Math- so many choices!

[WildOlive]

I'm a bit overwhelmed with trying to decide on a math program for next year. There are just soooo many different aproaches. How do you know whether a spiral or mastery approach is best for your child? I am not even sure what i learned when I was in school. We are heading down to syracuse in a couple days to browse the vendors at the convention (I *hope* we can do that, we are not going to convention, but I really want a chance to see the curriculum that is available. Hopefully we are allowed to just go browse the hall) and I'd really like to have some ideas of what things I want to check out in depth.

Any thoughts?

[illinoismommy]

oooh i'd love to hear people's thoughts on math curriculum :popcorn

[MamaMansa]

It's definitely easier to see what will work best for you when you have a chance to sit down and look through it. Going to the convention is a great idea. :)

I think ultimately it depends on what learning style you are teaching to. My children are complete opposites and we are using two different math curriculums. My ds is very much a visual learner and needs to see things demonstrated. We use Math-U-See for him. My dd needs repetition to be able to master concepts. However, she is very logical and can figure things out in her head even before I can. We use Saxon for her. (However, I don't really recommend Saxon for grades 1-3, it's a different format than the older grades.)

I think the best way to go about it is to figure out what "style" will work best for your dc and then find the curriculum that suites each child.

[joandsarah77]

Well I can only say how I choose mine. I am not a maths person so I wanted a programe that gave additional help such as a dvd teacher. I knew having just a manual to read would not do! :nails That cut back my options significantly. I am also a kenetic and visual learner who needs time to grasp things as is my dd, so I wanted a programe with manipulatives that didn't jump around. Math-U-See fits all that perfectly.

[booboo]

The math we're using is by Modern Curriculum Press. It's really awesome! Rabbit is actually understanding it and she's a bit challenged in this area (me too :O ). She actually enjoys math now! I got it through Rainbow Resource.