WE’RE QUITTING TEACHING TEXTBOOKS to address an issue that left me speechless!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ต.ค. 2024
- We've been using Teaching Textbooks for a year and a half for my 12 year old. We switched to have another teacher help my daughter understand the math lessons, since when we had used Singapore, she and I were struggling.
It seemed to be working great! But then this past semester, I started to have concerns. And those concerns led me down a rabbit trail of "investigation" that I never expected. I started out innocently considering other math curriculums, and then I found out something completely out of left field. What happened????
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CHAPTERS:
00:32 What is our experience with Teaching Textbooks? Why was it "working?"
02:04 Why did I begin to question if this was a good fit for us?
03:59 Curious, I began looking, JUST TO SEE if there was a better fit. We did a placement test from The Good and the Beautiful Math.
06:24 Is this the curriculum's issue?
07:34 What does she need to learn? Do we really need to repeat EVERYTHING???
09:25 As were figuring out our strategy....here's what I didn't expect to discover.
10:42 So, what now? Where do we go from here? What's the plan?
11:13 Tips on printing the FREE TGATB Math curriculum....I wish I would've realized this!
13:15 Why are we trying out TGATB math vs. a different homeschool math program like Saxon?
14:16 These "cons" of teaching textbooks, I'm realizing....ended up being real disadvantages for us.
15:25 Is TGATB Math going to be as EASY for Mom as Teaching Textbooks was?
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OTHER OUR HOMESCHOOL PLAN VIDOES MENTIONED:
MATH FOR THE CHILD WHO WANTS EVERYTHING TO BE FUN: Teaching Textbooks 4.0: Reasons we love it: • WHY TEACHING TEXTBOOKS... &list=UULF6E99KHex7M8Xm0gSzjD8uw
HOMESCHOOL MATH COMPARISON: Singapore vs. Saxon vs. Teaching Textbooks:
• SINGAPORE MATH vs SAXO... &list=UULF6E99KHex7M8Xm0gSzjD8uw
STRUGGLING WITH MATH FACTS: Is Math Boring? My kids enjoy drilling math facts because of this fun approach I do:
• My kids STRUGGLED w/ M... &list=UULF6E99KHex7M8Xm0gSzjD8uw
HOW THE GOOD & THE BEAUTIFUL LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHES WRITING:
• TGATB LA 5 improvement... &list=UULF6E99KHex7M8Xm0gSzjD8uw
TAKE A LOOK AT BRAVE WRITER: Faltering Ownership Writing Curriculum:
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Curious about how TGATB teaches writing??? This is another “thing” that some people have brought up. Here are my thoughts on that: th-cam.com/video/ab28XLq50h4/w-d-xo.html
I still prefer IEW for writing. We use TGATB for LA, but I mark most of the writing portion out.
I think it's a area to supplement- in my opinion.
Starting with the newer level 4 LA there is a writing workshop that dives deeper into the writing process.
I’m a public school teacher after homeschooling 25 years. I promise your kiddo will be just fine regardless of her math level! There’s a lot of time to review and enjoy the journey. It’s not a race. Enjoy the kids! You’ll miss them.
Thank you!! Yes, I know we’ll be fine! :) in reality, unless you’re going into a field where higher level math is used daily, we really don’t need more than a little Algebra and a little geometry to function as adults. Trigonometry and calculus are not required. :) we’ll get there!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan as someone who struggles with math anxiety, just focus on serious proficiency at the basics. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. 1-20. Practice it to death. Go back to the basics, to the point of memorization and serious confidence. Math is about practice. A lot of practice. It is essentially a language. You don't learn to speak it without practice. Tell her that. And that it's ok to start again and work on the important structure of the language from this perspective. Then breath, and don't worry about progress, getting this down will be serious progress. I once took an IQ test and there was a verbal math section. I got the answer right, but was in tears and a complete mess. The test said overall Im fairly smart, so that's not the issue. Practice those basics to confidence, exercise the emotional demons, fight against the stem stigmas she's probably absorbed covertly from society, etc. And that might be a large part of the resistance. She might be picking some up from you. Rewatch the first part of the video where you display math anxiety to the point of rejection of doing the math on camera. You said whatever that is about how many years had past. Thats should have been simple subtraction. It's more than simply skill the practice corrects, but skill does need improvement. I'm redoing this as an adult to improve my math skills. I would recommend you show her the first part of the video where you reject doing the math, after you take time to own it and sit with that and have compassion for yourself, after all women don't do math. Then accept the challenge with her. Or she won't. The biological drive to go with the social flow, and her mother's example, is very strong. It's a societal pressure to not be too good at math if you're a woman. I hope you don't feel too stung, that's not the intention here. But she's picking up what society is putting down. I agree she neeeeeds a different approach. Not a new book, clearly that's not it, not a video or zoom teacher, but you, and you need you. Your other kids will also benefit from this, sending yourself, and them, back to the basics to relearn the structure of the language to confidence. Start with paper until all that's needed is memory. I vote pencil and paper too. Use the computer as a guide, have her write the problems out on paper. The brain likes the friction of the pencil, its a real thing.
@@amypola5903 thank you for your comment and concern.
My daughter actually doesn’t struggle with math facts. We drill those all the time. That’s not the gap. She struggled with fractions, decimals, conversions, etc. beyond math facts. Concepts.
I appreciate your trying to help, but I don’t have math anxiety AT ALL. I’m actually very good at math and always have been. I was the only girl in my high school’s senior pre-calculus math class (though I was only a junior), scored into the 30’s on the math portion of my ACT, tested out of all my required college math classes my freshman year, and got a technical degree in information systems management which requires several computer programming courses. I do math in my head all the time in front of my kids and I’m the one my husband comes to when he needs a conversion or a quick multiplication bc he doesn’t have his phone calculator up.
You really cannot judge anything about a person from a little video and a little hesitation bc I’m also hearing things going on in my house while I record. 😉
My daughter is going to be fine in math. She actually has ADHD which is why we need to adjust the approach and get her off the distraction of the computer. I do appreciate the thought to not box her into a certain thing, though. She’s too young to determine what she’s good at and what she’s not. 😉
@@amypola5903 btw-I really do appreciate you taking the time to help out! I’m sorry for the anxiety you’ve experienced and I know it’s very real and that girls typically aren’t expected to well in STEM. My extended family does a lot with robotics, so I’m sure we’ll get her into that soon as well. (She’s already dabbled in scratch programming for kids and she loves that)
You’ve definitely made me think more about how I work with her (bc she has ADHD-I want her to be put into a box).
I rewatched them first part of my video like you said and I’m laughing bc there’s a reason I said that. I’ve said that same intro many times on many other videos (with the number of years). I said whatever that is for two reasons….
One, a year from now, somebody watching this video…me-as a channel-my experience will be more.
But the main reason is bc there are some other homeschool moms who when they say how many years they’ve been homeschooling, every year it seems to go up by two years! 😂 so recently, a mom who started about the same time as me, said she’s been homeschooling for almost 10 years. Well…we both started around 2015, so how does that math work? But I get it, she’s trying to put forth her “credentials” as an experienced homeschooler. So anyway….I didn’t realize that’s how it would come across as math anxiety, so every year I start a new round of homeschooling, I’ll be sure to say the exact number of years I’ve been at this. 😜
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan ok. But you just told me that you purposely didn't get math right so as not to upstage other homeschool moms, to not appear smarter than your peers.... It's kinda what I'm saying. So, are you sure? She hits puberty, the social age, and her math skills suddenly regress? It's hard stuff we're talking about here. Whatever the issues are, we won't progress until we get honest about what they are, whatever they are, and It's something, or you wouldn't have made the video. I did higher level math plenty, but the holes in my skills and confidence levels really hindered me. I'm just saying, multiple factors may be at work. Instead of saying no it's not that. Say ok it's that, then try that option on like a dress and see if it fits. Yeah, like a dress.
I’m a homeschool grad, now a college grad & educator at a homeschool hybrid. TT is what I did through high school, and I think it’s a fabulous program. I’ve done many a math program in my day, but TT is what saved me, haha. These brothers managed to explain the concepts CLEARLY, in ways I could finally understand them. I’m eternally grateful for TT, and would highly recommend for high school students needing help. (3rd graders, definitely not so much…I’m team Rod & Staff for elementary years all the way!)
❤️
Wow thank you for this info!!
My 16-yr-old daughter is very behind in everything.
She refused to go to school hardly at all and the last two school years and this year has refused to go at all.
I've been trying to homeschool her for years now, but she won't get up until after noon every day and won't do any assignments, etc.
I've signed her up for an excellent online homeschool created by a dear friend and homeschooler of over 25 years that was formerly called 16 Stones Academy and now, this year, it's being called Called to Learn.
Everything taught in it is through a religious, symbolic and spiritual way. It's quite unique and impressive and based off scriptures and science, etc. I guess look it up. It's by Thom and Tresta.
Anyway, if any of you have read my comment this far, tysm!! I do need some guidance.
My daughter, Sophie, needs math. I looked into an online class that is one-on-one and she got one free class to try out and I was very impressed with it. They taught in a way that helped her grasp the concept of pre-algebra right away and it excited her! Only deal is that it costs $250/8 lessons with 2 more for free. But, I don't know algebra and I do have his math anxiety that someone was mentioning in another comment on here. I'm pretty sure my daughter is smarter than I am, even though my IQ would say that I'm supposed to be very, very smart 😂😂😂
Anyway, would any of you pay for a class like this to help your own teenager to feel more secure in math and at least learn algebra?
Or would you consider this TT to be a better source? I can't help her with the math because, like I previously stated, I don't know algebra.
@@LisaPFramptonHas anyone helped you out? It sounds expensive. Have you looked at CTC math online? It's a very good program. You pay a monthly subscription but you have access to ALL of the grade levels so you can get your daughter up to speed in any area. You can also print out the lessons and have your student work them out on paper instead of the computer if you want to.
@@KristiBee nobody has helped me so we've started that expensive math course through BYJU, I think it's called.
It's been good so far. It "forces" her to attend. Only annoying issue with it is that they're all Indian and so my daughter has a very difficult time understanding their accent. We switched teachers and I believe they gave us their most English prolific teacher. She's easier to understand, and more patient with my daughter than the first one was.
She's attending the online homeschool about 85% of the time, which is a huge improvement from where we started. We just have to print out everything and put it into binders that are created to "grade" and then keep for life, if wanted.
We owe them another payment 🤦🏼♀️😒
Thank you for your suggestion!!!! I'm going to look into that to see if it's a better fit for her math than this other one we've already paid for.
She has mentioned that she'd prefer paper schoolwork, and I'm the same way, so I totally get it.
You can contact me on my TH-cam channel as well. I do have a video about deciding if I should homeschool my son or not and I'd love feedback on that one!! ❤️ Thank you Kristi
See I have a 2nd grader using Math 3 and he does really well with it, but I also sit next to him or at least stay in the room and keep him where I can see the screen. We also make him watch the solutions for any missed problems and I check to make sure he didn't skip any problems. To be fair though, I knew going into this that was how to make it work and how to use the program properly because I used to work for the brothers and was able to talk with Greg many many times over how to use it. I honestly think that the original format that didn't have automatic grading was probably more effective because you couldn't get online and had to work on paper. But we fielded many calls every day where people wanted automatic grading and then they wanted it online and all these other things to make the program more and more hands off. But now people complain that it's too hands off and they had no idea their kids were doing 1 problem and getting 100% because they never checked the actual gradebook. Like I get it, I have four kids but it takes 10 seconds to check the gradebook. I have 2 kids using Saxon, so if all i have to do is check the gradebook each day and make sure he is watching solutions and completed all of the problems then it feels like that's the least I can do.
For anyone who doubts the rigor of Teaching Textbooks being able to properly prepare your student for STEM focused careers, Gena Mayo here on YT, mom of 8, shared how her second son used TT all the way through his schooling and is getting ready to begin his third year of pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. It’s nice to see a concrete example instead of just hearsay. Hope this helps anyone who really needs a curriculum like TT to lighten your load, especially in larger families, which is critical for preventing burnout and mistakenly sending your kids back to public school.
This is the first year I’m homeschooling my seventh grader and he mastered the state test as well as his honors math class in six grade when he was in public school. He is now in seventh grade using teaching textbooks and is in pre-algebra. So far as a former educator myself now stay at home mom homeschool teacher I’ll do like the program Due to its straightforwardness about math concepts and the spiraling that is happening which is good because it’s important that when kids are learning they are constantly reviewing older concepts and math. I also like that it’s self paced and it’s pretty straight cut and clear to where if you wanted to pull from other resources to give your child extra practice you can do that. I too am going to have him tested at the end of the school year to make sure that he’s continuing to master his subject matter as he did when he was in public school and my hope is he will do even better with me than when he was in school.
We love TT! My oldest started at the local community college at 16 taking Calc 2 and was far ahead of the adults taking the class. I currently have 4 more kiddos using TT with wonderful results. This video and others comments could be thoroughly dissected, but that's not my desire or necessary. Different programs are going to work for different people and the parent and student's involvement can cause wildly varying results. To anyone researching curriculum, use multiple resources to help you decide. The comments in this video are coming from people who are biased because they had similar experiences. There are just as many raving reviews for TT elsewhere. To the mom of this video, I wish you and your daughter the best.
As someone who used tt for years, it's a wonderful program if used correctly. Many people stay hands-off and think everything is fine if the grades look good. If kids are not using a notebook, solving problems on paper in sequence (not like scratch paper) having parents look over missed problems and helping kids correct errors, it won't work. There are too many ways to solve problems logically, with process of elimination, or with online calculators so that they won't really learn the math. I had two kids have to restart algebra because I was too hands off. Did you know there are online algebra calculators? I didn't. Anyway they both ended up testing very well in math in college admittance testing but if I had not figured out how they tried to use tt, it would have been a miserable failure.
I agree with you about being hands off not helping. That’s what I realized. And I should’ve mentioned that also about the calculators! I had a suspicion that my daughter was using one. 😞
But the reason I chose TT was to free up some of my own time. So if I have to look over her shoulder, I’d rather use something else.
I’m glad it worked for you. And I definitely don’t want to seem as though I’m totally blaming TT. I was trying not to. My daughter has her own challenges and unfortunately the online aspect and my being hands off contributed negatively to the whole experience.
I agree 💯 with Robbie.
I agree about needing to supervise the child when doing Teaching Textbooks to ensure they get the most out of it. We love Teaching Textbooks so far. I have the kids sit in the kitchen while I wash the dishes and have them turn the volume up on their IPads so I can follow along, or we sit on the couch while I breastfeed baby, sometimes they screenshare to TV…that way I know exactly what they are learning and so I can quiz them myself for better retention. Every curriculum should have parent supervision, it doesn’t take the convenience out of TT, still way more convenient than other options, and affordable. I don’t really care if there are gaps or things go at a different pace than other programs, nothing beats the child getting instant feedback. I’m sure if anything needs tweaked, we will find free resources to supplement. I guess I’m more laid back about math, I want them to have a solid understanding of basic math skills that are useful to everyday life, anything above that is a bonus and for their enjoyment/their own personal goals.
My daughter uses headphones, but I can clearly see her screen while I'm having a moment to do a hobby of mine and watch over her from a distance.
I used CTC math, made my child write all their work in a notebook, and I sat with them to learn and help teach the lessons. It did not help or allow the information to stick. Could be the curriculum, could be the kid isn’t ready…every kid is different. My child doesn’t do well with online learning. Learned that the hard way with CTC math.
You’re so diplomatic “it was causing some frustrations” Math caused tears, hysteria and breakdowns here - and that was just me!!! 😂🤣
Lol!!! Well….I’m trying to be mature about it. You know…not seem so dramatic. I have a reputation to uphold here! Ha ha!! 😂😂😂 (but secretly…between you and me….I get it. I understand you more than I let on.) 😜
Regretfully I totally relate to this reply 😭
Haha i had same
Thought!
Glad to know it's not just me!
I think that Rod and Staff Math is WAY under rated. It’s straightforward, sequential, traditional, mastery.
It’s not fancy but easy to understand. My kiddos are thriving with it ❤️
Good to know!! 👍🏻
Rod and Staff was so great with helping my sons understand the basics!
I switched from Masterbooks to Rod and Staff because we needed a mastery program.. it looks really promising for our family and we can’t wait to use it this year.
Rod and Staff is wonderful
But it is not a do it yourself program
The teachers manual is great impossible to mess up
You can get a placement test free from Rod and Staff but they do not use computer for orders
Milestone Books also has their products and you can look in the books before you order
They also gave a free grade book that is free and all you have to do is order one
Rod and Staff staff are very helpful and also the staff at Milestone books they are based in Oregon
New is not always better esp where math is concerned
My child needs a spiral method, so we went with Saxon.
MATH-U-SEE was what we used and loved. It actually explained math not instructed, if that makes sense. Be Blessed!
I tried 3 different math programs and non seem to click for my daughter. I was at a homeschool convention and got introduced to math-u-see, met the creator of it and heard his story, he's an amazing guy!She was behind in math, now doing math u see year - 3 and I have to say, our last end of the year test she has excelled and doing beyond, it has clicked for her and hallelujah! Its an amazing program that I plan to use for all my kids. Simple, clean, to the point - highly recommend!
MUS was designed to be used by all of his son's and their different levels (one has Downs Syndrome) but the selling point for us is that they won't have to relearn math the correct way if they go into careers using math or science. And all of our kids loved using the manipulatives to reinforce the written and mental math aspects.
We did math u see until the year it intersects with Saxon- I think that’s grade 6. But I did find places in math u see where I needed to supplement
My kids have done TT for about four years. My son switched mid-year to a private classical academy and he made the transition in Algebra II with absolutely no problems. I certainly have not seen a problem or concern with my kids' math knowledge, retention, or abilities after using TT.
That’s great! Every kid learns differently. Glad you found success with this!
I love all the sharing that happens here♥️. It's helpful to see the different recommendations with other programs available. I used TT with my daughter for grades 8&9 ( pre- alg and alg 1). My algebra skills are lacking so something we did was I would sit down with her and take the lessons and then leave her to do the work. Before a test, I gave her the chance to do any review of the.section ( using an actual school day, not as homework). This system worked for us and it was our saving grace- my $.02 ✌️
Kahn Academy is supposed to have some great teaching videos. Maybe another approach to a concept she is having difficulty with might be helpful. If she struggles with problem solving , acting out the problem or drawing pictures can help. Have her explain to you the steps in the process. Maybe doing a daily review problem would help her remember what she has learned.
We have enjoyed Teaching Textbooks. My child works the problems on paper and I am in the room with them. TT repeats and builds upon the past work, in order to increase retention. We do state testing and my child does well in math. I also have my child do the TT placement tests when we finish one level to be sure they can do it. The placement tests are on paper. I see some comments about about multiple choice, but most of the TT problems are mostly type the answer at math 6. As with any curriculum, it needs to work for the learner.
We’ve used Alpha Omega LifePacs for math since 1st grade. The thing I love about this curriculum is they reinforce the math concepts from each workbook throughout the year. The next year they do a review unit and then start working on new concepts. They always bring back earlier concepts throughout. She just started 5th grade and it’s still bringing in previously learned concepts. They do self tests after each section and each unit has a final test.
She’s very fortunate to have a mom like you who figured out the problem! Good luck this year with TG&TB. I hope it works well for her!
Thank you! 🥰
As tempting as it is, I won't touch TT with a 10 foot pole. I've heard way too many stories like this. Kudos to you for being attentive, Mama! Now you can get back on track!!
It’s sad. I also heard stories but I tried to be open minded and see for myself.
I have also heard lots of negative feedback about large gaps in kids education with TT. I won't ever use it as well.
I think it would be good for supplemental exercises. The math seems good, imo. I recognize a lot of the math from my own college classes. However, because of all this info coming out about poor preparedness, I'm switching to shormann math for algebra.
@@mrs.jaywojo5426 Shormann is excellent! Very challenging! My son uses it.
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan my daughter seems really mathematically inclined, but when I heard all these stories about TT I got worried. I don't want her to regress.
With Shormann - can you pick your start date? I couldn't tell when I was on the site if they let you do that, or if it begins as soon as you purchase.
We have found ourselves in a similar situation and have to “catch up.” The great thing about TGTB is that there is only 120 lessons so we are making fast progress. We worked through the summer. Also, my kids went from hating math to begging for it. Hopefully, you will have a similar experience.
Oh wow!!! That would be AMAZING if my daughter ended up loving math…..a miracle really! 😂
So funny. I have twins. One is on teaching textbooks 4 and the other tgtb 3. She is ahead... and kills the tgtb tests but old tgtb is better for him. I think yours is a child attention issue. My kid like that cant retai, needs spiral, is on tgtb old one. She picks up and retains fast. I bought tgtb ahead bc i like the old. The new is too independent for my boy. I also shut her chrome book DOWN from all channels but the ones she is allowed. So it works for us and night zookeeper made my kids write stories like crazy. Blew my mind. Technology works. It's how you control it. Each parent. Each child. Each family. Very very different.
Thank you for being so open and vulnerable about this! That's so hard to have a full year and realize that the curriculum didn't do what you wanted it to do. 😥
We use Right Start and love it, but it is teacher intense. You might want to check out their math games book. It's the only way my kids retain math facts and it could help with some remedial work for your daughter. ❤️❤️
Thank you!! I’ve heard of Right Start! It does look like a lot of pieces!
I second using Right Start for math games!
Agree with at least picking up the math games. That can supplement any math program. You can probably get it second hand.
Yes, Saxon is black and white. It is also clear and concise. The pages are not full of colorful distractions. It is very simple. And the clencher.....Saxon reviews earlier concepts with a few questions on each lesson from previous chapters so that you never have a child who "can't remember what you taught them earlier." Just isn't possible. Nothing gets rusty.
Oh my goodness!! This literally just happened to us on Sunday. I was stunned! My daughter is 11 and just finished TT5. She passed with a 98%. I printed out TGATB math 6 placement test and she couldn’t start either. I knew that it was also advanced so I printed the 5. She was able to get through it but did struggle with a few things. I couldn’t believe it though coming from her grades in TT. It has brought her spirits down with the mind set of her doing level 5 instead of 6. So we’re working through that right now. I completely feel your frustrations though. I knew I was going elsewhere this year with math because of a video I saw Ashley from grace and grit make about TT lacking in a few areas regarding prepping the kids for pre algebra. But I just couldn’t believe how much was being missed.
I’ve heard of those stories but math curriculums all teach things differently so I’ve also heard that jumping around can harm progress. So I wondered if that was the issue people had with TT.
I think TGTB 5 is SUPPOSED to be equivalent to TT6. So maybe your daughter IS ON track! Either way…..here’s to hoping TGTB works! 😉
I saw that video as well. We never used TT. I had considered TT, but ended up choosing Math U See instead. I love it and it will always be our main math program. We do supplement with TGATB math because my husband wanted the kids doing more math. He doesn't think 20-30 min is enough time spent. He agreed to homeschooling but is on the fence at times so I just add the extra math so I can continue to teach my girls and we don't end up in a disagreement. 😊
Isn't teaching textbooks a level behind though. So tt 5 is really grade 4
some people's experiences showed a "grade level" different greater than a year. It's so hard to tell. What's a reasonable math assessment? reasonable to me is are they ready for algebra and geometry by high school, right? So what's a responsible pace to get there?
I had the same experience with my daughter. She was doing great in Saxon and she begged to do Teaching Textbooks. We hit a wall in Algebra 1. We decided to back up and do pre-algebra through Shormann math. Hang in there, Mama!
We LOVE Shormann math!!
We have used teaching textbooks for over three years and my son has tested very highly in Math scores. I do however sit with him through each lesson and make sure he is working problems out. We also make formula cards to help him remember formulas. The only time I leave him alone is if it’s in the beginning of a year and it’s just remedial work but even still- I want to make sure I am present for any new info!
That’s great! It may work well that way. I chose TT so that my daughter could use it while I worked with my other kids. (And it’s marketed that way…..to help free up Mom’s time). So if I have to sit next to her to help, I’d rather use a different curriculum. It’s like the difference between those who like digital planners Vs paper planners. I’m a paper planner gal, therefore, also a paper curriculum gal. 😉
Rod and staff has an excellent, easy to follow teacher guide and I believe this curriculum is helpful for retention.
We have used TT math through level 7. We have done standardized testing and my kids have done great every year with math. My son just started LOAU distance learning and transitioned into there math program beautiful. I feel like TT is solid but you definitely need to stay involved with what your kids are learning. From time to time we did need to stop and practice some concepts longer. Hopefully the different program helps. Looks nice for sure. Love your honesty and sharing to help others.
Thanks!
what is LOAU?
Ll
I can completely relate to your struggle with this. I’m now homeschooling rising 6th graders who I’m only now finding out struggle with RETENTION. I feel like your teaching textbooks experience has been their entire traditional school experience. I’ve found myself having to review even some 3rd grade concepts with them. At any rate, we all have loved Saxon for the very reason most people don’t. Instead of “drill and kill” I call it “drill and instill”. Life of Fred has been a brilliant supplement. But retention continues to be an issue. So I’ve just resigned myself to two realities 1) I will have to be hands on with math 2) as an adult who has had college math all the way through differential equations what is most important for their foundation and future math and life success? I believe fractions, mental math, time math and money. Thus no matter what level of math they advance to I will be constantly reinforcing these concepts and others as I see fit. My girls really do need a spiral approach in general so I will just need to supplement in order to build in mastery as I see fit. Either way, it’s all on me. I won’t be able to outsource math in anyway. Hoping they will be more independent by high school.
Some kids to great with Saxon!! So the "drill and kill" phrase probably comes from those would might need a different approach. There's a balance between giving your child the information and facts they need to know vs. keeping that spark alive - to love the learning process. And I think that's what the "drill and kill" phrase from. If a method is causing resentment or complete lack of interest.....perhaps its time to see if there's a more pleasant option that can do the same job. :) But again.....I KNOW many, personally, who succeed with Saxon! It know its a great program.
My husband and I have been very hands on with our children's math schooling, even the upper level math- Algebra, Geometry and Trig. We chose a curriculum that was more teacher involved because we had heard good things about it. It really bore good results with our oldest who became an amazing problem solver- partially his giftedness and partially the way we taught him math. We haven't had the exact same results with our second son, but this is because of his own hangups- we taught them the same way. My next child struggles with Math and I am not sure if I should continue with the same curriculum for Algebra, etc. She struggles big time with retention and it has been a slow process to teach her math. Lots of repetiton is required and our upper level curriculum doesnt contain a lot of practice. So, I was thinking about Math U See.
Life of Fred is soooooo much fun for supplemental math! I loved my LOF books!
@@andreasanford8814 what curriculum was it?
@@nenyeo6090 Videotext by Rightstart.
My experience (as a certified teacher now homeschooling) is that TT is about a year behind AND is very incomplete in the area of problem solving skills. It is great for basic math, to avoid me teaching everything, to get daily reports, etc. To make sure we stay on track, we work about a year ahead of their grade level. My kids are required to show their work on paper, look at the show solution videos for every problem they miss, and to go over all mistakes with me for scores under 85% or under 90 for more than 2 days in a row (so missed concepts don't start to snowball). I use Math Mammoth Blue Series which organizes by unit not grade level to reteach tricky concepts for them. Also we use an Evan Moor Daily Math which includes some more multi step problem solving problems in a quick 5 problem half sheet to stretch their brains as a warm up. If used in isolation and not monitored, there is no way I would recommend this curriculum. But it does what I need it to do for my kids as an independent base and simple review.
Agreed. It’s marketed as being able to “outsource” math. But it doesn’t work that way for everybody. It doesn’t take away the “teacher intensive” aspect. It’s just shifts it. Teacher still had to check everything, keep an eye on everything….all of it. So if it’s not outsourcing the math to another tutor, why would I use it when I know there are stronger math programs out there also with “tutors”. For example, Shormann math, he teaches Saxon. Nicole the Math Lady teaches Saxon. Shormann also has his high level math courses, his own curriculum….it teaches and also grades like TT but according to Cathy Duffy (and many others) it’s as strong as Saxon and more advanced that TT. And the reason I’m switching to TGTB…video lessons, but everything done on paper for me to grade. But no distraction of everything being on the computer which a temptation. The video lesson is only 10 minutes, they do the problems together in TGTB workbook, and then they do the practice problems.
I love home schooling parents. You have three kids and talking about not being able to look over their shoulder. I have one hundred. Welcome to my world. Not being a troll. You're obviously a wonderful mother and teacher. You were able to figure out what wasn't working and cared enough to fix it. A++ from me, keep up the good work!
2 of my kiddos are doing great with TT. I’m doing the newer Apologia course with my youngest, which is fantastic. The obsession with any subject “being on track/ahead/behind” is so silly, the goal is to learn well and love learning! I just heard about a study where math was not formally taught until 6th grade, and that group of students far surpassed their traditionally taught peers who started formal math drill in kindergarten. Like writing, some brains aren’t ready at age 5, and that’s okay! Anyhow, for my kids they on TT they are doing math well, learning math well, confident and happy. I prefer the slower slope TT uses, it builds an excellent foundation, which is so so important in math. It helps that as TT students they are honest and stay on task, and write out their work with the Apple Pencil on the iPad. Their work is saved to each problem, so I will often scroll through their lessons to see how they are doing beyond the score. I will often sit next to my student and if they get a problem wrong then I get to try it, sometimes we both get it wrong and we laugh and learn more! Retention is not a problem, and I love how TT works in a spiral that reinforces previous skills really well. TT also makes word problems fun and engaging. Lots of giggling happens. I so appreciate your transparency with how it was a struggle - we need this kind of honest testimony - just wanted to say that at least for us it is a fabulous tool for learning and enjoying math.
You’re welcome! I’m glad it works for some!!that’s wonderful and I’m not surprised!! I didn’t want to come across as being too down on TT, but like I said, my first reason for looking at other things was simply my daughters temptation for on the computer (I suspect she may have also been pulling up the computer’s calculator). And the reason I chose TT was the hope that she could be more independent with it. So if I have to be more involved, I’d rather do a different program.
I think it’s wonderful that we have so many math curriculum options so that we can find what works for our individual children. My youngest does Singapore. And my oldest does Shormann math for high school. And there is no perfect curriculum that works all the time and for EVERY child. 😉
Also-I totally agree with you about being on grade level. That wasn’t my concern. My daughter is going into 7th grade and only halfway through TT6. My concern that she didn’t seem to retain anything new from 4th grade….things that I knew she had learned back then. She was very good at math until 4th grade, she hit a wall and began to struggle ….and that’s when we switched to TT (5th grade).
We heard before starting that TT is “behind” so we do two lessons a day and get through two years a year. So my 2nd grader is doing math 5 right now and doing great. My fourth grader is just starting math 6. I am interested to see where they would place with THTB. Maybe I’ll print that off. But we did do a placement test…I can’t remember it was for a coop and they did fine. I think as long as we complete it we won’t be missing much. And then we will finish all the levels early and I plan to do a dual enrollment for college credit starting in ninth grade. By then they will make it through all the TT levels.
I literally could have made this exact video from our experience. I have 4 boys, just entering 9th, 7th, 5th, and 3rd. For many years, my older two boys did Math Mammoth, which is a solid "advanced" math program. My oldest has always struggled academically and math is hard for him, so up until last year, I literally sat with him (and his other brothers) and did math right beside them. When my oldest entered 8th grade last year, I decided it was high time for him to start working independently, so we switched to Teaching Textbooks and he went into PreAlgebra. My 2nd son followed him into Teaching Textbooks Math 7. My younger two boys had been dabbling with TGTB math for years, and when they came out with their Simply Good and Beautiful Math, I fell in love, so that's what they've been using. For my older two boys, I thought things were going well with TT...if they didn't get at least 80%, they had to redo the lesson over. Finally, come about March of this year, my husband was home one day helping my oldest with math and he came to me and said "He doesn't know a lot of basic skills. You have to make sure he learns those things." I decided to get TGTB Math 5 for both my oldest and 2nd son, since that was the highest level they had out at that time. I thought it would be SO easy for them...it wasn't! They are now almost done with Level 5 and will move into TGTB Math 6. They have learned SO MUCH using this program. It stressed me out that my oldest especially is so far behind, but he needs to learn these things, and honestly, the SImply Good and Beautiful math has been absolutely fantastic.
What a wonderful testimony! It is a little mentally “stressing” for us that our children are “behind,” but that’s the way we’re wired. They’ll get it.
I printed off Level 5 for my daughter, thinking it would be a review over the summer. It wasn't easy for her at all and she missed some key issues. We are finishing up now, and we may do Level 6 instead of doing our Math U See. Or both.
What made you leave math mammoth?
Good for you! Being so proactive to keep pushing and investigating. I feel like it is the only way to really “see” what they are missing.
When we do CAT testing I write down every problem they get wrong as they test. I then research if that was material from this year or the future year. If it was material we learned already, we work on reviewing during summer. That way we are “ready” to move forward the next year. I really feel like since I implemented that it has helped them.
P.S. I 100% feel you on the sass lol. My sons turning 13 next month and I get allllllll the attitude rn lol.
Power homeschool has video instruction. If they don’t master the skill they go back to review. This process repeats until they master it. It’s one of the reasons I love power homeschool for math. In the videos it gives visual explanation as well as verbal. I hope you find a curriculum that works for her!! 😍
Sassy teenagers!! They require a lot of energy! 😜
Great job, Mom! What a frustrating situation. So glad to hear that you caught it and are taking care of her progress as best you can! ❤️
Thank you so much!
We used TT for 5 years and I thought the same thing about how it worked well until we hit a road block in Math 7. We started using TBATB with our 5th grader this year and it was teaching her concepts our 7th grader hadn't learned half way through his TT Math 7 curriculum last year. I'm wishing we would have switched sooner but I didn't realize how much was missing until he started struggling last year and I started searching out other curriculums. You live and you learn. Thanks to your recommendations though our oldest is doing DIVE 7/6 this year and will be back on track to start Pre-Algebra next year.
Wonderful!!! Dr. Shormann is such a great teacher!
I REALLY love Simply Good and Beautiful Math and I think knowledge wise Math 6 from TGATB would have been great for our 7th grader this year but he doesn't like all the colorful pages and videos like our daughter (in 5th) does so DIVE is a lifesaver! 😉
I highly recommend Rod & Staff. Most straightforward, mastery based math there is!
We are in similar situations. My daughter is starting 7th, and she is struggling big time with level 5. Each lesson takes her at least an hour and a half. And she has a similar attitude as your daughter. I really didn't want to do TGAB, but more for personal reasons. I do admit, the math videos have been a life saver. Yeah, it's a pain to grade so much. I found it helpful to have her only do a few problems and I check that, than grade all 3 sheets at once. And it's better if I watch the video with her and watch her do the practice problems. She's the oldest, but she needs the most guidance. I can't leave her to own devices, especially with something as important as math.
As someone who was home schooled I started in remedial math in college and am now an engineer, I really don't think you should beat yourself up too much one way or the other. Motivation and the timing of when things click are VASTLY different for everyone. There are many curricula that work well, but curricula is simply not a predictor of individual success. I was taught using Saxon and it didn't click in HS, my kids use tt and it's working well for two, so-so for the third. Be patient (speaking to myself here) and keep working with your kids and they will achieve what they are capable of. Above all don't let them think they are stupid despite their struggles, that's more than half the battle.
Thank you for your honest review. I'm so glad I came across it! I've been considering this program, but now I will know that it requires some effort on my part to make sure it's being understood
You’re welcome!
Definitely not a curriculum issue. My mom used Saxon with us because it was the gold standard. My brother did good. I made it through by the skin of my teeth and never retained anything. Using TT with my kids (who have always homeschooled and going into 6th & 8th) and I’m finally in the frame of mind to learn it. Wow! I can actually multiply fractions and understand it! My older kid understands math easily and my younger, not so much….she’s like me. And that’s ok. ♥️ We are just hoping to master basic math and math in real life and the rest we call “brain exercise.” Btw. I work with teenagers. Many of them don’t retain much of anything they aren’t interested in. Haha.
Lol!! 😂 teenagers- truth to that!
My son was in TT5 and I had him take a Saxon placement test and he placed into 7/6, so I feel like it’s doing a great job. Also, doing it on an iPad using the app allows you to turn on guided access and that means all they can do is math…nothing else. That’s how we use it here. My son (10) has now transitioned to Beast Academy, and will be doing pre-algebra (still undecided on the program we’ll use) next year. I feel like TT did an excellent job preparing him! Prior to starting TT4 we used ABeka (K-3) and that gave them a great foundation.
Yeah, many have mentioned the guided access. That's a great idea! That's great that he placed that level into Saxon!
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I used BJU in early elementary for my first few children, then suddenly it just got super complicated for us. We switched to Math-U-See and enjoyed it. We also are giving CTC online math a shot, but it is not quite MY personal style of learning. I continue to pay for the family price, because it covers all grades to trig, and I figure somebody/anybody in my family can continue building their math skills, even though I only have 2 out of 9 children left to teach.
One of the reasons I give my child a standardized test every year is to make sure my curriculum is working as it should. It’s an objective way to ensure they are understanding grade level concepts no matter what curriculum you’re using. It also helps me to know what areas she may be weaker in so I can supplement the following school year as needed.
Where can I find standardized test? It looks like a good resource.
This is my exact experience. My girls were sneaking off with the laptops intended for school work and playing online games we had no idea about for hours and hours. I assumed they were doing homework, but they weren’t. And when my oldest two went to public schools we were all shocked at how little they really understood in their math despite nearly perfect TTMath scores. I think it just gives you a false sense of security so you let your guard down.
That’s too bad. Yep….that silence doesn’t always mean all is well.
I just want to encourage you that it's okay and your daughter will be fine! It could just be her learning style as well! I did TGTB with both of my kids last year and my daughter did fantastic but my son wasn't retaining concepts and would get very frustrated. I think it's TOO circular for him. So we're trying Math U See for him this year (daughter will continue with TGTB), and if he flies through that we might supplement with TGTB. It's amazing how different kids' learning styles affect the curriculum choices!
I agree!! Kids are soooo different. My daughter has ADHD and I’m positive that, THAT is half the issue here. That’s why I didn’t want to seem too down on TT. It’s just not a good fit for her. But I have to admit, I’m surprised at all the comments by other saying they experienced the same thing.
Good luck with Math U see!!
Teaching textbooks has been our saving grace for my son. Even I understand math better because of it! lol but we do school time at the dining room table, and in my bedroom at my desk. I separate my kids this way and have them switch depending on the subjects throughout the day. that way I'm always right there to answer questions and make sure they're understanding what's being taught. I don't get breaks during this time of day at all going back and forth. I do hope I can get to a more hands off approach soon but I don't think my kids would do their work right now the way I need them to. One day! my kids are still young though, 6 and 9.
I’m glad it’s working for you!
My daughter has ADHD and I can relate with you here. Video lessons are not a got fit for her either. I'm glad you did this video, I was about to purchase this curriculum, and you reminded me that Time4learning was not good for her at the time she was on Prek because of the video lessons. She didn't retain anything and lost a lot of knowledge she already had. In the other hand my son with Autism learns better this way. My daughter is a kinesthetic kind of girl so, I appreciate your time in making this video a lot! 🙏🙌 you just make me remember our own struggles. 😊
We also do TGTB Math curriculum.
I’m glad it’s helpful!
So this year we’ve tried TGTB math and it wasn’t a great experience either. My daughter also has ADHD and it’s such a struggle to know if she’s truly struggling or if she’s just doesn’t care bc sometimes that’s what it APPEARS to be. So we may be trying something else. My 3rd grader is catching up to her facts speed! 🤓
I have been hesitant to do Monarch for LA for my same age daughter for the reasons you gave for your reluctance on using the computer. Thank you for your explanation of your experience!
We are coming across the exact same issue with my 11 year old son. My husband wants to monitor him himself and will go over things with him regularly to make sure he’s getting it. That makes it easier for me. I’ve got 4 younger kids to teach and thought TT would be awesome for me. But it is not awesome for him. We may be switched by next year, but are gonna give it another semester. My 9 year old does better with it. We’ve pushed both of them to a grade ahead, and sometimes they struggle. We will see how it goes. I was looking at Math U See because of the videos but am not sure how easily we can hop into a mastery program after a spiral approach. Thanks for your videos! They are super helpful!
You’re welcome!! Having your husband help with this is such a blessing!!!
Have you watched Andrew Pudewa’s video about why he wants students to use a pen and no erasing? He said there is a connection when we write on paper in pen. The same applies to math, as well as anything else. I forgot the title but it’s something about no erasing. Very good info!
Now that you say that, I remember him saying that. But I thought it was more so they wouldn’t stress about what they write and constantly erase. So I’m not sure if I’ve heard him say that, per say. But I do see if. I need to physically write things out sometimes. Digital doesn’t always work for my own brain!
The Good and the Beautiful math curriculum is pretty advanced. TT is definetly more gentle than many math curriculums but it does pick up the further you go.
Thank you! My son tested well on the placement for Jr High with TT, but then 1/2 through, he struggled more and more. I work from home and cannot help at all hours of the day. So today, I have decided to switch his Math, but I need help deciding what will work best. This is why I've run into your Math Comparison videos and saw another mom that noticed their child with 'good scores' but no concept of learning the material. Also, his older brother was "helping" him with the answers.
Shormann math has math for junior high. Shormann has videos that help with Saxon. And I think he has a pre algebra course. Saxon, you’d have to grade yourself. But once you could move to Shormann’s course, it’s much like teaching textbooks except more advanced.
Being in the homeschool trenches can give us so many things to manage. Top that off with taking on "how our kids turn out as a result of how well we did educating them" and it can be extremely overwhelming. Computers can be a help and they can also be a huge hindrance. We have had the same issues as you and many others with them. We do have one desktop and it has a place in our living room with the screen facing the living room. Not saying technology is evil, but there is a reason it's called the "web."
It sounds like you really handled this challenge with math very well. I like the fact that you kept math "outsourced," in a way, with the videos available, but you are still available to teach your daughter and answer her questions. It's still hard to have the discipline to sit with them every single day, doing a subject they find challenging, which we also have found creates frustration and anxiety. I found that using Cuisenaire rods along with the Gattegno Mathematics textbooks, help to cement the ideas in my children's minds and gives us another way to see math concepts. I'd be interested to know how it goes doing math this way. Somebody else suggested taking your time. That's good advice. There's nothing wrong with revisiting concepts or trying new ways to learn them. Adults do this all the time.
Thank you!!
We used to have a desktop computer in the kitchen. It definitely helped that they could move. :)
Yes on the cementing and revisiting ideas. Unless you are going into a profession that really uses a lot of math (architecture, engineer, etc) or unless you’re for sure going to college, how much higher level math do we REALLY use as adults? I use some algebraic concepts (not all) and I use some geometry (not everything I learned m, though). Pretty basic. I might even venture to say that most adults don’t use more than an 8th grade math knowledge. 😉 so yes, I’m not worried about being “behind.” And I know even from college. There are remedial math courses for college students who still struggle with math. Education isn’t really about how many facts you know. It’s about figuring out HOW to learn and problem solve bc unless you apply it and use it consistently, students aren’t going to retain much of the WHAT anyway.
Having said that, all I want is for my children to make progress every year. And since I didn’t see much progress with this curriculum, that’s why I’m moving onto something different. 😉
Same! No retention. I switched to learn math fast system. Amazing so far. To the point and gentle for the struggling student.
This curriculum has come up SO MUCH in the comments!!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan And you can print the worksheets so you can reuse the Learn Math Fast books with younger kiddos.
I used it for 2 years for my daughter. She loved the Pre-algebra in 8th and Algebra 1 in 9th. She literally could not do the Algebra 1 by herself. All 142 lessons are drastically different. There is a new lesson everyday and since most of the questions are NOT from that lesson, they got almost no time to practice that exact skill. I wish the first 10 questions were about the lessons and the extra 10 were about other lessons. She did not get enough practice with each lesson before the formula or rules changed.
Aw that’s too bad it didn’t work out! Have you tried Mr. D Math? It’s online and excellent. My oldest did the self paced version, which includes live online tutor help. My middle has to use TT, it’s the only one that works for her, if it gets done ✔️, I’m happy. She takes notes in her notebook and is very diligent with the program. She has to bring her laptop into the dining room to do it so I can watch over her shoulder.
Our homeschools here in B.C. Canada use it a lot too! I think if they’re happy with it, it’s good enough for me ☺️
I’m really glad it works for you. I didn’t want to come across that it was only a TT issue bc I know it works for some. And I know my daughter’s ADHD contributes to some of our “issues” in general. 😉
I have not heard of D math. Will add it to my list!! Thank you!!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan yes! Mr.D! My sister in Texas recommended it to me. Check it out, they also offer honours classes 😊
I'm so sorry you're going through this. My 8th grader is significantly behind as well due to poor retention in earlier years. She has ADHD, and I realized that she needs a ton of regular review to retain math. Last year I started using Math On the Level. It has a fantastic customizable review system. The curriculum offers ways to learn math through hands on experience, but I mostly use other workbooks to teach, then use her system to create review worksheets that just have 5 or 6 problems each day. This has made a world of difference. Your daughter might really need a heavy spiral of some kind or review worksheets to help cement the concepts. Best of luck to you, mama!
Thank you so much! I’m amazed at just how many math recommendations I’m getting that I’ve never heard of before. Yours is another new one!
@elonas9487 how did you guys end up liking math on the level?
@@prairiesovereignty1753 It was great for us and helped my daughter gain confidence. I really liked the online custom worksheet creator and the spreadsheet for tracking her skills and how often to review things. For pre-algebra, we opted to switch to Dennison, mainly because she was ready for more independence and less teaching from me. Dennison has been phenomenal, and we will use it for the rest of high school. But Math on the Level was really great for zeroing in on areas she needed to work on in the couple of years before that.
When I was first looking at math curriculum I was told by many friends that often TT is about 2 years behind most programs. That being said I have use Christian Light math. It's spiral and my I found it easy for me to use if I need to help her. I also live that they have textbook option now.
I’ve gone away from TGATB on language arts, and I don’t think I’d try them on math, not that they have Algebra. Lol. I am LOVING Masterbooks this year!!! My daughter suddenly told me she hated Shormann so I did lots of research this summer. (I know you can relate). I am so happy with it!!! My daughter hates math but this is the first thing she does each day after Bible. It takes about 15 minutes a day, plus he explains things really well in the book. No videos to watch, and it’s self guided, which is what I wanted. I would highly recommend Masterbooks!
That’s great to know. I love Shormann. But I also am not sure it would work for my middle child. My oldest is more mathematically inclined and Shormann is challenging! And also…if their interests aren’t geared towards something that needs math, I see no need to torture them! Lol! 😂 just learn what they need to know. Honors class not required.
I’ll have to keep Masterbooks in mind for her for high school!
We had the same issue. We use good and beautiful and Saxon now. I’ve been homeschooling for 12 years. We have 8 kids. We use the Robinson method and it has changed our life and homeschool. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
I just had this experience with my son who is 12. last year we did level 3 with maserbooks and switched to the TGTB level 3. And I can tell he hasn't retained much. I was so disappointed/frustrated. He did 2years with masterbooks level 2-3 and would be doing their level 4. Now my son does have special needs and I thought we had made more progress than this. But We are now taking the TGTB level 3 slow to really get these multiplication facts memorized so we can move along more quickly plus no more breaks from math in the summer even if we are just doing math games. But I can already tell he is enjoying the math better! Best of luck and I can so relate!
YES!!! I also told my husband we will continue math through the summer next year. Maybe just 2 days/week but I think that’s part of these issues also! Good for you, Mama!!
Thank you for the information - how did she do with TGATB last school year?
Last year was a rough year too! I gave an update in a recent video about it here: th-cam.com/video/x3Do7VurtW8/w-d-xo.html
TGATB is a fine program. There was some user error on my end (printing) which made things tougher. But we ended up trying Lesrn Math Fast at the end of the year. Check out the link if you want to know more
About it.
We did Grade 3 TT and found the same thing about the retention issues. We switched to TGATB and have found that my girls are retaining the information so much better. I've had to go and reteach them a lot of info that they should've learned in TT but didn't retain. We are about half way through level 4 TGATB and we have been very happy with it and we really enjoy the videos
Thank you for sharing that!
I can so relate to this with Miss 7, disappears into a corner with the iPad. Diagnosed ADHD, ASD, suspect dysgraphia, she needs constant novelty. Thank God I’m only homeschooling the one. TGATB is working for us. I modify to make things as multi sensory as possible. In one term she’s gone from ten minutes of focus to over an hour.
You are not alone. My daughter has ADHD also it’s a very, real challenge. So encouraged that TGTB works for so many!!
I was honestly regretting that I signed my boys up for TT next year and i was thinking of switch them over to TGATB. But, I need them to be in at least TGATB 4 or I won’t have time to work with them on math. I was thinking I’ll do the same thing… do the assessments and just do the portions that we need to do. I am so happy with TGATB math that my daughter started mid year. She has learned SO much… currently a finishing 6th grader finishing the Math 4.
How long did it take your daughter to complete a lesson?
We use TGTB math 4 this year with my son, we are on our 3rd week. You do just 5 minutes at the beginning, the mental math, then they do lesson on their own and you come back and check. That’s it. It’s working out great for us!
Yea! I’m loving the mental math exercises! This is already working out very well for us as well!
Hi, how is it working for you? Did you find level 4 to be too many questions in the lesson? I've read its too much busy work and not enough concepts
@@lisajtv9579 I think is a great program. We completed it. This year I had to stop using it bc we realized he does better with mastery than spiral. But I’m using level 4 with my other son, we’ll see how that goes.
I’ve never tried teaching textbooks but we are starting with TGTB math and love it so far. I’m really impressed with the spiral and my son enjoys it.
As someone who’s daughter got a year behind with TT and retained nothing I feel your pain! We use Saxon with Dive DVD’s I do believe math should be done with pen and paper.
I agree. There’s something that happens when you write it down.
We do TT with a pen and paper… didnt you? I buy the workbook and after she does the problems she enters them into the iPad! I don’t understand why people say comments like this when there is a workbook (paper!!!)
@@momoflittleladies no, didn’t buy a workbook. Used TT 4.0 as it was sold to me. You use curriculum the way you want. We used it another way and just acknowledged the difference. Thanks.
Our only child is 21 but I'm really glad I wanted your video! We are currently in middle of a printer issue so I'm checking out your printer link.
This is the first video of yours that I'm watching and I LOVE it!! Your editing is delightfuly funny! And as far as math, I hear ya and you're doing a great job, Mama 🙂
Thank you so much!!! I do put a lot of effort in my editing. (Maybe too much sometimes)
Thank you for your transparency! This really helps.
Saxon Math published before 1985. My daughter went from 9th percentile in 3rd grade just weeks after we started homeschooling to 89th percentile in 6th grade after 3 years of homeschooling with almost one year off formal math in 4th grade.
How is the TGTB math going? I’m still not sure about math for my, possibly adhd, child and I need to decide now. Is Simply G&B Math working for your daughter?
Also, side note…I bought Lang Lessons for Living Ed again this year bc my child begged me to do it! I don’t know if you remember, but it’s not my first choice. Anyway, thought it was funny that I bought it bc it works for my kid. Adding a flash kids Lang arts book for review and All about spelling. We’ll see how that works. Hope your year is going well thus far!! 😊
I guess If your child enjoys it, that’s a positive!
So far TGTB math is going fine. We’ve only been doing school for a couple weeks. The lessons are not taking long.
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan. Thank you, for the reply. I really Appreciate it!
Anything that gets them to listen and do the work, right! 😆
@@ambers4524 yep! Would rather them be engaged in an ok curriculum than disengaged in a fantastic curriculum. 😉 there is no perfect curriculum anyway. So “fantastic” is in the eye of the beholder! 😜 if learning is being done, that’s a win!
Just an idea… Could it be that the math is a spiral approach instead of mastery approach? The only reason I say this is because our daughter did Saxon and Teaching Textbooks. She did well with both but her retention was terrible. We now use Math U See and she is excelling in math. She needed that mastery approach. I wish you and your daughter the best of luck. You got this!
Maybe. Singapore is also mastery and she did fine until she and I quit working well together.
It’s unfortunate bc you’d think constantly reviewing would help them remember. Hmmm….now you’ve got me thinking bc I think TGTB is also spiral. 🤔
Thank you so much!!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan we tried masterbooks..wasnt challenging enough...florida virtual...she hated using the computer a lot....Tesching textbooks....i didnt know she was passing without learning....she is starting 5th this year and we switched to math u see and she placed into his level 3 (Gamma) but she is moving quickly through. She is building HUGE multiplication problems when a year ago she could barely remember single digit multiplication. He sells a skip counting song book and dvd too and even my 4 yr old now knows some of the songs. The mastery approach is wonderful and you can speed up or slow down. And he offers free worksheets online too. :) and spelling you see changed our lives too. We have 5 kiddos and 3 of them use both and LOVE it. The other 2 will one day (they are 4&2).
@@thisbeautifulhour math U see seems to working well for a lot of people!
Can u please keep us posted with this? I have had two weeks of tears and frustration with my daughter too. To the point that I’m considering putting her in school. I used Singapore with my son and with her it’s boring everything has to be entertaining or else she checks out. She is only in 3rd grade! I felt ur pain thank u for posting this.
Keep you updated on how TGTB math works??
I’m so sorry. I hope your year gets better!!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan yes I would like to know how your daughter does with the new curriculum you picked out for her. It reminded me a lot of my daughter.
@@lory2loca I will give an update for sure. I usually do a mid-year update around January!
Also-I didn’t mention in my video, but daughter is diagnosed with ADHD. Your “tears” story reminded me of when I first began to suspect she had a learning challenge bc we had tears when it’s came to spelling and Language arts. Just having it confirmed that she has ADHD was helpful bc then I started learning more about how to help her. It was freeing. So that’s where the “fun” aspect comes in. In order for her to focus, there has to be an element of fun involved. And there also needs to be time boxing with frequent move around breaks, etc. something to consider. My heart goes out to you! ❤️
I completely get what you are saying. I have two kids 5th and 7th this year and I also saw that they tested at grade level but not as advanced as I had gotten them prior to starting teaching textbooks. I even bought the textbook so that they can work on it with the online program and I felt like it. We are with a charter school so they are required to do testing. They were tested in the beginning of the year and we had work so hard the year before that it reflected in their test. ( they both tested 3 grade levels above) They were tested again at the end of the year and they just got to grade level. All their test on TTB were 85 or above. If it was lower we would review and i made them take the test again. I was very disappointed and now we are looking for another program.
That’s so disappointing….I’m sorry! 😕
My oldest had the same problem with TT. No retention from the online program. He did better with the book, but we ended up switching programs completely. My daughter is doing great with TT print version, but I will probably end up switching all my kids to the new program. Have you heard of math tutor DVD? They are great.
Never heard of it!! Thanks for the suggestion!
I’m feeling you on this one, though we are still using TT, I changed how we use it this year. I have Qustodio and the whole computer is shut down except the TT app. If somehow another app gets left open and I catch them playing during math time, that app gets deleted. Also, we have stopped using second chances. I have started telling them to check their answers before entering them. This has been an adjustment for sure, but they are improving in this necessary skill! If they get answers wrong, they take the accurate score, but still have to work until they have the correct answer. I’ve become much more strict this year after realizing how easy it was for them to pass, but not retain. We will move from TT 7 to Shormann pre-algebra (that’s the plan for now anyway).
The computer is a definite temptation!!!
I also was shocked by a placement test I had my kids do through ACE after having done teaching textbooks for a year and a half. We have since switched and they are thriving through ACE and they enjoy the more hands on approach I have with this curriculum.
You might try Saxon and Nicole the Math Lady. I've not used it but I've heard good things
As a newer homeschool Mom I researched and read lots of reviews on TT. It sounds great for the parent because it's something to delegate and the grading feature sounds helpful but also read that TT is behind. We've been using Christian Light Education for Math because it was what my son was using when he was in private school. It's been wonderful including the teacher's guide. I have considered TT for High School, but now that I am listening to your review, I think I'll steer clear so as to not lose any of our progress. Thank you so much for sharing this video :)
We use Shormann math for my high schooler! It’s online and keeps the grades for you (like Teaching textbooks) but it’s advanced. And the teacher is a Christian. I highly recommend it!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan So appreciate you recommending this as I've heard about this one too. I'll search your channel to see if you've done a video on this but if not would you please consider doing one?
@@MariaSantana-hx4bb I don’t have a video that’s only about Shormann math. My high school curriculum choices video is coming next week and I mention it there, but I don’t think I go into a lot of depth.
I’ll probably do a video this year about it, though! 😉
I have been using TT for the past 3 months. I had to switch my 9th grader from Abeka math to TT because she was supposed to be in Algebra 1 but she was struggling. She came straight from public school and when I tried for her to take the TT placement test she was clueless she couldn't answer anything. I went ahead and put her on Algebra 1 anyway after taking the free 15 lessons, she started to get it and they were breaking things down in a more logical and useful way. We love TT and I believe I will continue to use it throughout she is finally getting her math and it's ok she's a bit behind as long as she is learning. I do agree with you on the access to the internet and a calculator, my daughter at the beginning started to use a calculator for everything and I had to stop her in her tracks and show me how she solves problems on paper. She tried to be sneaky and solve using a calculator even when it was a simple 2+5. I do have to be on top of her work and look over her shoulder. unfortunately, it has to be that way or she'll be cheating her way through.
That’s great that you’re seeing progress!!!
I wish you the best with this new program. If this doesn't work out, I wonder if you should try online tutoring with Dyslexia Connect. You can find a math tutor who specializes in students struggling with math.
I know such a suggestion is an extra expense, but it might be worth it for her foundation in math.
Nice job catching this while she was still in junior high!
This looks like a great channel! Thanks for producing these videos!
Thank you!!!
My son was ready for Pre-Algebra after TGTB Math 5. It is a great program!
Have you heard of Math Antics? It is only $10 for a year of access and it is perfect for filling in gaps in Middle School Math. Video instruction with printable worksheets. They watch instruction, there is a full sheet with the teacher working through each problem, and a sheet for them to do on their own. Love it for my 12 year old and definitely recommend!
I’ve never heard of it! I’ll check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
I have my morning coffee while I watch my son do TT. (We've only been doing it a couple months). A word problem popped up and I was surprised he didn't struggle with it at all as they are usually a big deal. I asked him how he knew to subtract so fast and he pointed to the top right corner that said "taught in lesson 8" or something like that. He said "in lesson eight we practiced subtracting by twos." So rather than reading the story problem he just subtracted by two and got the right answer! Goodness! He can really apply those memory skills when it suites him LOL. We switched from TGTB math to TT this summer. I hope it works better for you than it did for us. He was taking an hour and a half just to get through one lesson. :( I'll have to be sure to keep watching most of his lessons. I pray it works.
Oh boy….yeah…word problems should require some sort of thought analysis.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned….there’s no perfect curriculum. I honestly can’t think of one that we’ve had zero issues with or that has worked for every single child.
We really enjoy Math U See. Might be worth looking into.
I too was intrigued by the good and the beautiful math this spring. But my daughter's trouble is that online programs hurt her retention. So as tempted as I am to switch to TG&TB I know the problem will only continue. Christian Light has been a blessing for us. We are four years in and as blingy as the other programs seems, it continues to be what works best for our large family. It teaches one new thing each day to the student and then does a lot of review from past concepts. I check in with her once a week during her quiz lesson to make sure she is getting it.
I have used Saxon for years ever since my oldest took her first standardized test in 3rd grade and pretty much failed it. Two years of Saxon raised her score from around the 3rd percentile to the 99th. My oldest 4 kids used Saxon through graduation, but I really struggled with accountability on my end. I just didn't have time to teach and correct all those lessons and tests for so many kids. Last year, I made the change to TT and really enjoyed the emails and knowing who did their math and who didn't. It was such a blessing for me time-wise, but I question how much they're learning. Standardized test scores for the two who had to take them were fine, but I'm not sure how it'll be for the long haul with TT.
Saxon definitely has a good reputation for getting results (if your child can handle all the repetition)
My kiddo is finishing up good and beautiful kinder math and it's perfect for starting first grade. We started halfway thru the year last year and have had a great time with it. Hopefully the higher grade levels are as hands on. He loves those math boxes
Check out CTC math. Life changing. Totally different set up. And created by a homeschool dad.
I didn’t like TT at all.
They didn’t learn anythg w TT. They never had to write anything down! So to actually do the math problems they had no idea what the process was.
I have the same issue w my sons too w not wanting to teach them.
😢 that’s so sad.
Is CTC online??
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan yes it’s online. They give a week free too
We moved to CTC math too. Had the same experience with TT. I love CTC math.
We had the exact same issue with teaching textbooks. My son was doing level 4 and finished the course with 100%. I then did the unit test for TGATB THREE and he failed. Couldn’t do it, so we spent all summer doing TGATB 3 and are starting 4 this week. I did all those things. Teaching textbooks is just lacking.
Oh my, felt so bad for you, hearing your story. What is it with maths programs..? I'm looking for one in the style of Apologia General Science Year 7 (colourful, great program and page layouts student are strongly guided, with the option of video) but they are all.... so blah. The standard is so, so low for Grades 7-12.
Hmm..I’m not sure. My high schooler uses Shormann math but that’s all online. I’m surprised apologia wouldn’t have one. Have you looked at Masterbooks? They kind of are similar to apologia style. Not sure if they’d have a high level math or not.
Ok, let me just tell you. I have a 5th grader. He doesn’t yet know all of his multiplication facts, his memory and recall are terrible, BUT he understands every math procedure I teach him. AND, he does well on math problems where one needs to use analytical thinking. Putting him back into 3rd grade to learn his multiplication facts and get better at arithmetics (I think he has some degree of dyscalculia), I really don’t think it will be right for bringing out his full potential. What I do is, I give him 5th grade curriculum, but adjust the numbers in problems, so that he is not overwhelmed with calculations. Everyone is different. As homeschooling parents we need to find what works best for our children. A lot of things can be caught up AND, I’m saying this as a person with an engineering degree from Georgia Tech, we have calculators. If my child doesn’t master long division perfectly, he will survive and can still be an engineer, even.
Have you heard of Zearn? It is online (not sure if that’s a dealbreaker for you) but it’s very very similar to Singapore but it’s FUN. We cried ourselves through the primary 2022 book but he loved zearn. It’s also free!
That is the age that I start doing the math alongside them. They have no excuses and they can see my work...because I do all of my work on the paper, so if they get lost, they can check. I also made Friday our grading day to catch any problems quickly and deal with them as needed. Preteens are just rough to deal with, hang in there!!
Thanks!! And yes…those preteens….This mama has cracked down big time these past few weeks and I’m already seeing results (in terms of them taking more responsibility!)
You’re not alone! We are in the same boat right now! We used teaching textbooks level 4 and half of level 5. In the middle of this school year I decided to add mental math exercises bc I felt TT didnt practice a lot of that. It showed me that there were some major gaps in my kiddos knowledge. I also chose the good and beautiful and now were having to start level 4 of it in the middle of the school year to get caught up and will be working through summer. My kiddo was also making in the 90s with each TT lesson. I feel that there are some major gaps in their curriculum and their style of teaching didn’t help my daughter retain what she was learning. She had forgotten a lot of what I had taught her before starting TT. It had me questioning what on earth was TT even teaching this whole time for her to bomb the placement tests as she had. We also took Math Mammoth placement tests as well and she was just as behind with them. As fun as TT is, something just wasn’t right with it.
Yeah…we’re doing a little better with TGATB but the overall retention of the math is still an issue.
My daughter has struggled with retention too. Math is not her thing. I had her exactly where she needed to be though when I started her on TT so I know it played a part in her getting behind. Good luck with the new curriculum!
My son is also using TT right now and I am also wanting to switch his math curriculum at the beginning of the year. It takes so long for him to complete a lesson that we split it into two days. He thinks it is very boring and doesn’t like the voice. He is in fourth grade. I also go over his math facts with him separately. I do like how it is spiral review but I’m looking for something a little more engaging. We used Masterbooks last year and that also did not work out well for him. I am also curious about starting the good and the beautiful because as you mentioned the pages seem to be more engaging. I think he would do better with the colors. He does have adhd and dyslexia so he needs something he will be interested in. I find TT boring also so I don’t blame him. I will be watching to see how THe Good and the Beautiful turn out for you as well. Good luck! I love your videos btw! Just started watching and subscribed. Very entertaining
Thank you!!
We’ll so far, I think TGTB is working out pretty well. There are some things my daughter wants to skip (games) but it seems to be a perfect mix of video lesson with textbook practice. And there are even some days she doesn’t wAnt to watch the video bc she just wants to get the lesson done. So sometimes I just teach the concept to her. So…..so far so good! 😉
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan I am glad to hear this. I think I am going to give it a try. I am so happy to hear it is working out for you.
Wow! I just had the same experience. I have a rising 8th grader who did BJU pre-algebra last year. She took the Saxon Algebra 1 placement test and failed. Everything on the test I taught just months prior.🤔😫 She took the TT Algebra 1 test and passed. The same thing happened with my son. He did TT 7 last year, so I gave him the Saxon pre-algebra test. Failed. But passed TT. I am very leary of TT. They seem too easy. (My son has always struggled in math. I thought TT was slower, so he did their 7 in the 6th grade. He passed, which proves to me they are slower.) I have only found one person that claims their child placed well on the SAT after using it for years.
Rod and Staff was my elementary choice. Mastery, but no algebra. I'm giving TT one semester. If my children can't solve some of the same problems from another curriculum, or explain the lesson back to me, I'm switching.
There is definitely something to the "brain to hand." They should write on paper to show their work.
Cathy Duffy reviews even notes that Saxon and Shormann math are more advanced for Algebra. Your experience confirms it.
I appreciate your honesty! We started out using Master Books Math AND two years I realized it put my kids back... I didn't know that MB was a level behind 😔 So we switched to TGTB Math Level 2 and I was surprised as to how fast she caught on and caught up to that level. Needless to say, we are staying with TGTB until it stops working for us 🤷♀️😄
Yah!! That’s encouraging!
@@OurHOMEschoolPlan I hope it works out for your daughter! ☺️
My ninth grader is is doing Algebra 1 this year and Christian Light grade 5 because of teaching textbooks. She’s very smart and understands Algebra, but TT did not cover many things very well. Long division, large multiplication problems, word problems, etc., so many things she’s having to learn now. Teaching Textbooks is extremely easy to cheat on with the computer calculator if you aren’t standing right there the whole time too. We used TT for five years, and I despise it now after giving my daughter Christian Light placement tests.
Oh, I'm so sorry......I totally relate....the long division and large multiplication is one of those areas my daughter also couldn't do, and I KNOW I'd helped her with those things MULTIPLE TIMES! And I also completely agree about the online calculator, I was always suspecting that my daughter was sneaking that calculator! yep!
Lots of people in my comments recommended "learn math fast" - just FYI in case you want to catch up quickly. it seems to be a popular option.
My oldest excels in an enjoys math, so I think TT is a good fit for him. However - my next two are NOT wired the same. We love math u see with the videos and manipulatives for them. It’s incredibly repetitive and slow, which is exactly what they need. Every kid is so different - the beauty of homeschool is customization!
Absolutely!!! ❤️
I know you have received many, many responses so take this one with a grain of salt: If you do not know about Charlotte Mason’s method for teaching math, I recommend looking in to this. The basic idea is that children need a reason to connect to math and understand why it is necessary for them to learn. Because God is the creator of all things, He also created the knowledge of math. God is truth and never fails, and math, is a way to show the truth of God, ie 2 +2=4 and this equation is always true. CM believed that math should be done at a child’s own pace and a concept should not be moved on from until the child learns it. There is more to this method, of course. Check out Beauty and Truth math guides for a starting point if interested in learning more. Best of luck!!!
I’m definitely not an expert on Charlotte Mason, though the more I learn about that way, I’m intrigued. Thank you for sharing this!
Or reading through the eclectic manual of methods , math section, which has a very similar suggested process. Changed my view of math forever. The manual is free online.
I was the sort of kid that could learn it quick. Do it quick and then forget it later. So there's that. Practice in a variety of ways makes sense to me so it sticks.