It is worth it? My guys aren't ready for Saxon 1 and yet I feel like we need more formal math studies. TWTM says you don't have to use a formal math curriculum, but also mentions Saxon K.

Thanks for your help!

Kimberly

How old are they? Pre K?

4.5YO boy, 5.5YO boy, with few math skills. They can count to 20 and have started learning to identify coins.

Kimberly

and taking their placement exam with the kids answering questions from it.

It is very accurate in telling you which level of Saxon to use.

Here is the link to the PDF file

http://www.saxonhomeschool.com/pdf/placement/primary_placement.pdf

Unless you have all the manipulatives, I think their K program is a bit pricey for what you get.

I tried using it with one of my children, but she is a 'worksheet gal' and just did not enjoy it.

My ds is using it in school now and he is not enjoying it, he is bored.
(He used Singapore math at home and loved it.)

Take the placement test.
They may be ready for 1.

Hope

we used saxon k - 87. we always buy it used and didnt buy the manipulatives (we just substituted them for things we had on hand). máire likes saxon bc of the repetition (but then we have to use about 4 different math programs with máire). we also use singapore, excel and developmental math (from MPA - i highly recommend them)

Thanks everyone. From looking at the placement questions I am pretty sure they would test into K. I delayed academics for their preschool years and only now am looking for math help since DH doesn't want to unschool. Everything they've learned so far has been through "unschooling".

Up until now we've mostly played with manipulatives for math. We have wooden attribute beads that they sort, and wooden pattern blocks and pattern cards. They seemed to get bored playing with the manipulatives, so I found coin worksheets and we've been working on those for 3 weeks. But my 4YO has started refusing to do the lesson. He's young, so I'm not too concerned, but I do feel I need something for the 5YO.

TWTM says you don't have to use a formal math curriculum in K and that you can just expose your children to math in daily living. But they also say you can use Saxon in a fun way. So I was just wondering if anyone had used it and if they found it helpful or a waste of money.

Branwyn, thanks for the reminder about Developmental Math; I had heard about it and promptly forgotten.

Peace,

Kimberly

We're doing saxon K w/ my almost 6 yr old. He enjoys the manipulatives but he also loves worksheets. I keep some worksheets printed up and if he doesnt' seem to want to do the manipulatives that day we switch over. We also do math last b/c he usually makes other creations and wants dad to see them. I don't think he's learned anything yet that he didn't know,but we'll see.....

I loved using Saxon with my kindergarteners. The manipulatives were fun for the kids and I don't care for worksheets for K's. I have no idea how much it costs though:)

j