Five days a week, about one half hour a day, the student should work through a mathematics text book. He or she should maintain a notebook of carefully/neatly worked problems done with a quality mechanical pencil, pink-pearl eraser and a straight edge. Each homeschooled youngster should keep this notebook with his grammar, history, and other notebooks that make up his portfolio of studies and accomplishments.
Prior to purchasing a book be sure to evaluate your child’s capabilities. For example, Saxon provides placement tests that you can download. They have several different levels from K-3 up to Calculus. Even if you don't want to use Saxon, the middle grades test do a great job of showing up weak areas such as fractions or decimals.
Before buying a math book borrow(from another homeschooler or the library) a copy and use it at home for a couple weeks. Also be aware that all(including Saxon) materials, change over the years. You might like an older version but not the newer one or visa versa. Be aware that many(especially Saxon) textbooks are expensive but built tough so you can often buy used books at local bookstores and/or online. Many homeschooling moms, sometimes with their children’s help, have collections of used books for sale.
- Overview of Math Curriculum by Dale R. Reed
- Overview of Math Curriculum by Beverly Hernandez
Thoughts from Beverly: I agree that daily math practice in a math curriculum is very important. Even when we were doing unit studies, we stuck with our math curriculum. Math concepts build on each other, and following a curriculum is usually the easiest way to make sure that there aren't any holes. Manipulatives can be helpful in explaining a concept. If you're teaching money, get out money; if you're teaching time, use a real clock.
More of this feature:
- Introduction
- Daily Math Excercises (you are here)
- Important Math Skills - Hands-on Math
- Playing Math Games
- Spreading Math Enthusiasm
- Computer Programming (this one and following - coming soon)
- Preparing for Testing
- Mathematical Brain Teasers
- Miscellaneous Math References
