considering letting her finish the series. When we tried it in 1st grade, she HATED it. I really liked it, which is why I've kept it these years. A lot of it is review, but it does cover advanced concepts. The very first book has some multiplying and dividing. It seems to me to be right on her level. Some of the problems challenge her and a lot make her really think, but it's not so hard that she is frustrated. Isn't that where the learning level should be? I'm just stressing a bit because it's considered "1st grade level." John thinks we should stick with what's working. I don't know why I let these things bug me. After all, one reason we homeschool at all is so that we're able to tailor a curriculum to meet Taylor's needs and not try to make her fit somebody else's mold. I guess I just need to know that I'm doing the right thing and that she IS learning. I need to be reminded sometimes that academics is just one slice of the pie and not the complete product we're working toward. OK, maybe I just reminded myself.
It can be really helpful to put your thoughts down in writing.
Thanks for journeying through my mind with me!
Comments
• Apr. 14, 2009
Yippee for Taylor!!!
Posted by thewoons
I am glad Taylor was able to experience the joy of UNDERSTANDING the math. It really helps her not to identify her struggles with the subject itself. As I have worked with B on reading I have always let him read books that are on his level, higher than his level, and lower than his level. The tougher books stretch his abilities. The on-level books keep him on target. The lower-level books keep him loving reading... they are just fun!!! Math can be the same way. When they are able to celebrate their successes, they will get farther quicker! I think you are on the right track!!! Good job, Mom, for not giving up when it was tough.
