Author Topic: Homeschool Courses and Curriculum (Read 4246 times)

songbird · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2016, 05:41:12 PM »

We had Saxon math. We had a tutor. Then a catholic friend of mine, college math teacher, tutored our 2nd child. She said that the math, that is all the brackets and negatives are no good and will never be used in life. One of those secular ways to dumb down the student/ holding back. So, she taught enough for our teen to pass and get on. She recommended to let the kids take GEDs and go forward. That was with Seton in the 90's.

So, if you run across that math that I am speaking of, I think they call it algebra, but it is not the algebra that we had in school in the 70's. If you want to skip that nonsense of math, you can certainly do so. I don't know if one will see it on a test later in life, but our kids are ages 30 - 42 and are doing just fine in life.

The Mrs · « **Reply #11 on:** August 03, 2016, 09:23:23 PM »

Quote from: CathMomof7

I absolutely HATE Saxon math. Seton uses this for higher math grades starting in grade 5. I cannot for the life of me figure out why this is the gold standard for homeschool. I don't think it adequately prepares students for upper level math, as it is not a mastery approach curriculum. I am using MCP for my Kindergarten and 2nd grader. I am starting my 5th grader in Singapore math. I am going to see how I like it.

I had a friend recommend the MCP math program to me today. She said the same thing. Thank you for all the information. I really appreciate the time you put into your post. I don't feel like I'm going into this blind thanks to all the responses!

MaterDominici · « **Reply #12 on:** August 03, 2016, 09:46:08 PM »

If you want to compare 2 or 3 of something, Cathy Duffy Reviews is a useful site. She seems to go into more depth than your standard blog review and will often compare and contrast one program with other popular programs.

Mark 79 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 12, 2016, 12:12:00 AM »

Quote from: CathMomof7

....For Science for the K and 2nd we are using OLVS, Science and Living in God's World. ....

Since we are using Kolbe this year, I decided just to use the Ignatius press textbooks.....

I absolutely HATE Saxon math. Seton uses this for higher math grades starting in grade 5. I cannot for the life of me figure out why this is the gold standard for homeschool. I don't think it adequately prepares students for upper level math, as it is not a mastery approach curriculum. I am using MCP for my Kindergarten and 2nd grader. I am starting my 5th grader in Singapore math. I am going to see how I like it. If I don't, he will go back to MCP. ....

There are no Catholic science texts of any value. In the lower grades, I used A Beka and used the Protestant nonsense as a "teachable moment." In the higher grades I used some collegiate texts and, as with A Beka, when objectionable material was encountered (e.g., heliocentrism, evolution), we would gloss the errors and then spend 1 to 3 weeks reading a succession of books on geocentrism and intelligent design.

Ignatius Press is very problematic, almost as bad as Paulist Press. They publish the likes of Roy Schoeman's racialist Salvation is from the Jews.

Please elaborate on your criticism of Saxon. I have used it exclusively with great relish.

CathMomof7 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2016, 05:45:48 PM »

Quote from: Mark 79

Please elaborate on your criticism of Saxon. I have used it exclusively with great relish.

Many people like it. I do not. The spiral approach for math, in my opinion, does not encourage true mastery. Also in the spiral approach, I found myself introducing concepts that my children weren't really ready for. It was confusing.

With a mastery program, they learn one skill and then we move on. Sure we review, but not like spiral.

I don't like it at all.