I used learned with Saxon through Algebra 2 when I switched to community college math (at age 15) then went on to start engineering school but end up with a physics degree and became a NASA engineer until motherhood. Saxon was totally fine. But that was in the dark ages, so here is more recent experience… I recently tutored at a small homeschool hybrid that uses Saxon. They use Abeka K-3 and the students have a very smooth transition to Saxon 5/4. They will skip advanced kids as much as 2 math grades. If they take algebra 2 in 8th, then they take 2 years in advanced math (they call the first course trigonometry with geometry and they call the second course pre calculus) and 2 years in calculus (which they call calculus 1 and 2). If your student wanted to do the advanced math in one year but still have four highschool credits, you could bring in a stand-alone geometry course (although a full geometry credit is integrated into the Saxon algebra 1-2-and advanced math books like Shoreman). During the slow down year in the advanced math, they could also take an SAT prep course (which I think is integrated into Shoreman). Two of the students in the program I tutored in recently went on to engineering school at Texas A&M (which is a well ranked school). One of them recently graduated and got a job as an aerospace engineer and the other is still in school. Several other students on the same track and are in various nursing schools. One student studies archaeology. Another went to the marines in intelligence groups. None of them did any math online ever, but they all have figured it out pretty quickly in college without too many hiccups. So I will say, Saxon is “enough”. If your oldest likes it, stick with it!! I will say, the engineers (who both went through Saxon calc 1 in highschool) still had to take Calculus 1 in college. So they did fine, but for your engineering minded student…if she’s dead set on engineering….I’d know Saxon is enough, but engineering school is hard, so to make that transition easier, I’d consider that she take an AP calculus online somewhere (well trained mind, high school math live, Art of Problem solving, memoria academy, etc.) then you’d have to find a school where she could sit for the AP exam. Another option is to just take calc at community college but I feel like content targeted to homeschoolers teachers better more consistently (college professors are very hit or miss) which is why I recommend the AP stuff instead. Anyway. That’s enough from me 😅
Another suggestion for your youngest, look into Apologia Math! It is amazing in so many ways we have loved it this year! Colorful activities as well as workbook style. It also has a lot of connections to math and God’s creation of the world sprinkled throughout. It’s really really good
My daughter is using Apologia Mathematics and loving it. We are currently working on math facts. It keeps her engaged and she looks forward to doing her math.
We have used level 3 and about half way through 4 of apologia math with my Irish twins and love it. I'm planning on using level 1 with my 1st grade twins and level 5 with my rising 5th and 6th graders next year/ when we finish level 4.
For your oldest- Both Saxon and Shormann sound like great options for your daughter. One thing that came to my mind- if you want online lessons, but your daughter wants a physical book, Denison is a combo. Denison starts at pre-algebra and goes up with online lessons and support but with a phyical workbook. It's supposed to be great for students for which math isn't their best subject. Jaimie from Simply Living It has reviews on Denison Algebra. For your middle- have you thought about Math U See? Since their pacing is a little different, she may not take a full on "pre-algebra" course her 6th grade year. But the program is hands on (which you have mentioned is good for your middle daughter), and it goes all the way up through calculus. If she is proficient in math, she may want to make it all the way through calculus during high school. For your baby- All I can say is that Math With Confidence has been a treasure for my 2nd grader. The meat and potatoes is in the teachers manual and games. The workbook is colorful, but very simple. Someone who just tried to buy the workbook and use it on its own would totally think its "not enough", because the activities from the teachers manual are vital. I also paired it with the Addition/ Subtraction Facts That Stick for extra math fact proficiency. It has been very comprehensive without feeling like a drag.
For your middle kiddo-Saxon starts with 20 lessons that are review from the previous level, so that might make for a really smooth transition into Saxon 8/7.
We are currently using Singapore Primary Math US Edition its low cost and great for advanced learner that builds mental math and problem solving skills. Math Mammoth is cheaper but not as thorough and colorful but great for math! Hope you will look into it! I love it 🥰
Hm, I thought Algebra 1/2 is for those in between 8/7 and Algebra who need more practice. We went from Abeka to Saxon 8/7 and it took 2 yrs to complete. The drills were great. My dd tried a sample in Shorman and said she didn’t want to do online. She is now in Algebra Lesson 47 and the first lessons review 8/7 very well. Another thought, one reason it took 2 years is because she understood concepts but the speed wasn’t there. She had completed the assessment and placed in 8/7. So it may be for your younger daughter that 7/6 works well so that she can complete it in a shorter amount of time.
You are correct, I may have said that wrong in the video. Saxon Algebra 1/2 is for this needing more prep prior to starting Algebra 1. Some do skip 8/7 and go straight to 1/2 from what I’ve seen in the Saxon group. Thank you for sharing your experience!
My kids are doing Horizons 1 this year, and Horizons 2 next year. We tried Akeka and Singapore Dimensions for K. I feel Horizons has the best progression for my kiddos. My plan is to stick with Horizons until Pre-Algebra and then switch to Shormann from there. This video made my heart so happy, it reaffirmed my thoughts. Thank you ❤
@@LifeofTillmans Although I love Denison for 2 of my kiddos, it doesn't go high enough in high school for a math-minded career student. It's just Advanced algebra/Trig after Algebra 2 (at this point). It's not Precalculus. I even emailed Mr. Denison (he's amazing!) and he suggested that his program isn't the best fit for my son because he is advanced in math. For my girls, though, who used Saxon and got burnt out because math isn't their thing (they want to go into teaching/English or Psychology in college), it is perfect! Absolutely well done and a God-send for the average student. Just thought you should know that! Edit to add: look into Mr. D Math too, he has a sample online.
For your youngest… I love BJU math, but only the new editions parent led not video. The fourth editions. It has many hands on aspects, but some rigor with work. They come with CDs on most levels with extra visuals and worksheets. I’ve used it on my 3rd from kindergarten and 1st and I love it.
I’m also loving the layout and teaching methods of BJU. We do parent led because I’m particular on how things are taught and it aligns with the methods I expect. Clear and concise.
I wasn't expecting another long video...lol. I am in the same situation with an advance math child. I love the idea of Shormann Math but my kids loathe video lessons. A compromise for your oldest daughter could be use Saxon Pre-Algebra with Nicole the Math Lady. It's still online but also using her workbook. This way she can test the waters of an online curriculum without being totally thrown into the ocean with Shormann. Then for 8th grade possibly move on to Shormann Algebra 1. For the rising sixth grader, look into BJU 7 Math (Homeschool with Jen just did a flip-through). BJU Math 7 includes STEM and maybe she won't be bored with math. I am considering skipping CLE Math 6 for my rising sixth grader because she can already do Pre-Algebra. But for the sake of her older siblings, I'll let her skip sixth grade math and move quickly through seventh grade. I also forgot to say that my current 7th and 8th grader can do the same math concepts as well. So to avoid sibling rivalry, my 8th grader is doing Math U See Pre-Algebra which he considers high school math...lol and my 7th grader is doing CLE Math 8. Both are the same concept except CLE is more advance for my 7th grader and MUS Pre-Algebra is the right fit for my 8th grader. My oldest does feel embarrass. Lastly, I vote for Horizon Math or Apologia Math for baby girl.
You feel my struggles. She is not a fan of Nicole the Math Lady but there are the Dive Cd's and My Math Assist. Thanks for the suggestion! Love your plan with them. I definitely thought about sibling rivalry. If they end in the same curriculum I will stagger their start, so they are working on different lessons. At least I think that will work lol
We're doing 8/7 right now. If your daughter feels confident, you should feel confident with her, and be really proud because Saxon is a tough program. TBH, my daughter doesn't completely appreciate my 'fun for me' attitude during math, and if I could do it again, we would probably do a mastery program like Critical Thinking.
I’m definitely proud of her! She has done very well over the years. Mastery has huge benefits for many. If they don’t get a concept I find extra worksheet for more practice. That has seemed to help with my older 2 when needed. Thanks for sharing your experience! ❤️
Why would she need to take them again? My son did algebra 1&2 in middle school, geometry in 9th, pre-calculus in 10th. This year 11th he I in calculus at a college (tested into college level calculus dual enrollment), and next year as a senior he will take calculus 2&3.
everyone says right start is a great program because it is spiral, but there is something about it that doesnt "feel" right. It is frustrating. We are starting with kindergarten and the options are endless. Looking at RS, beast academy or dimensions.
I have two children starting algebra 1. One of them is currently in 6th grade. It is a wild world that I never expected. We are a low-tech family. We plan to use Jacobs’ Algebra for Algebra 1 along with MasterBooks Academy videos.
@@LifeofTillmans MasterBooks has online videos that go along with it. That website is called MasterBooks Academy. I love how they look at math through a Biblical worldview.
I would suggest horizons for your daughter and then add in math facts that stick for fun games and activities or just other board and card games. I just started math with confidence kindergarten with my 4 year-old and then I think we will move to Horizons next year once we finish MWC. I will try to add in the math facts that stick by Kate Snow. I made another comment on how we currently do 2nd grade with Horizons. I question math every single year though! I think i would look into BJU if Horizons doesn't work out. Me and my 2nd grader wants spiral, quick and to the point (no fluff), but he likes the fun problems that Horizon has.
Also, in the past two years, christian book has horizon sales, so it is around $100. Last year, it was in February and June, but so far this year, I have seen nothing yet.
I understand your pain lol My daughter is in 5/4, and she doesn't like it at all. It has worked so far so I don't know what to do. I've considered denison math for when she starts pre algebra. That seems so far from now though. I just wonder if she can handle two more years of Saxon 🤦♀️
Yeah switching math gets very tricky. Maybe you could pinpoint what she doesn’t like and change that up? Sometimes we do the mental math together. Make it a competition with the warm up questions.
Okay now I’m nervous lol I just bought Horizons for my son (coming from apologia) because I didn’t like adding in my own review/mental math. I thought horizons was more rigorous and would have plenty of review. Do you think Horizons has enough review?
No, don’t be nervous. It has tons of review. Sometimes too much 😂. It also has extra worksheets in the back for additional practice. It has definitely prepared her. There is not a focused mental math section for each lesson like Saxon 5/4 and up. But you could do that easily. There are about 3 sheets in the back of levels 4 & 5 that you could reproduce and work on but it’s not for every lesson. Horizons math has served us well!
Okay I have a lot of questions about your video! Full disclosure I'm not homeschooling this year but I have homeschooled in the past and I'm returning next year. My son is in 7th grade and has used Saxon for 3 years now, he is doing 8/7 and he tested two weeks ago with the Peabody test into 12th grade level math on that test. So I am with you on not knowing what to do next year with him because we are returning to homeschooling. However.. I know nothing about Saxon Math and I prefer Horizons(my youngers all use it at our school where i currently teach). I would like to continue with Saxon for him in 8th but after your video, I will have to research the levels a lot more! I dont know where to place him considering he tested at a 12th grade level. (This is normal though-hes always been advanced). But now you have me wondering about Horizons... my younger went from Saxon to Horizons and they love horizons. They state tested very well with it too. Can I ask what about Horizons you didn't like for the Middle School levels? I will have a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th using it next year. My 4th grader could not use Saxon 5/4. He really struggled with the huge textbook and the format of the lessons and he's doing much better with horizons. I have no idea what I would plan to use after we are done with horizons. I will look into Shoremann though now!
Also for what it is worth- I am currently teaching first and second graders in a private school using Horizons. It does have Math Fact Practice worksheets in the back. All of my first and second graders are able to do their Math Fact Practice sheets along with their assignment. I did use Saxon last year and we did not utilize all of our Math Fact Practice so I have kept some of the sheets that we did not get to and used them as extra fluency work. However I strongly recommend you take a peek in the back of the teacher's guide for Horizons math it has wonderful math worksheets that go along with each lesson. I don't use the worksheets every single day with the lessons but I actually do 2min time tests with my students on their facts. AND THEY ARE ROCKSTARS! They are great with their mental math. I have also used tips from Mental Math teachers on TH-cam though. So I don't follow every single activity in Horizons workbook. We are also a Montessori School so we do our Horizons lesson and then we do Montessori work pertaining to our current challenging math concepts . It's paired very well! I was not able to do saxon math with Montessori work last year so that's why I made the switch to Horizons. It's allowed the students to gain much more independent work skills.
Thanks for these tips as another horizons homeschool user for my 2nd grader. I don't love the lack of guidance on how to teach the concepts in the teacher's book and the lack of practice problems, so I have just started using the worksheets in the back as our "classwork" instead of just extra worksheets. Then, during the summer I'm going to have him do the worksheets to stay fresh. Last year, he did a lot of the worksheets during the year. I also love how Horizons is so gentle in introducing the topics that most of the time i don't even have to go over anything for my 2nd grader, and, if I do it's very quick. I also add in the math facts that stick by Kate Snow, if needed, for fun games and activities. We also play board/card games for fun math practice.
Wow! Your son sounds like he's doing amazing work. If you are looking to have him pick up with a homeschool curriculum I would suggest having him, take the placement test for the ones you are considering. Saxon, Horizons, and Shormann have placemen test. My daughter didn't like how it was set up. There is very limited space for working out problems and for her that has not been good. She feels like she needs to have it all on those pages. Other than it was no longer challenging for her she liked it. Many people love the younger years of Horizons. Level 6 seemed like over half of the curriculum was review however there is prep for Pre-Algebra. Horizons is a very solid curriculum and has prepared my daughter very well over the last 2 years.
I saw those sheets and never thought to make multiple copies of the 3 facts sheets they have. They probably assume math have been mastered at this level to not many are here. I was in the mindset of Saxon and looking for something new and rearranged each day lol SO glad to know they have fact sheets for the younger years. Great Idea Thank you for sharing your experience.
Not exactly, your child would still need to complete the required amount of math credits for Highschool. So that may mean higher level math courses. We don’t have any homeschool requirements in my state. However, if for some reason they return to public school, I want to make sure they have met the standards and don’t have to retake a class they already took in middle school. It definitely varies by state.
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I used learned with Saxon through Algebra 2 when I switched to community college math (at age 15) then went on to start engineering school but end up with a physics degree and became a NASA engineer until motherhood. Saxon was totally fine. But that was in the dark ages, so here is more recent experience…
I recently tutored at a small homeschool hybrid that uses Saxon. They use Abeka K-3 and the students have a very smooth transition to Saxon 5/4. They will skip advanced kids as much as 2 math grades. If they take algebra 2 in 8th, then they take 2 years in advanced math (they call the first course trigonometry with geometry and they call the second course pre calculus) and 2 years in calculus (which they call calculus 1 and 2). If your student wanted to do the advanced math in one year but still have four highschool credits, you could bring in a stand-alone geometry course (although a full geometry credit is integrated into the Saxon algebra 1-2-and advanced math books like Shoreman). During the slow down year in the advanced math, they could also take an SAT prep course (which I think is integrated into Shoreman).
Two of the students in the program I tutored in recently went on to engineering school at Texas A&M (which is a well ranked school). One of them recently graduated and got a job as an aerospace engineer and the other is still in school. Several other students on the same track and are in various nursing schools. One student studies archaeology. Another went to the marines in intelligence groups. None of them did any math online ever, but they all have figured it out pretty quickly in college without too many hiccups. So I will say, Saxon is “enough”. If your oldest likes it, stick with it!! I will say, the engineers (who both went through Saxon calc 1 in highschool) still had to take Calculus 1 in college. So they did fine, but for your engineering minded student…if she’s dead set on engineering….I’d know Saxon is enough, but engineering school is hard, so to make that transition easier, I’d consider that she take an AP calculus online somewhere (well trained mind, high school math live, Art of Problem solving, memoria academy, etc.) then you’d have to find a school where she could sit for the AP exam. Another option is to just take calc at community college but I feel like content targeted to homeschoolers teachers better more consistently (college professors are very hit or miss) which is why I recommend the AP stuff instead. Anyway. That’s enough from me 😅
This was so very helpful!!! Thank you!! ❤️
What is it about math that makes all mamas crazy?! 😅😂 It is the red-headed stepchild of homeschool curriculum.
Right! 😂 My love for math it what gets me most times.
Another suggestion for your youngest, look into Apologia Math! It is amazing in so many ways we have loved it this year! Colorful activities as well as workbook style. It also has a lot of connections to math and God’s creation of the world sprinkled throughout. It’s really really good
I totally forgot about Apologia math! Thanks for the reminder!!!
My daughter is using Apologia Mathematics and loving it. We are currently working on math facts. It keeps her engaged and she looks forward to doing her math.
@@simplyjoyfulhomeschool8627Thank you for for sharing your experience!
We have used level 3 and about half way through 4 of apologia math with my Irish twins and love it. I'm planning on using level 1 with my 1st grade twins and level 5 with my rising 5th and 6th graders next year/ when we finish level 4.
@@melissamatson7002Thanks for sharing this!
Just stick with Saxon and use My Math Assistant or Nicole the Math Lady . If it isn't broke don't fix it esp when it comes to Maths .😊
So true! But she was NOT a fan of Nicole the Math Lady. She said it made her feel like a baby. 😅 🤦🏽♀️
For your oldest- Both Saxon and Shormann sound like great options for your daughter. One thing that came to my mind- if you want online lessons, but your daughter wants a physical book, Denison is a combo. Denison starts at pre-algebra and goes up with online lessons and support but with a phyical workbook. It's supposed to be great for students for which math isn't their best subject. Jaimie from Simply Living It has reviews on Denison Algebra.
For your middle- have you thought about Math U See? Since their pacing is a little different, she may not take a full on "pre-algebra" course her 6th grade year. But the program is hands on (which you have mentioned is good for your middle daughter), and it goes all the way up through calculus. If she is proficient in math, she may want to make it all the way through calculus during high school.
For your baby- All I can say is that Math With Confidence has been a treasure for my 2nd grader. The meat and potatoes is in the teachers manual and games. The workbook is colorful, but very simple. Someone who just tried to buy the workbook and use it on its own would totally think its "not enough", because the activities from the teachers manual are vital. I also paired it with the Addition/ Subtraction Facts That Stick for extra math fact proficiency. It has been very comprehensive without feeling like a drag.
My son loves math with confidence! He's almost finished with the second grade curriculum and he's enjoyed it. He especially loves the games
Thank you for the insight! I will look further into MWC! I need some fun math fact ideas Thx!
We love games for math!
For your middle kiddo-Saxon starts with 20 lessons that are review from the previous level, so that might make for a really smooth transition into Saxon 8/7.
It definitely would. That’s actually one of the things I like about Saxon.
For your 2nd grader. Math with confidence and Beast Academy level 1 are a great combo. ❤
Thank you!! I’ve looked at both and never thought to do both!
My 4th and 5th grader are using Math Mammoth , they both are doing really well with it . And the answer key book is very helpful as well.
Thank you!
We are currently using Singapore Primary Math US Edition its low cost and great for advanced learner that builds mental math and problem solving skills.
Math Mammoth is cheaper but not as thorough and colorful but great for math! Hope you will look into it! I love it 🥰
Just saw a Singapore 2A today! Thank you!
Hm, I thought Algebra 1/2 is for those in between 8/7 and Algebra who need more practice. We went from Abeka to Saxon 8/7 and it took 2 yrs to complete. The drills were great. My dd tried a sample in Shorman and said she didn’t want to do online. She is now in Algebra Lesson 47 and the first lessons review 8/7 very well. Another thought, one reason it took 2 years is because she understood concepts but the speed wasn’t there. She had completed the assessment and placed in 8/7. So it may be for your younger daughter that 7/6 works well so that she can complete it in a shorter amount of time.
You are correct, I may have said that wrong in the video. Saxon Algebra 1/2 is for this needing more prep prior to starting Algebra 1. Some do skip 8/7 and go straight to 1/2 from what I’ve seen in the Saxon group. Thank you for sharing your experience!
My kids are doing Horizons 1 this year, and Horizons 2 next year. We tried Akeka and Singapore Dimensions for K. I feel Horizons has the best progression for my kiddos. My plan is to stick with Horizons until Pre-Algebra and then switch to Shormann from there. This video made my heart so happy, it reaffirmed my thoughts. Thank you ❤
Yw! That’s a solid plan. Thanks for watching ❤️
Denison math is amazing. It starts at pre Algebra.
I’ve heard great things about them as well! Thx!
@@LifeofTillmans Although I love Denison for 2 of my kiddos, it doesn't go high enough in high school for a math-minded career student. It's just Advanced algebra/Trig after Algebra 2 (at this point). It's not Precalculus. I even emailed Mr. Denison (he's amazing!) and he suggested that his program isn't the best fit for my son because he is advanced in math. For my girls, though, who used Saxon and got burnt out because math isn't their thing (they want to go into teaching/English or Psychology in college), it is perfect! Absolutely well done and a God-send for the average student. Just thought you should know that! Edit to add: look into Mr. D Math too, he has a sample online.
Thank you for sharing this information. 🙂
For your youngest… I love BJU math, but only the new editions parent led not video. The fourth editions. It has many hands on aspects, but some rigor with work. They come with CDs on most levels with extra visuals and worksheets. I’ve used it on my 3rd from kindergarten and 1st and I love it.
Ok, that’s good to know! Thanks for sharing!
I’m also loving the layout and teaching methods of BJU. We do parent led because I’m particular on how things are taught and it aligns with the methods I expect. Clear and concise.
@@mm_12123Ok! Thank you!
I wasn't expecting another long video...lol. I am in the same situation with an advance math child. I love the idea of Shormann Math but my kids loathe video lessons. A compromise for your oldest daughter could be use Saxon Pre-Algebra with Nicole the Math Lady. It's still online but also using her workbook. This way she can test the waters of an online curriculum without being totally thrown into the ocean with Shormann. Then for 8th grade possibly move on to Shormann Algebra 1.
For the rising sixth grader, look into BJU 7 Math (Homeschool with Jen just did a flip-through). BJU Math 7 includes STEM and maybe she won't be bored with math. I am considering skipping CLE Math 6 for my rising sixth grader because she can already do Pre-Algebra. But for the sake of her older siblings, I'll let her skip sixth grade math and move quickly through seventh grade.
I also forgot to say that my current 7th and 8th grader can do the same math concepts as well. So to avoid sibling rivalry, my 8th grader is doing Math U See Pre-Algebra which he considers high school math...lol and my 7th grader is doing CLE Math 8. Both are the same concept except CLE is more advance for my 7th grader and MUS Pre-Algebra is the right fit for my 8th grader. My oldest does feel embarrass.
Lastly, I vote for Horizon Math or Apologia Math for baby girl.
You feel my struggles. She is not a fan of Nicole the Math Lady but there are the Dive Cd's and My Math Assist. Thanks for the suggestion! Love your plan with them. I definitely thought about sibling rivalry. If they end in the same curriculum I will stagger their start, so they are working on different lessons. At least I think that will work lol
We're doing 8/7 right now. If your daughter feels confident, you should feel confident with her, and be really proud because Saxon is a tough program. TBH, my daughter doesn't completely appreciate my 'fun for me' attitude during math, and if I could do it again, we would probably do a mastery program like Critical Thinking.
I’m definitely proud of her! She has done very well over the years. Mastery has huge benefits for many. If they don’t get a concept I find extra worksheet for more practice. That has seemed to help with my older 2 when needed. Thanks for sharing your experience! ❤️
Why would she need to take them again? My son did algebra 1&2 in middle school, geometry in 9th, pre-calculus in 10th. This year 11th he I in calculus at a college (tested into college level calculus dual enrollment), and next year as a senior he will take calculus 2&3.
That’s reassuring to know that your child didn’t have to retake those courses. Thank you for sharing your experience! ❤
everyone says right start is a great program because it is spiral, but there is something about it that doesnt "feel" right. It is frustrating. We are starting with kindergarten and the options are endless. Looking at RS, beast academy or dimensions.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hope you find what works for your family. ❤️
I have two children starting algebra 1. One of them is currently in 6th grade. It is a wild world that I never expected. We are a low-tech family. We plan to use Jacobs’ Algebra for Algebra 1 along with MasterBooks Academy videos.
I can’t even imagine! I’ve never heard of Jacob’s Algebra. I’ll check that out. Thank you
@@LifeofTillmans MasterBooks has online videos that go along with it. That website is called MasterBooks Academy. I love how they look at math through a Biblical worldview.
Thank you!
Nicole the math lady and Saxon
Thanks!
Thank you
You’re welcome!
Do NOT change math if your kid is doing well and likes it!! That’s crazy haha😂
It does sound crazy 🤦🏽♀️ so much to consider though. High school and such. Thank you for commenting! I appreciate it!
I would suggest horizons for your daughter and then add in math facts that stick for fun games and activities or just other board and card games. I just started math with confidence kindergarten with my 4 year-old and then I think we will move to Horizons next year once we finish MWC. I will try to add in the math facts that stick by Kate Snow. I made another comment on how we currently do 2nd grade with Horizons. I question math every single year though! I think i would look into BJU if Horizons doesn't work out. Me and my 2nd grader wants spiral, quick and to the point (no fluff), but he likes the fun problems that Horizon has.
Also, in the past two years, christian book has horizon sales, so it is around $100. Last year, it was in February and June, but so far this year, I have seen nothing yet.
Thank you for the suggestions! I’ll check out the math facts curriculum. Your needs sound like ours. To the point but fun and engaging. ❤️
I love a good sale!
I understand your pain lol My daughter is in 5/4, and she doesn't like it at all. It has worked so far so I don't know what to do. I've considered denison math for when she starts pre algebra. That seems so far from now though. I just wonder if she can handle two more years of Saxon 🤦♀️
Yeah switching math gets very tricky. Maybe you could pinpoint what she doesn’t like and change that up? Sometimes we do the mental math together. Make it a competition with the warm up questions.
Okay now I’m nervous lol I just bought Horizons for my son (coming from apologia) because I didn’t like adding in my own review/mental math. I thought horizons was more rigorous and would have plenty of review. Do you think Horizons has enough review?
No, don’t be nervous. It has tons of review. Sometimes too much 😂. It also has extra worksheets in the back for additional practice. It has definitely prepared her. There is not a focused mental math section for each lesson like Saxon 5/4 and up. But you could do that easily. There are about 3 sheets in the back of levels 4 & 5 that you could reproduce and work on but it’s not for every lesson. Horizons math has served us well!
@@LifeofTillmans thank you for your reply 😊that is super helpful.
Have you considered Dimensions or Right Start for your 2nd grader?
I have looked at Right Start but it didn’t “speak” to us. I haven’t looked at Dimensions. I’ll check it out! Thank you!
Okay I have a lot of questions about your video! Full disclosure I'm not homeschooling this year but I have homeschooled in the past and I'm returning next year. My son is in 7th grade and has used Saxon for 3 years now, he is doing 8/7 and he tested two weeks ago with the Peabody test into 12th grade level math on that test. So I am with you on not knowing what to do next year with him because we are returning to homeschooling. However.. I know nothing about Saxon Math and I prefer Horizons(my youngers all use it at our school where i currently teach). I would like to continue with Saxon for him in 8th but after your video, I will have to research the levels a lot more! I dont know where to place him considering he tested at a 12th grade level. (This is normal though-hes always been advanced).
But now you have me wondering about Horizons... my younger went from Saxon to Horizons and they love horizons. They state tested very well with it too. Can I ask what about Horizons you didn't like for the Middle School levels? I will have a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th using it next year. My 4th grader could not use Saxon 5/4. He really struggled with the huge textbook and the format of the lessons and he's doing much better with horizons. I have no idea what I would plan to use after we are done with horizons. I will look into Shoremann though now!
Also for what it is worth- I am currently teaching first and second graders in a private school using Horizons. It does have Math Fact Practice worksheets in the back. All of my first and second graders are able to do their Math Fact Practice sheets along with their assignment. I did use Saxon last year and we did not utilize all of our Math Fact Practice so I have kept some of the sheets that we did not get to and used them as extra fluency work. However I strongly recommend you take a peek in the back of the teacher's guide for Horizons math it has wonderful math worksheets that go along with each lesson. I don't use the worksheets every single day with the lessons but I actually do 2min time tests with my students on their facts. AND THEY ARE ROCKSTARS! They are great with their mental math. I have also used tips from Mental Math teachers on TH-cam though. So I don't follow every single activity in Horizons workbook. We are also a Montessori School so we do our Horizons lesson and then we do Montessori work pertaining to our current challenging math concepts . It's paired very well! I was not able to do saxon math with Montessori work last year so that's why I made the switch to Horizons. It's allowed the students to gain much more independent work skills.
Thanks for these tips as another horizons homeschool user for my 2nd grader. I don't love the lack of guidance on how to teach the concepts in the teacher's book and the lack of practice problems, so I have just started using the worksheets in the back as our "classwork" instead of just extra worksheets. Then, during the summer I'm going to have him do the worksheets to stay fresh. Last year, he did a lot of the worksheets during the year. I also love how Horizons is so gentle in introducing the topics that most of the time i don't even have to go over anything for my 2nd grader, and, if I do it's very quick. I also add in the math facts that stick by Kate Snow, if needed, for fun games and activities. We also play board/card games for fun math practice.
Wow! Your son sounds like he's doing amazing work. If you are looking to have him pick up with a homeschool curriculum I would suggest having him, take the placement test for the ones you are considering. Saxon, Horizons, and Shormann have placemen test.
My daughter didn't like how it was set up. There is very limited space for working out problems and for her that has not been good. She feels like she needs to have it all on those pages. Other than it was no longer challenging for her she liked it. Many people love the younger years of Horizons. Level 6 seemed like over half of the curriculum was review however there is prep for Pre-Algebra. Horizons is a very solid curriculum and has prepared my daughter very well over the last 2 years.
I saw those sheets and never thought to make multiple copies of the 3 facts sheets they have. They probably assume math have been mastered at this level to not many are here. I was in the mindset of Saxon and looking for something new and rearranged each day lol SO glad to know they have fact sheets for the younger years. Great Idea Thank you for sharing your experience.
So, some states allow the math courses taken in junior high to transfer to High School?
Not exactly, your child would still need to complete the required amount of math credits for Highschool. So that may mean higher level math courses. We don’t have any homeschool requirements in my state. However, if for some reason they return to public school, I want to make sure they have met the standards and don’t have to retake a class they already took in middle school. It definitely varies by state.