Saxon math
Saxon math is one of the most popular among homeschoolers. It uses "incremental approach": This means concepts are divided into smaller, more easily grasped pieces called increments. A new increment is presented each day and students work only a few problems involving the new material. The remaining homework consists of practice problems
involving concepts previously introduced. Thus, every assignment (and
every test) is a cumulative review of all material covered up to that
point.
This "incremental approach" also makes it
that for example geometry concepts and facts are scattered throughout the
entire school year. This might hinder the development of a unified view
of a specific area and force students to merely memorize the different rules
without tying them together.
Word problems are emphasized. Spending most of the homework on review all the time might be good for some children, boring to others.
Grades 1-3: student workbook $30-34/year, teachers manual
$65/year, home study kit $80-90/year.
Saxon 54, 65, 76, 87: home study kits $50-60/year.
Algebra 1/2, 1, 2, advanced math home study kit: $60 each, calculus $70.
Add a review
Reviews of Saxon Math curriculum
I began to homeschool our first daughter after 3 grades being completed in public school. My youngest daughter has been homeschooled from kindergarten until now, 8th grade. Also, this year we're helping a neighbor homeschool their granddaughter who was failing in the public school. She is now a straight "A" student!!
Why you liked/didn't like the book:
My oldest daughter was in public school until 3rd grade. In 4th grade we pulled her out to home school. I hated the looks of Saxon 5/4 as it appeared so "boring" especially compared to the "hyper colorful" public school text books she and I were use to. I tried other programs but I, myself, am not very literate in math. We struggled for years until, low and behold, we got into SAXON MATH!! However, coming from the hodge-pode math textbooks that we used, I would say that she struggled when we got into the Alg. 1/2 book as there were certain "gaps", but we did it!! Now, my younger daughter began home schooling from kindergarten and has been a Saxon math girl since!! She LOVES math, though this could be learning styles playing out as well. The neighbor girl that we help went from a failing grade in public school to now loving math, passing with an "A' and truly "getting it!" A transformation in her is exciting to watch!
Any other helpful hints:
Think there are not enough repeat problems of the new concept? Be patient! Take the time to go through a whole year of a certain textbook with Saxon and just watch how much your child will retain. You'll see just how much is repeated in this program. With this approach - spiral? - you will not even realize how much you'll be retaining in math skills. I now even do a daily lesson and it is great to be able to learn right along side my daughter and truly "get it!" Be patient, there is repetition.
Older used books/mix-match sets: Don't bother getting an older book that has no lesson # in the paranthesis to direct you back to where the actual problem concept was originally taught. This is a most excellent tool in the newer editions of Saxon math up to 8/7 I believe -brilliant!! I made the mistake with my first daughter to go cheap and purchased mix and match books + answers!! Don't do it!! Save yourself the time and tears!! Get the current Textbook.
Solutions Manual: Get this, you won't regret it!! It is different from the answers booklet, so don't be confused. It breaks the problems down step by step.
D.I.V.E. : We also use D.I.V.E. CD Rom to teach the lesson, which is extremely helpful if your child is coming from a public school enviroment where they are used to someone teaching them the concept. However, I've watched our neighbor read through the new lesson concept on her own now, and truly "get it!"
Another helpful hint; I do not allow my daughter or neighbor to ask me for help if they haven't first gone back to the original lesson (lesson # in paranthesis) where they taught the concept in question. I am teaching them to be self-learners and do not want them to rely on someone all the time to hand over the how-to's. I am not their "google" answer girl. Sounds tough, I know. But this is where real life skills are learned -tackling it on your own. They know this, and 99% of the time they never ask me because they have dug into the text themselves to learn it on their own. They also help the other one if the other one doesn't "get it" after reviewing the lesson concept in question. To teach it to someone else only drives home the concept further. Saxon gives all the tools for students to do math on their own. I thoroughly believe in this math program. It has transformed our math mindedness, but it isn't always easy. This program seems to be above -in scope and sequence -all the all other math programs out there. If you have a child who will pursue college for anything that needs math skills, they will kiss you for life for staying with this program! Hope this helps!!
Christy Fiegener
Review left April 30, 2008
|
| Grades: Grades 4 through 12 |
My mom used the original Saxon Math curriculum for me and all of my siblings (13 total) starting us around 2nd to 6th grade levels (different grades for different ones of us) all the way through high school level. I am now a medical doctor as well as five of my other siblings, and doing well - I attribute much of my success to the Saxon Math curriculum.
Why you liked/didn't like the book:
I always found the incremental approach to be highly valuable, and found that lessons did indeed build on prior lessons. The constant review of material was in no way boring, but actually was the part of the question set that I looked forward to the most each day, because I constantly got better at those subjects. Also, as the student, the highly reviewed material was the fastest portion to complete. I found that the word questions were quite relevant to daily situations (though sometimes a bit imaginary). The repetitive drills certainly did build the ability to remember various types of math and approaches even long after finishing high school.
Any other helpful hints:
Changes have been made in the texts since the curriculum was sold to a different publisher ca. 2004. I have not had time to thoroughly compare the new texts, but would recommend the original texts as an excellent home school math source.
P. Spencer
Review left April 28, 2008
|
Your situation:
Homeschooling 4th and 6th graders. Were in private school since pre-school using Saxon. Then 4th grader switched over to Houghton Mifflin Math at beginning of 4th grade before I took them out of school. I continued using Saxon with 6th grader and Houghton Mifflin with 4th grader. I've always been happy with Saxon until I started homeschooling my children. My 4th grader (Houghton Mifflin) is learning concepts my 6th grader (Saxon) hasn't learned. I've actually had my 4th grader to help my 6th grader with a concept. That says it all. This shouldn't be. My 6th grader was always good at math. He's behind now. I'm definitely switching him from Saxon for 7th grade.
I don't like the fact that they don't give enough practice problems for the new concepts. The chapters don't build upon each other. There aren't enough word problems.
Just know that using this curriculum is not the best choice for those who are interested in their children learning how to apply their math to life situations. Yes, you can supplement by using other programs alongside Saxon, but why do that when you can use a curriculum that has it all set up for you.
Anita
Review left April 6, 2008
|
Your situation: Homeschool
This book is BORING. My daughter LOVED doing her schoolwork until we started using this book. Now she DREADs math.
I myself LOVED math and this curriculum put me to sleep. I couldn't imagine being a child and having to go through this day after day.
The assignments are WAY too long. She was sitting at the table for 2+ hours doing all the work. I started to notice the book uses the same problems over and over and over again. While I understand they want to ensure comprehension it gets really really old. I started to go through the problems myself and pick and choose the ones I felt my child needed to work on. This becomes ridiculous after a while.
It would be nice if the new concept had MORE problems and review had less. Instead the curriculum gives you maybe 4-5 concept problems if that. Then gives you random concepts from lessons previously.
There is also NO LOGICAL sequencing. We did the division with remainder, but then it's interrupted by geometry. Huh?? Multiplication concepts are interrupted over and over with other concepts. Huh?? In my opinion you should teach single digit multiplication, then double digit, etc. Stick with one topic until it's mastered and then move on. In public school (when I was kid) we always had units. We didn't learn multiplication in the middle of Geometry.
TNK
Review left April 2, 2008
|
I am a homeschooling mom of 5, ranging from PK to 8th grade.
I do not like the Saxon books. The material is presented in a choppy manner. Not enough practice is given on the new material introduced in each lesson (about 5 problems at most). I have come to the point where I am supplementing each lesson with materials from other sources (Math Mammoth, Geoboards, and Math Resource Studio). I will definitely not be purchasing any more Saxon Math.
I chose Saxon Math because "it was a favorite among homeschoolers" and I was new to homeschooling. As someone with a very strong math background I feel the spiral approach taken by Saxon does not lead to a mastery of mathematics. I would urge others to do more research on other math curriculums currently available. I am now in the process of researching Miquon, MathUSee, Foerster's and MCP.
Carolyn
Review left March 31, 2008
|
| Grade: Saxon 5/4 |
Time: 7 months |
OK, I really wanted to love this curriculum- I really did. We tried Horizons for our son, as he had come from public school and was in the gifted program there. It wasn't a great fit for him as it didn't have enough instructions and examples. So on to Saxon we went after numerous RAVES about the program.
Why you liked/didn't like the book:
First, what I liked: I really like the explanations of the new material and the examples, as well as the mental math section.
What we don't like: My son officially now HATES math. He cries over his assignments, even if I cut it to evens or odds. He says there just aren't enough practice problems before they move on to the next topic. I would have to agree. The introduction of new topics doesn't seem to follow any logical progression. The lesson from yesterday bares no relevance to today's geometry lesson. It skips all over. We'll finish the year with this somehow, but it'll require some creativity to keep my son from dreading math everyday.
Any other helpful hints:
My advice- Be careful with this program. It's much higher than what my son was doing in public school (don't get me started on that!), but that also means almost everything this year was brand new to him. If your child is above grade level in math and grasps new concepts quickly, this might work.
Jennie Snith
Review left March 6, 2008
|
| Grade: Math 87 |
Time: 6 months |
We homeschooled for several years but now have two sons in a top-notch Christian school. Our youngest went from the Abeka curriculum to the Saxon this year. I reviewed the book over the summer to assist him in the transition.
My first thought in examining the table of contents was that the approach was convoluted and non-sensical. Nothing seemed to build on earlier concepts and the structure was incoherent. The book's presentation is pedantic and cumbersome. When I saw the introduction of "types" of word problems, I knew this would be trouble. This became yet another way for a teacher to mark a correct answer as incorrect, something that takes place all too often in this school. The concept is confusing and unnecessary. We had used Saxon in homeschooling and thought it a good curriculum, but I don't remember seeing the Math 87 book before. This is not an improvement over Abeka. It looks like someone had to come up with a new idea for a Master's thesis or Doctoral dissertation. Place this one alongside the numerous educational "improvements" whereby highly-educated morons continue to try to fix something that was not broken in the first place.
Any other helpful hints:
If you really WANT to use this, at least focus on what's important:
1) Make sure learning is an enjoyable experience
2) Teach concepts and not just procedures
3) Eliminate unnecessary steps if they aren't helpful to your student
Scott Arnold
|
I have homeschooled my son for years with his math being mainly in Saxon. I thought it may be his ticket to doing well in college math, but that has not been the case at all. He is taking College Algebra this year & it has absolutely not taught him to think about how concepts are to be applied at all. It is very disappointing & what a waste of time and effort. He does get extra help at the college so he is able to get through it only because of that. He also had Jacob's Geometry in high school which he said was a great help to him now.
Why you liked/didn't like the book:
I will not use any Saxon Math with my younger children at all. I am currently searching for a different program that will teach them the concepts AND be able to apply what they learn in real world situations and other subjects. Just because your child can pass a test (and mine did) does not mean they can apply what they learned at all.
Lisa Vann
|
I began using saxon math with my sons when they were in preschool.
Why you liked/didn't like the book:
Saxon's incremental approach is wonderful. Each concept is mastered through excellent explanations, and continuous repetition. Each lesson covers a new concept or two, and includes a mixed practice -- where the entire book is reviewed.
Any other helpful hints:
I found that we brrezed through K-3rd. Even in the higher levels, I have found that my sons are better challenged when we combine two or three lesson's "new concepts" and do one full "mixed practice" each day.
I know my sons are very bright, but I also give recognition to Saxon, and how well they have laid out their program. My sons find themselves capable of handling any math problem easily because of Saxon's awesome incremental approach.
They have been given the vital building blocks, have been gently drilled with concepts until they are second nature to them, and their confidence in math is ever blossoming.
Math is a favorite subject in our home, thanks greatly to Saxon!
Amanda D
|
| Grades: Saxon 54, 65, 76 & Algebra I
| Time: 4 years |
Your situation:
I have homeschooled my 12 year old son for 3 years and my then 14 yr old nephew in Algebra for a year.
Why you liked/didn't like the book:
We use the Robinson Curriculum and the approach that lessons are to be self-taught. When we first started my son had a hard time grasping the concept that HE was responsible and capable of reading and thinking about the problems himself. After he realized that I would not help him (despite quite a few temper tantrums) and would only calmly make him reread the introduction, he finally grasped it. Sometimes, to this day he'll tell me "I can't do this problem" and it's always, always, always because he "skipped" the opening. His test scores are usually 80 and above and he "gets it"
Any other helpful hints:
We have found that the best review of tests problems missed is a rework of that problem area and rework of the problem missed for partial credit. Also, I have heard the criticism of "boredom" many times. I have the cure and it's easy and sometimes amusing for the parents. If a child starts really flying through his work, just double or triple the daily assignments. I used this method as an incentive for my child and he breezed through 5 & 6th grade in one year in all subjects. Now he is on level with children his age and ability and not "bored" anymore but challenged.
Michele Smith
|
Your situation:
I have homeschooled my kids from birth. My oldest is 8.
Why you liked/didn't like the book:
I don't like Saxon and would not recommend it to anyone with younger kids. There is WAY too much unnecessary information. Even those who recommended it to me told me to only use certain books (if you purchase the entire set for one year plus any manipulatives it would be very expensive). I didn't like the way the lessons were formatted like reading a two page script that repeated itself every day with little variation. It ended up being more work to weed out the unnecessary information than it was to actually teach the concept! The kids got bored and I got frustrated with it to the point that we decided to just wing it for the rest of the year.
Any other helpful hints:
KEEP LOOKING...I've heard some really good things about "Right Start" if you have younger kids.
Laura Winkler
|
| Grade: Saxon K, 1 |
Time: 2 years |
I have homeschooled for 2 years, and will be starting my 5 year old also this fall. I used the Saxon, but didn't have time for the VERY tedious teacher explanation for each day. The program is set up where the student cannot do a lesson on his own. I babysit my niece full time, so I have limited time for reading a lot of "teacher prep" for each lesson. I am looking into different math programs for this year, but am not sure which I will choose. I am considering "A beka books -abeka" and Math-U-See
Why you liked/didn't like the book:
I don't like the lengthy teacher prep readings for each lesson. I don't like that the lesson is not self explanatory at all. BUT I did like that the math was very thorough and complete.
MBrewer
|
| Grade: Saxon 54 |
Time: 8 months |
My 1st grade son has always been very good at math. He goes to 2nd grade for math, but even that is too easy for him. After going round and round with the school about getting him appropriate instruction in math I finally decided I would supplement his instruction myself. We chose Saxon math because my wife was familiar with it from teaching special education. I chose Saxon 54 because that seemed (by my review) to be on a level that my son could understand, but would still be challenging.
The 2 things I like most about Saxon math are:
1) concepts are presented incrementally (in small, easily digested chunks).
2) the lessons are set up so there is constant review of all previously learned material. This way the math is really learned and internalized.
My son loves the program - he does about one lesson a day (on average). He works mostly independently. About half the time I need to help him with the new concept and after he completes the practice questions and problem set I look over his work and help as needed.
My son likes that the program is challenging for him, but I will also say that he finds a certain "comfort" in the fact that most of the problems are review. He, like most of us, enjoys being successful and the review problems foster that successful feeling at the same time that they cement his knowledge.
I will say that I know he would be bored with the Saxon 1 or 2 (or even 3) books that are in line with his age. I noticed that an earlier commenter noted that there was a lot of repitition in successive math books (54 to 65 to 76). Looking ahead to further books, I noticed the same thing. Therefore, I am thinking that I will skip the 65 book and go to 76.
I also supplement the Saxon math with kind of ad hoc enquiries (I'm kind of a math nerd, so I enjoy that kind of thing).
Any other helpful hints:
Make sure to choose an appropriately challenging level for your child. It helps very much to be comfortable with the math yourself so that you can explain it in various ways to your child, if the book's explanations are not getting through. Supplement the material with interesting math applications, puzzles, etc.
x
Eric VanArsdall
|
Run from this curriculum. This is no less than a return to blab school. THere is no attempt to get an understanding of the basic concepts, and transfer them to other problems. It is not at all engaging. In one short year, my daughter has gone from math enthusiast to math hater...
There is not enough concept teaching. This is a drill book for teachers, teaching out of their core competency. Poorly designed for both interest and content.
Stephen Keyser
|
| Grade: Saxon 7/6 and Algebra I |
Time: 1 year |
I am homeschooling my two children this year for the first time and love it! We chose Saxon simply on the word of two friends who had homeschooled before.
We do not like the Saxon Math. There are not enough problems for each new concept. I appreciate the review but more problems covering the new concept introduced are needed. Some of the lessons in the 7/6 book do have extra practice in the back of the book but not all of them. The Algebra I book has no extra work anywhere in the book. I have also found that my solutions manuals don't have all the steps in the answers laid out. Many of the answers are simply that - answers. We often times need to see it step by step to see where we went wrong. My kids are very smart and actually have tested out higher in math than their actual grade level but we are struggling through this cirriculum. My kids no longer like math. I will be changing curriculum next term.
Any other helpful hints:
Make sure that your kids don't need more than 5 -8 problems to get a new concept because that is all you are going to get per lesson. Don't go just on the word of others - look at it and throughly go through it yourself before purchasing it. Kids learn differently. Be sensitive to your child's learning style.
Nikki Bracewell
|
| Grade: math 76/87/Algebra1/2/Trig |
Time: since 5th gr til graduation |
I'm a product of Saxon math books. I started with math 76 and finished with the green trig book.
First, in answer to the post claiming that the solutions manual does not have the steps but just the answers: that is incorrect! Whoever posted that comment was using the study packet that yes, has just answers. The real solutions manuals all do go through the steps. Make sure you know which one you are buying/using. I LOVE Saxon math books. They teach in steps that are very hard to forget by the time you graduate. I have always done excellent in math since I started the program. It is set up so that each lesson is partly reviewed in the consecutive lessons- thus a constant review and the most effective way to learn. It may be difficult for someone who has learned in bulk previous but I wouldn't let that get in the way of someone starting with Saxon. Better late than never. By learning in bulk I mean that one kind of problem is discussed in each lesson in other books. Those problems are rarely ever seen again in other books which makes the student prone to forgetting how to do those specific problems if confronted by them again in later stages of learning. I swear by Saxon and you would too if you felt as confident about your math knowledge and have recieved as much complements about your math performance from professors as I have.
Any other helpful hints:
If homeschooling, I suggest that if giving test A, give test B as a practice test to be worked out by the student. (or vice-versa) It helps solidify the knowledge and increase the students confidence, plus motivates the student to study for the test. If you are using saxon in school and the class is going too slow for you, I suggest occupying yourself in class with the next lessons work. Go as fast as you please- don't let the class hold you back.
Magdale |
|
Time: Since 2003 (through Jan 2007) |
I have used this curriculum for the past few years and have found it to work well for our family.
I like that it teaches new things, and keeps up that skill throughout the book, instead of learning, using, and forgetting.
I have my boys do a drill daily, and a lesson daily. Though I don't make them do all the questions in the daily lesson. I just focus on the parts that need some extra practice, review, etc. Of about 25 - 30 of the daily lesson questions, I have them do about 15 - 20 of them (give or take).
Heather |
| Grade: Algebra 1 |
|
Time: 4 years / 2 kids |
Your situation:
I homeschooled for 6 years, then sent my kids to Christian School.
Why you liked/didn't like the book:
My son used Abeka math until he entered 4th grade at the Christian school. When he tested as a 3rd-grade homeschooler, he scored 10th grade in math (at 8 years old!!). When I looked over his Saxon math that the school used, it was like his first grade Abeka book--his still-homeschooled sister was doin the same things and had actually moved past what he was "learning". When my daughter was homeschooled, she zoomed through Abeka first and second grade books. When she got to school and had to use Saxon in 4th grade, she stopped. She is now failing math and hates it. I find the books too confusing to even help her with her homework, and my now 7th-grade son says it is too easy. I do not understand all these unnecessary patterns and the changing of names for things. Why can't it just be "this plus this equals this"? Why do they call it "some-some more pattern"? I have a college degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude, but I have a hard time helping my 4th grader with her math. I really hate the book, and have talked to the principal, but they are totally for it. How can I explain my once awesome math student that is now failing math? Next year, I am probably going to homeschool her again just because of the math curriculum. And when my other brilliant daughter gets into 4th grade, I may just have to pull her out of school to so that she will continue to be brilliant in math and not start failing it.
Any other helpful hints:
Don't do it. There are so many other better curriculum out there. Don't bring this aggravation into your lives.
Christine Davis
|
| Grade: Algebra 1 |
|
Time: 1 year |
Why you liked/didn't like the book:
Examples left steps out. Saxon was published for public schools so assumes the teacher has a math degree.More practice problems at back of book would be nice. The solutions book doesn't have the steps for each answer, only the answers.
keke
|
| Saxon vs. Jacobs |
|
Time: 4 years |
I used Saxon with my two older girls who are now struggling and terrified of college math; despite high test scores on entry.
On the other hand, my fourth grade daughter is DEVOURING math using Mathematics; a Human Endeavor
Saxon did what is was supposed to do. Make sure my girls stayed abreast of other schoolers and pass tests, but when it came to knowing why or when to use the knowledge it is a complete mystery.
I recently discovered and sent my college students Harold Jacobs books, and my eldest is seriously considering adding another two years to her degree! She had quit because she had four more classes of math to go through and froze.
Saxon has it's place. I use it when I want my daughter to use some time on her own. Drill, drill, drill - but it's not at the core of our math curriculum. This may be the last year I use it at all.
Tess Petigru
|
My son is in 4th grade at a very small school that switched to Saxon math two years ago. The class is very bright -- many have been homeschooled thru the years. The kids are hungry for more interesting math.
The at the beginning of the 4th grade text are very tedious for my son -- he used to love math and now he hates it because he finds it very boring to go over problems that are similar to what he did in 2nd grade. He also makes some careless errors (ie. 7+8=16) because he is not at all interested.
I find the beginning way too elementary and repetitive. When my son is challenged, he's excited to learn, works carefully, and can't get enough. When he has to repeat over and over things he already knows, he becomes careless and lethargic.
I reviewed the text and it doesn't get to basic multiplication until over 1/2 way thru the book.
I would hope there was some way to challenge the kids while still using the Saxon program.
Caterina Petrucco
|
| Grade: Algebra 1 |
Time: 6 months |
I'm helping a family with high school level math. The mother had pieced together math up until she asked for help with Algebra. They didn't have the best foundation, but Saxon proved to be overwhelming even for me (and I've done college Calculus).
Why you liked/didn't like the book:
Saxon Algebra does not practice enough. I understand the point of putting cumulative review in every lesson, but the kids had no way to practice the new concepts to gain understanding. There were very few problems dealing with the new lesson. Unless a student is very bright and loves the challenge of 20 or more various problems just for the sake of working them, there's no way he'd remotely like this book. I had three otherwise bright students and their outlook on math soured greatly by trying to drudge through sometimes only 1 lesson in a week. We switched to Bob Jones and after a month, they were performing much better and they even looked forward to math class. Saxon put new concepts in the middle of complex problems that they didn't understand because the previous lesson only gave them a small handful of problems to practice. It was just drudgery.
Any other helpful hints:
If the child does not really enjoy the challenge of a complex problem, do not even try to get them to enjoy Saxon's approach. For students who don't care much about learning math, it will frustrate them to no end. Most would probably shove the book away and proclaim, "it's just too hard." It really can be presented more clearly for students who don't have a real confidence about their skills yet.
Jessica H.
|
I received the K book today and find that it seems very basic as other reviewers have mentioned. It seems to be written at a 3.5-4 year old level-I agree with the other reviewers that it is too simple for my 5.5 year old. I probably will do some of the lessons--but I may use Grade 1 as I noticed many concepts in the K are repeated in Grade 1 and Grade 2.
I liked the way the book was laid out but the concepts in both K and Grade 2 seemed too easy and repeated too much.
i think I would move at a faster pace, or start a child who is 5.5 and older at the grade 1 book as it seems to be comparable to K programs in other popular curriculums. My Grade 2 student will move faster and start the saxon 3 in mid year as she has already learned many math facts/ drills at a private school.
Marilyn
|
I am a fourth grade teacher and have used the Saxon math program for about 9 years. The first year I used the 54 book and then went to the manipulative program.
I found the 54 book somewhat dull and difficult for students who need to handle, count, move, etc. The manipulative program works well. You can get your own tools but you need the worksheets that go with the program. I also supplement with plenty of problem solving which is somewhat lacking in the program.
K. Halloran
|
| Grades:1st grade, Algebra 1/2-Advanced |
Time: 4 years |
I have a daughter currently in 3rd grade and tutor High School math for homeschoolers.
I love the HS Saxons, because concepts are broken up into bite size chunks that are easily digestable by kids on their own at home. Scheduling is also easy because the kids do 4 lessons and one test a week. No curriculum is going to be perfect for everyone, but I've seen in the past 3 years of tutoring this program that kids who do the homework and stay motivated do have an excellent math education. Having said that, I tried Saxon 1st grade with my daughter (knowing that I am going to use the HS books with her) and it was miserable. There was way too much bouncing around to various concepts and the manipulatives were impossible to drag out and put back everday - no two days used the same ones. Also, I think it moves to slowly. We switched to Horizons math. The books are in color, there are built in "games", and it moves quicker. There also will be a seamless switch from Horizons 6 to either Saxon Algebra 1/2 or Algebra 1, depending on how "math smart" the child is. So to sum it up, High School Saxon - highly recommend and Elementary Saxon - don't.
Jessica
|
| Grades:7th |
Time: only 2 weeks |
We were floundering in math and the concepts of Math. Language arts is our strong suit but my son was beginning to feel he could never do math.
We have used Math U see which was really effective when he was younger but was tooooo slow paced as he became older. Then we switched to Swithced on School house Math which was not detailed enough in the directions and very fast paced with very little repetition to seal a concept. This past year we picked out a math by Walch publishers called "Middle School Math you really need to know" along side a fractions math book. Both are great work books but neither started from the ground to build the foundation of understanding.
The First Lesson... a light bulb went off in my son's head and he had an understanding from the first concept. He told me yesterday that he is finally feeling smart in Math. I told him... he was all along... the issue was not his intelligence the issue was the presentation which I was failing at miserably. Thanks to Saxon Math, my son is feeling more Math accomplished with fuller understanding of the operations of arithmatic.
If you have a hard time speaking math to your child, Saxon Math has the solution. It explains in simple form and very concrete each new concept. It is repetative and anyone who has children know that they learn through repetition. We highly recommend this series to those who know how to do the math but have a hard time speaking math language...
The other curriculums would have probably been great for someone who had more math language ability, which is not me. So... I am excited to have a math that is easy to comprehend and a math that speaks in a way that my son can understand. A math that will build in a way that makes my son feel better about math.
Patti Parnell
|
I used Saxon 3 with my son who was having major problems remembering his math facts. He had serious learning problems in reading as well.
Saxon 3 was perfect for my son, because it did so much review, although, this might be boring for the average child. I like the meeting book where he recorded the date and temperature and reviewed skip counting and time.
To cover everything each day, we would have needed an hour and a half, at least, because my son was so slow. It takes lots of teacher involvement, if used correctly. This would not be good for independent learning.
Dorie Nealon
|
| Grades:8th |
Edition: Algebra 1/2 |
This book is great, I have used it, and boy is it great. I was taught things that I never would have known without this book. At first, in school I struggled, but when I got this book, evething became clear. This book makes everthing easy to understand for an Eighth Grader and it really work. I recommend that all homeschoolers should use it. It really works.
Kevin Van Hooser |
| Grades:2nd, 4th, 5th |
Edition: Saxon 2, 54, and 65 |
Time:2004-2006 |
This first time I looked at Saxon Math I felt so discouraged that I thought I would never be able to teach math. My first impression is that it jumped around too much and looked so boring! So I stuck with Abeka because that is what my daughter had done in school. Half-way thru the 1st semester we were both ready to tear our hair out. I borrowed a Saxon book and this time I really read through it. I felt like a moron. I had misjudged this curriculum. Math is not my strong point and with Saxon I was finally understanding why certain concepts worked. I have had no problem teaching Saxon and My children like it so much better than Abeka
My oldest daughter's test score went from Average on her SATs to Above Average.
Christa |
| Grades: 5 |
Edition: 6/5 |
Time: 2005-2006 |
I love! I've always loved math but know i like it even more because it really explains the problem and tells you things so that you can remember the things better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Grades: 1st |
Time: Aug-Nov |
I am a first grade teacher in the public school system. However, I was interested to see what others thought about Saxon math. It is my district's adopted math program, but I have found that it is not effective in keeping student interest. The students are unable to do any independent work because they cannot read all of the instructions themselves, therefore they become frustrated and slowed down. The worksheets are boring and the activities are unrealistic to prepare daily for 20+ students. Although the material covered is excellent, I have resorted to making many of my own skill sheets and my own methods of instruction because my students are REALLY bored with this math program. I do not want my first graders to already dislike math! So, I am desperate to find other methods that they will enjoy, while still covering the same order of topics that Saxon covers.
Andrea |
For my daughter it was just too much! We went from workbook to text book and talk about a drudgery! We even just did half of the problems on the pages. Maybe I'm too much of a softy...but I would really like her to enjoy math.?
Andrea |
| Grades: 1-4 |
Time: 4 years |
The books for 1-3 are very similar, but then 4th grade changes greatly. In 4th grade the lessons are very short and then there are about 4-6 problems pertaining to the lesson. After that there are 28-30 problems that review the entire year. Just about everyday is a new lesson so your child is not "submerged" into the topic. My child loved math until this year. And I don't think her retention of the topics is very well. I know Saxon works for a lot of people, but it didn't for us. It also isn't strong on problem solving. I did like the mental math they taught, however, everyday your child will be exposed to it. The final deciding factor for change is that my daughter may work on math for approx. 1 1/2 hours. Very frustrating to my child.
I hope this helps someone. I am not trying to be a Saxon basher, but it just didn't work for us.
Janet |
I loved this book!! Growing up I've always done Saxon math, and math has always been my favorite subject. way to go Saxon!!
Josh Thomas |
| Grades: 4th |
Edition: 5/4 |
Time: 1 year |
We are finishing up Saxon 5/4 this summer, and although I enjoy the structure of this program, my 10 yo seems to like more colorful workbooks we have around the house. He also like math games on the computer. Maybe it's a learning style vs. my teaching style. I would love to continue with 6/5 because it seems that many students have achieved success with this program. My step-son just seems to need more visual and "hands-on" opportunities than Saxon offers. I may use Saxon as a base and supplement with lots of practical games (by taking him to our music store and exploring real-life math use). Overall, I think it's a very structured, methodical text that would prove beneficial to the organized student.
D. Heath |
| Grades: Algebra |
Time: 8 months |
Overall, both the student and I liked using this textbook. It wasn't difficult and the explanations were reasonable.
We did object to the amount of review of fundamental math skills. While I understand the need to "go back to the basics" in any math program, there seemed to be a ridiculous amount.
It would, however, would be useful if the use of newly-introduced concept was repeated a few MORE times in that particular lesson. Sometimes it was surprising to see the lack of enforcement of a new concept or formula, particularly in the latter part of the book where it was more necessary.
One thing we both liked is that it is easy to go back and find where previously taught material is found. Anytime the student had difficulties with a certain problem or didn't know a formula, he simply noted the number on the side of th... [review incomplete]
Heidi B. |
| Grades: 5/4 |
Time: about 2 years |
My daughter started using Saxon 54 when she was 11, after struggling with maths for years. she was good at rote learning of tables, but didn't really understand 'how' maths worked. For example, she knew that 8 x 5 = 40, but if you said there were 8 cars with 5 people in each, she couldn't work out the answer. Saxon maths showed her how to understand a problem and translate it to numbers and therefore answers. It took her a while to get used to the different style (we were using ACE) but she is now powering through Saxon 65. The beauty of Saxon is that it teaches concepts in words, not just figures, uses everyday language, and doesn't let concepts get old and forgotten.
kath
|
| Grades: 10th, 11th, 12th |
Time: 6 months |
I teach Saxon Algebra 2. My students had another teacher last year in Algebra 2. Some completed through Lesson 60. At the beginning of this year, they could not answer one question from Lesson 2 on. I started again with Lesson 1. They still do not understand most lessons. Some lessons will give only 1 practice problem for that lesson, the next lesson might have 4 practice problems from that lesson. I spent many extra hours making up practice problems for them. Most of the students have expressed that they are happy to have finally learned the problems. I have tried following Saxon's way of teaching. They have yet to pass a test! My students tried the lesson a day thing for three years..Math 87, Algebra 1, and half of Algebra 2. The first six weeks of school we reviewed Math 87... What a waste!
Teacher in Texas
|
Our school district tracks students into 4 levels of math, level 1 being the 'lowest' and level 4 being the most challenging.
My son has been in level 3 since 3rd grade. Although he has no learning problems and scores well on state-wide assessments, he failed the last two of six Unit Tests in 4th grade.
When I tried to teach him the material he didn't understand over the summer, using the school textbook (SRA MATHEMATICS) I found I couldn't do it. The material didn't make sense to me, either.
At that point I researched math curricula and quickly discovered Saxon Math. Six months later we are 15 lessons shy of completing all 135 lessons in Saxon 6/5, he is earning straight A's in 5th grade math, and he has just been bumped up to Level 4. (We are midway through the school year.)
We owe all of this to Saxon Math. It is a terrific curriculum, and does an excellent job of teaching math conceptually as well as procedurally. The only topic that 'failed' for us at the conceptual level is dividing fractions by fractions, a topic that seems to 'fail' for most students and teachers conceptually. Saxon provides an algebraic demonstration of why it is you multiply by the reciprocal, but it's too short, and simply too abstract and demanding to absorb. (I've now read Liping Ma's book, and am working my way through Parker and Baldridge's textbook for teaching SINGAPORE MATH. As I increase my own understanding of fraction division I'll reteach the subject to my son.)
We're also a bit weak on the multiplication of fractions. I'm not sure either my son or I could give a solid answer as to why the procedure for multiplying fractions is to multiply numerators and denominators.
However, Saxon did an excellent job of explaining to us at a conceptual level why the answer to 1/2 x 1/2 is 1/4. (What we don't understand is why, exactly, the algorithm is set up as it is.)
Saxon Math is almost teacher-proof. It's incredible.
I have become fascinated with the subject of elementary math and have worked hard to gain conceptual understanding myself, and to share it with my son. So I've done some supplementing of the text.
However, I didn't have to do it. These texts stand on their own.
Catherine J. |
I recommend this curriculum for the bright child that is also a quick learner. It introduces new topic everyday and give plenty of extra practice on the old topics. This is helpful so the child does not forget what they learned early in the year. However I would no recommend it for a child who is struggling, at least not the books at grade level. Abeka seems to be ahead of the game in most cases. One of my daughters did well in Abeka 4, while my other daughter didn't. I switch to Saxson, which work just great because they seem to take it slower and its just what my second daughter need. I worked so well for her that I thought about switching my first daughter to Saxon aswell, but when I started reviewing the material for the Saxon 65, I realized that it was everything she has already don in the Abeka 4. Well needless to say, one of them is doing Abeka while the other one is doing Saxon,
I hope this helps.
Cuca |
| Grades: Saxon Math 7/6 |
|
Time: 2 months |
This book is great, but the answer key is expencive. my son lost the answer key, and i dont want to buy a new one. is there a website that will have them. if you find any please e-mail me at (newdick_6@hotmail.com) and newdick is my last name. Thanks Austin Newdick.
|
| Grades: 6 - Saxon Math 76 |
|
Time: all year |
Saxon math is sometimes hard to understand. I have had troubles with many problems. sometimes the going back to the lesson doesen't help with the certain problem.
Kate.
|
| Grades: Elementary/Middle - Saxon Math 76 |
|
Time: many years |
My son switched to Saxon math in 6th grade and is now in Algebra I in 8th grade. He has done very well and my husband (who teaches this subject) and my son very much enjoy the way it is taught.
My daughter is having trouble in Saxon 76. She switched from Abeka this year. She is like me and doesn't 'think math' like the guys in our family do. I'm wondering if it depends on an individual's way of thinking.
Some friends have said that Saxon lacks the critical thinking math part. We supplement with Critical thinking math books. Overall we like Saxon.
Diane S.
|
| Grades: 4 - Math 54 |
|
Time: 7 yrs. |
I have been teaching for over 25 years in a public school.
I have been teaching Saxon 54 since 1997.
Our school scores are over 840, and we are in the top 90% of schools in California.
Our students love the program. I do add to each lesson giving my personal touch...which all good teachers do.
In Fourth Grade, our top students go into Book 54 and Book 65, while our average and below average students are in Book 54 only. In Fifth Grade, the top students go into book 76, while the average and below stay in Book 65.
Mike Smart
|
| Grades: 5th - 11th, Saxon 56; Saxon 65, Algebra 1/2 |
Time: 6+ yrs. |
I found all the Saxon math books challenging and easy to follow! I homeschooled two sons who eventually re-entered the traditional schools. They placed in the top 5% when testing into math classes! They both attribute their success to the Saxon math. I am again homeschooling two daughters (ages 6 and 7) and will again use the Saxon program! This program allows you to tailor the math work according the needs of your child!
Carol Gulick
|
| Grades: Math 65 - Algebra 2 |
|
Time: 6+ yrs. |
I became familiar with Saxon Math at Hawkins ISD, in Hawkins TX. Some of the teachers I respected most as truly gifted teachers were instrumental in getting the Saxon Math program implemented. A few years later I ended up home-schooling my children. I am grateful for the first hand knowledge of Saxon Math. The program is put together in such a way that it is possible to give your student a math program tailor made for them. Saxon and *Teaching Tape Technology, produce an abundance of resources including: student text books, answer key, test booklets, teacher editions, solution manuals, as well as CD ROMs and *video lessons. With all of this valuable, helpful material available it is within
everyone's ability to receive an excellent math education. I continue to highly recommend Saxon Math!
Heidi Newcomb
|
| Grades: 4th |
|
Time: 4 months |
Dull, mind numbing math work. The work can put anyone to sleep. Facts are introduced one at a time and used very little in the chapter in which they are introduced. There is very little in the way of showing a child how all these number fact can be used in the real work. I love math but this book would definintely end that love.
The busy work and repetition can quickly kill any hope of learning.
This is definitely a school book.
Silvia
|
| Grades: Saxon Math 65, 7th grade |
Time: 8 months |
Great book for kids who need extra help. Goes step to step.
Cody Adams
|
Review of Saxon Math 2 (Mathematicallycorrect.com)
Review of Saxon Math 65 (Mathematicallycorrect.com)
Review of Saxon Math 87 (Mathematicallycorrect.com)
Math curriculum suggestions - including where Saxon works and where it doesn't.
Reviews of Saxon math from HomeschoolReviews.com
Reviews of Saxon algebra from HomeschoolReviews.com
Go back to homeschool mathematics curricula list
|
FREE math homework help on www.PhatMath.com
-
40 Math forums for grades K-12 & College
-
Post/view math problems & solutions
- Blogs for students, parents, teachers
|
Over 150 hand-crafted quality math worksheets covering all 6th grade topics.
See our samples!
|
|
