How We Approach Math in This Homeschool Year
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Here we are back for week 2 of the Virtual Curriculum Fair. The theme this week is Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science—includes anything to do with mathematics, mathematical thinking, numbers, arithmetic, symbolic logic, critical thinking, and math-y sciences (physics, chemistry, etc.). So, I am going to share how we approach math in this homeschool year for my boys.
How We Approach Math: Kindergarten Year
Earlier in the year, my son was continuing working through GPA Learn, an online program we reviewed last year. Yet, he started to rebel over doing the work. Honestly, I think it was a combination of too much work on the computer and that the program can take a while to work through if you do the complete lesson video.
So, since mid-October we’ve been doing basic math skills verbally as well as using IXL Math. I also have some Spectrum workbooks for him to use for a pencil and paper approach.
How We Approach Math: Pre-Algebra
This past summer, we were not sure whether our 7th grade son was going to be homeschooled again or attend the local middle school. He started the year at the school, but after a month’s time asked to come home. A BIG reason was they’d placed him in the basic math class when he really needed to be in pre-algebra.
Lucky for him, we’d reviewed UnLock Math’s Pre-Algebra program this summer. So, guess what he’s been doing?
What I love about it is that a math teacher has video instruction for each lesson in addition to practice and challenge problems. And, I can see when he did work and how long it took him to complete.
The downside? I am starting to think my boys need less computer time and more time with pencil and paper.
He’s also spent some time in IXL Math as our charter school provided that subscription.
How We Approach Math: Geometry
My 10th grader is continuing with Math U See Geometry. It’s a program of choice and we already had everything needed in the house all ready for it.
Now, I will admit that I find Math U See to be a bit ‘light’ in the high school classes. I remember working through a LOT of proofs when I was in high school. That isn’t the case for this program. They list “Points, lines, planes, angles, circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, Pythagorean Theorem, conic sections, proofs and more” as what is covered. Proofs come late in the book and are not as involved as I remember. However, you will encounter more in upper levels of the program.
Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses – Thoughts on Math and Science
Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset – From Counting to Calculus
Annette @ A Net In Time – Struggling with Math, Loving Science
Annette @ A Net In Time – Lego Pulleys and Levers
Yvie @ Gypsy Road Hands – On Math with Special Needs Learners
Chelli @ The Planted Trees – Chemistry Using Living Books
Lisa @ GoldenGrasses – An Appalling Lack of Curiosity
Edie @ Carter Chaos – Our Favorite Ways to Study Numbers
Tracey @ A Learning Journey – Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project
Jennifer @ A Glimpse of Our Life – Math and Standardized Tests
Jen @ Chestnut Grove Academy – Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science
Sarah @ DeliveringGrace – Learning Multiplication Tables
Kylie @ Our Worldwide Classroom – Multisensory Multiplication
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break – Science and Stuff
Kemi Quinn @ Homemaking Organized – Math in Our Homeschool for a Later Elementary Organized Reader
Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory – Math and Logic – Our Steady Path
Laura @ Four Little Penguins – Math and Science Love
If you missed submitting your link or have other math themed posts from the past year to share, feel free to add them here.
I have to admit I don’t know a lot about MUS. Not sure if it would be a good fit with my lad
Visiting through the VCF.
We are a MUS family here. My eldest is about to start Algebra. I’ve always been concerned if it is thorough enough so we have added in the honors. Have you taken a look at the honors for each level?