Summer Planning: Math

It’s that time of year again! Our main school year is finished, so it’s on to planning for next year.

Curriculum planning as a progressive homeschooler can be a bit daunting. You think you find something that works, then all of a sudden…nope. I’m having to awkwardly skip a section in the text or the kids exchange looks as that audio narrator says something totally off the wall.

Math is probably the easiest subject to plan for. Try as they might, it’s really hard to push agendas in math. There are many decent options to chose from depending on how hands on you want to be.

This year, for my older three (10th grade, 7th grade, and 5th grade), we will be using Teaching Textbooks again. This is a computer-based learning system. It has a video lesson component, followed by about 15-20 questions per lesson. The questions follow the spiral learning system (new material mixed with older to review). TT auto-grades for me, which is nice, but I also have the ability to go back in and edit grades, delete questions or lessons I feel they need to rework, and pause the curriculum when we take breaks (each licenses is good for 12 months). While we haven’t used it, TT has a phone tutoring service as needed. I like having this option especially as we get into higher level high school math. TT runs anywhere from $45-$75 depending on the grade.

For my 1st grader, who is in 2nd grade math, I will use The Good and The Beautiful math. While TGTB is a religious company, their math is not heavy on it. As a Christian, I don’t mind the occasional, “Look at this beautiful world God has made,” but you may want to avoid TGTB if it bothers you. (*Note: Not all of the TGTB curriculum is as light on religious commentary. Be careful what you choose – especially their history. More on that in a later post.) The 2nd grade curriculum is parent-led with a student review at the end. As with TT, the review is spiral and will include a mix of new and old material. The first grade level took about 30-45 minutes a day, and was engaging with games and puzzles to help to keep the attention of my ADHD 6 year old. TGTB Math can be downloaded and printed for free or purchased as a physical book. I highly recommend getting the math box regardless of which method you choose.

We’ve tried a couple different math curriculums over the years. These worked for us last year, so we will try them again this year. Fingers crossed they work again.