Two things make a homeschool mom worry: math and science.
Math is a building block to so many other avenues like engineering, IT, the sciences, and even every day life like managing finances and cooking.
There are some really fancy math programs out there, but it doesn’t have to be complicated! I’d like to introduce a few math options for any type of homeschool curriculum or method.
The following is a post showcasing options within Homeschool Buyers Co-op and I have been compensated for my time. As always, all opinions are my own.
The Homeschool Buyers Co-op has an award-winning selection of math products, including core curriculum, supplemental, practice programs, struggling learner programs, and games.
You can save on math curriculum – up to 67%!!
Math Mammoth
Math Mammoth is one of the most comprehensive, economical solutions out there. For the cost of one year of many other core curriculums, you can get from first grade through middle school! A bit more about Math Mammoth:
Some main features of the Math Mammoth worktexts are:
- Mathematical Concepts: By using clear explanations, lots of visual exercises and pattern exercises, Math Mammoth focuses on understanding mathematical concepts
- Mastery-oriented: concentrates fairly long on a topic, with a few topics per grade
- Number Sense: Math Mammoth emphasizes mental math and developing number sense
- Self-teaching: Practically self-teaching for kids who can read
- Drill & Practice: Not only can Math Mammoth be used as a COMPLETE curriculum, it is also great for supplement or practice for any weak areas your student needs to improve on.
- Very little preparation is needed which is PERFECT for busy homeschool moms!
CTC Math
If you missed out on the discount of CTC Math when I did the review of their online math curriculum, you can still get a great deal through the co-op! In a rush and not sure what CTC Math is? Here’s the run down:
CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials which take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your student break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!
The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.
Each one of the video tutorials are taught by internationally recognized teacher, Pat Murray, who is known for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Even students who struggled with math can get great results.
Some key benefits of CTCMath as your core curriculum:
- 1,400+ animated and narrated math lessons are short and easily digested (only a few minutes each). Students can replay each lesson as many times as needed until they “get” it.
- 57,000 interactive questions to ensure students get ample instruction and practice
- Diagnostic tests to make sure your student is on track
- Instant feedback to students and regular reporting to parents
- Algebra, statistics, geometry, trigonometry, probability plus more
- Detailed progress reports for parents.
Math in Focus
Many people rave about the Singapore approach to math, and Math in Focus uses that same approach, from the same publisher as Saxon Math. This is your core curriculum for math in an easy package.
Math in Focus: The Singapore Approach offers the authentic Singapore math pedagogy with fewer topics taught in greater depth at each grade level. The program features visual representations and modeling strategies to solve complex problems; a consistent concrete-pictorial-abstract progression; and strong development of both conceptual understanding, place value, and computational fluency so students that understand the “how” as well as the “why.”
Math in Focus has components to meet the specific needs of American students and teachers. Staying true to the Singapore curriculum and syllabus, the program offers additional enhancements for differentiated instruction (remediation, reteaching, enrichment, assessment, and additional practice), School-to-Home connections, transition support, and technology integration.
Saxon Math
Tried and true! We loved Saxon Math when my oldest was in middle school and high school. One of my favorite aspects of Saxon Math is that you can keep the same program from Kindergarten through Calculus. No needing to switch to a new program as you age out.
With Saxon Math Homeschool, you can help your child develop a mastery of math language and concepts, from kindergarten to advanced high school levels.
Saxon Math Homeschool is based on the teaching principles of incremental development, continual practice and review, and cumulative assessment. The programs are organized by:
- K–3 teaches basic concepts, plus geometry, patterns, and time
- Math 5/4–8/7 transitions to textbooks, plus algebraic and geometric reasoning
- High school texts prepare students for college, from Algebra 1 to Calculus
Right Start Math – with games!
Last, but not least, what we currently use in our homeschool! I love Right Start Math because it teaches number sense in a multi-sensory way, and adds in practice with math card games. It is a higher entry cost, but you buy all the manipulatives you’ll need for all of elementary school, then just buy your books from there on out.
Do you have visual, kinesthetic, or auditory learner? RightStart Mathematics is a popular hands-on and visual program for early math learners that stresses understanding math concepts and problem solving throughout the curriculum.
Sold in kits with lots of manipulatives, the heart of the RightStart program is the AL Abacus, which is grouped in fives and tens for quick recognition of quantities. Children develop visual strategies as they use this and other manipulatives. The back side of the AL Abacus teachers place value to the thousands. Additional practice is provided with fun math card games.
Teacher supported core curriculum
All of these are well supported for the busy homeschool mom to just open and go, or for your student to work on on their own. The Homeschool Buyers Co-op is my favorite way to save on brand new curriculum! PLUS, many of these offer ready-to-go lesson plans through Homeschool Planet (which I have raved about before).
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