I have been using Math Mammoth for over a year now and have to tell you that this is one of the best math programs. It’s well written and easy to understand. I started using Math Mammoth after removing my daughters from cyberschool. Math is a logical and systematic subject and Math Mammoth is structured to highlight the logic and make math less of a mystery and more of a science.
I have used and reviewed Math Mammoth Blue Series 1-4. The simple format, step by step instructions and explanations make this series a great way to give children a firm foundation for higher mathematics. Each book in the series reinforces earlier lessons allowing the children to progress at their own rate and without a lot of parental intervention. The series is that good.
Unlike most math curriculum books used in school settings, Maria Miller’s Math Mammoth is so smooth that my six year old daughter is finishing up her second grade work and by the summer will be doing multiplication. And aside from a brief explanation on each new chapter and help reading the word problems, she’s doing it all on her own.
My ten year old, after her cyber-schooling experience, has less confidence in her math abilities finds the course to be challenging at times, but likes it much better than the school math books she’s used in the past. For one thing the lack of distracting pictures and doodads is very helpful for her. This is a great series for children who may have auditory or other learning differences. Standard textbooks are so busy being “bright and colorful” that the actual skill set that the child is supposed to learn can get lost.
Speaking of skill sets, Math Mammoth gives the student ample opportunity to practice the newest skill being taught. On average I’d say that each chapter has at least fifty problems to work on, which I think is great. The author has arranged these practice problems to follow logical lines and then examines the patterns and correlations between operations. I’m sure you can tell that I’m very excited and pleased with this program.
In addition to being a great teaching aide, the Math Mammoth series is very affordable. You can purchase the ebooks section by section (which is good if you’re trying to strengthen target areas) as well as in a complete series. There are four series, Light Blue, Golden, Green and Blue to choose from and the prices range from $40 to $158 for the whole kit and kaboodle. If you want to deal with individual subjects you can purchase these for prices starting at $2.50. When you visit the website you’ll see a whole slew of freebies, as well as a subscription form for an encouraging math word in Maria Miller’s virtual math course for parents.
If you’re looking for homeschool encouragement, resources, and fun, check out all that is going on at The Old Schoolhouse!
Right now March Madness and Win Big are going on in the Schoolhouse Store. During March Madness, over 240 items are 10 to 40 percent off!
Click here to read the details.
Then, if you’re customer 139,000, 139,500, or 140,000, you will win over $348 in prizes. Prizes include a 5 year subscription to TOS (U.S.
only), Scripture Sleuth literature series, guitar lessons on CD, and more! Hurry, they are just past customer #137,818.
The BIGGEST news of all–The Schoolhouse Expo is coming in May!
Pre-register now and save $5!
As homeschool teachers?what do you need to learn? More about teaching multiple grades? All about different homeschool methods? Transcripts?
Could you use some help with reading, language arts, math, and more?
Are you intimidated by the idea of teaching middle school and high school?those dreaded, advanced courses? Would some encouraging words and motivational Scripture help you on your way? Get answers when you attend The Schoolhouse Expo, an 3-day, online conference, presented by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse® Speaker?s Bureau.
Pre-register today for only $19.99 through March 31.You do not want to miss this unbelievable, virtual homeschool convention! PLUS, you’ll receive over $300 in free gifts when you register.
You need to drop by your local Dollar Homeschool store and pick up this handy little CD, Ray’s Arithmetic, that boasts (and delivers) a full mathematics curriculum beginning at the elementary level and finishing up at the college level calculus. This math curriculum is designed so that children can actually teach themselves what they need to know in order to have a well-rounded education. The thing I like most about this curriculum is that it is truly all-inclusive when it comes to mathematical application.
Although my children are using a different math program that is working for them, after reviewing Ray’s Arithmetic I am incorporating the real world application series into what we are currently using. The texts contained on this CD are textbooks that my aunts and uncles used when they were in school in the early 1900s (my dad was 51 when I was born just in case you were wondering). Their knowledge base on all subjects was much stronger than what I received in school, so I am thrilled to be able to share these books with my children. Practical application is missing from many math textbooks (since nowadays school curriculum is more concerned with teaching to the test rather than teaching for life) which could explain why the general math knowledge is so low in this country.
So, I guess Ray’s Arithmetic is not only a great mathematical training course, but a glimpse into the inner workings of the United States during the 1860s to 1915. I love two-for-one deals like this. Some of the subjects that your children will be able to study using Ray’s Arithmetic include:
Complete bookkeeping (that’s the one I’m studying)
Elementary Algebra
Higher Algebra
Practical Arithmetic
Analytic Geometry
Norton’s Elements of Physics
Geometry & Trigonometry
Surveying and Navigation
Schyuler’s Logic
Differential and Integral Calculus
The material contained on this CD is a compilation of 38 text books which includes the teacher’s editions, answer keys, and textbooks. This compilation retails at $59 which is an excellent price for a curriculum that is relevant from elementary to the college years.
That’s right the TOS Crew is looking for a few good families to come aboard and help us on our mission. Are you a homeschooler who loves blogging, writing, tweeting, and Facebooking (is that really a word?) ? Well, if so I’ve got good news for you. Beginning today through March 12, 2010 The Old School House are looking for new crew members to join our ranks and you could be one of us!
I joined the crew this past year and I must say that it has been an adventure for me and my family. Doing the curriculum reviews has actually helped me to identify my children’s strengths and weaknesses and use different tools to help them along their way. I’ve met amazing curriculum advisors who have taken the time to answer my questions and teach me a lot about how to be a more effective teacher to my children.
On a personal note, I’ve made friends with many homeschooling families that I may never have met during the course of a normal cyber-day. Overall, this has been the best experience that I’ve had in a long time. I’m doing the things I love (teaching and writing), exposing my children to different ways of tackling problems and best of all having a lot of fun!
So don’t be shy! The deadline for applying is March 12, 2010. Step right up and see if you have what it takes to begin your maiden voyage with the TOS Crew. You can learn more about the selection process by visiting The Old School House. Jump right in, the water’s fine! I hope to see you next year.
All About Spelling is a system that teaches spelling and phonics rules to children. It is a multi-sensory program — the lessons involve sight, sound, and touch. So it has something for all types of learners. For the visual learners they have the laminated letters and an extensive array of flash cards designed to test your child’s knowledge not only of their required spelling word, but the phonics rules that surround the word. For the kinesthetic learners, they can use the laminated letters and colored disks to do their sounding out exercises as well as forming complete words.
The techniques used in this program have long been used by Orton-Gillingham practitioners, and now they are available to homeschoolers through the All About Spelling program. All About Spelling combines the very best of the Orton-Gillingham approach with the latest research and proven spelling rules. And the staff of All About Spelling were also very willing to help with any questions or problems. Having that type of support when you are working with a new program is always appreciated.
As a parent there are many things that I enjoyed about this program. Being a work at home mom as well as a homeschooler, having the entire course scripted really saved me a lot of time when it came to prep work for the girls. Even if you haven’t had time to read through the lesson ahead of time, it’s easy to pick up where you left off and keep going. I also loved the laminated letters.
I received several sheets of laminated letters, letter combinations and even subheadings to help classify the different phonogram types. There are separate letters with extra vowels and other letters that can appear more than once in a word (such as the letter “s”). And then there are letter tiles that contain the phonogram combinations (i.e., “nk” or “th”). That was just so cool because so many ties I find an interesting curriculum, but I’m the one mstuck with creating the materials (or improving the components that I received). Having everything laminated and labeled saves lots of time and aggravation for me.
My eldest daughter enjoyed the ability to do the spelling work using the magnets since it eliminated her need to write out her words longhand. The flash cards were also instrumental in helping her to remember some of the spelling rules that have eluded her over the years. My younger daughter didn’t mind working with the tiles, but she didn’t like the little disks that she had to use to sound out the letters. Let me rephrase that — she loved the little circles that are used when the child is sounding out the words. Unfortunately she liked them for table hockey and finger frisbee. So I had to take those away from her for my sanity. My three year old son loves the magnetic tiles because he can move teh letters around when we sing the alphabet song together. So there’s something for everyone.
One thing that made this spelling course different (for me at least) was that they deal with the phonograms and not just the phonics. Phonics tries to teach spelling by sounding words out, but there are more sounds in English than phonics can work around. And that’s where the concepts of sight words come into play. Anything that doesn’t fit easily into the “phonics box” is memorized. This program does explain the other phonograms and talks about the rules that apply to them. Other programs that I have been exposed to didn’t do this as extensively if at all.
This is a good program for families who want their children to be good spellers and get a handle on the many rules that surround the English language. It’s both parent and child friendly and easy to work with. And with the daily review of the previous lessons you can be confident that the children are gaining a mastery over their subject matter.
The All About Spelling program has six levels so it there is something for every age within the family. The program is also very economical since once you get the starter kit, all you’ll have to buy in the future are the additional workbooks for the next set of children. So, this program would also work well for larger families too. You can learn more about the program by visiting www.all-about-spelling.com.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: http://cmp.ly/2/tymgpw
I would like to know where to buy curriculum for homeschooling a middle school student. I prefer Not to buy online. I want to go into a store and look at what they have. Any stores in San Jose or surrounding areas that have curriculum?
It isn’t fair that people get two points just for fake-answering.
Anyway, did you ask a local homeschool support group, like the one listed below (free scholars)?
One place to try is Learning Rainbow. I’ll list their website below free scholars. They’re going to be having a teacher’s "flea market" where you can check out used curriculum! Morrison School Supplies is supposed to have a bit of everything, also. Maybe this would give you a start. I went under Google and typed in San Jose CA and teacher supply and homeschool. Those are only a couple that showed up. Looks like you have quite a lot available in your area.
Oh, and I hope you’ll take advantage of local places, such as your zoo! I bet you they offer homeschool programs.
Good luck. I hope I at least pointed you in the right direction!
I am about to start homeschooling my 4 year old, who is already reading. Is there a kindergarten curriculum I should use, or should I just keep doing things informally this year?
I also have a preschooler (3). Are there any good preschool curriculums for purchase out there?
I agree with those who recommend to keep it informal for now. One "curriculum" you may want to check out is "Before Five in a Row". This will give both of your children a great introduction to school with beautiful books to read together and some activities that cover all kinds of school subjects. I have tried it with my 3 year old and he has enjoyed it very much. This "curriculum" will cover all your subject and I will add some supplementary early reader books (check out Usborne Early Reader books).
Still allow LOTS of time for play and exploration. Both of your children need it now more than academics. There will be plenty of time/years ahead for that.
A home school curriculum that teaches itself with technology? A home school curriculum that has lessons ready for every day? A home school curriculum that is fully accredited and approved? A home school curriculum that has Online and Offline materials? A home school curriculum that engages, inspires and empowers? A home school curriculum that is rich in multi-media? A home school curriculum your child LOVES? A home school curriculum that is offered at The Grace Academy. www.TheGraceAcademy.org
I plan on homeschooling and want to start soon with a preschool curriculum. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Games and fun are the best thing to do for preschoolers. Dramatic play. Going to neighborhood places and discussing what the fireman, policeman, dentist, postal worker, grocer and others do for the community. Reading good books. Counting rocks and marbles. Talking about trees, bugs, animals and examining them. Look at leaves and flower and point out their differences or similarities.
Preschoolers do not need a pen/pencil curriculum. They need Mom and Dad to spend time with them and teach them one on one. They need Mom and Dad to measure things with them, read them books, sing them songs, play with puzzles with them, dance and do finger plays. They just need to learn by play.
I'm a homeschooling mom with seven children: 3 human, 2 feline and 2 canine. I'm also the wife of one very patient husband who seems to like the role of ringmaster to our circus. I am a virtual assistant who enjoys writing, crafts, music and laughter. I hope you'll visit often. Please be aware that this blog is supported by affiliate links, although every link isn't necessarily an affiliate program.
I have been using Math Mammoth for over a year now and have to tell you that this is one of the best math programs. It’s well written and easy to understand. I started using Math Mammoth after removing my daughters from cyberschool. Math is a logical and systematic subject and Math Mammoth is structured to highlight the logic and make math less of a mystery and more of a science.
You need to drop by your local 
Jordan gives a speech to a homeschool group about homeschooling
A home school curriculum that teaches itself with technology? A home school curriculum that has lessons ready for every day? A home school curriculum that is fully accredited and approved? A home school curriculum that has Online and Offline materials? A home school curriculum that engages, inspires and empowers? A home school curriculum that is rich in multi-media? A home school curriculum your child LOVES? A home school curriculum that is offered at The Grace Academy. www.TheGraceAcademy.org
