Journey to Excellence

The moment I had dreaded since I started homeschooling Brynne (and then Eli) had arrived ... it's was time to teach multiplication!  I don't know why this has been such an area of stress for me, but it has! We have been using a Hungarian model of mathematics for the past three years. Brynne calls it "paper math". So I was very interested to review an online math program! A+ Tutorsoft, Inc.  has an interactive program called A+ Interactive MATH  that can either be utilized online or by use of cd. We chose to review the 2nd grade Homeschool Edition - Multi-sensory Interactive MATH Online program, because it was the first program that introduced multiplication. My children are actually third graders, but I just researched the program's website and determined that the introductory multiplication lessons would work best for us. It was a good match. There are also FREE placement tests available. The approach of A+ Interactive MATH. is unique in that it is a...

"Mommy ... can I play the computer?" That is a question I hear VERY often from my 8 and 6 year old. There are a few websites that they know they are free to use, as long as they ask first. Some of them are just for fun. But, I always like to have a handful of educational websites available for them on the Bookmarks Bar. IXL is now there, and I am THRILLED! So are my kids! In fact, in one two-day span, Brynne logged 2 hours! (How do I know this? The system keeps track of it!) IXL approaches "each math concept from all angles, offering visual representations, word problems, interactive activities, and more. With an abundance of math problems for every learning style, students can't help but build lasting skills and confidence" (from the website) When the kids are ready to play, they just click on the link and choose their grade level. They have both been working on Second Grade. There are so many different types of less...

General Background Information When I first saw that the Pearson Homeschool materials were being offered for review, I was instantly taken back to my elementary school days. It appeared to be very textbook-oriented, and I immediately had a negative attitude toward it (just being transparent, here.) It wasn't because it was a textbook (I happened to LOVE textbooks as a kid), but Dawson has not done well with textbooks in the past. Dawson and I were having our typical end-of-the-year discussion about his math curriculum. We have attempted to use some tried-and-true-highly-recommended-and-often-used math curriculums that just did not work for him. But, at the end of the year he is always convinced that his current math curriculum is "too easy" with not enough problems, and so he wants to explore some other opportunities. I, on the other hand, don't want to spend hundreds more dollars on math curriculums that he hates. (And, quite honestly, I think the re...

This was the first "normal" week of school that we have had in a while. That means that we were home doing school Monday through Thursday, and had our regular Co-op activities on Friday. It was a productive week, and I am ready for the weekend. We have nothing planned this weekend, other than church on Sunday, and I couldn't be happier. I'm tired! In fact, I've been on the couch since about 1 p.m. Regular studies (and when I say "regular studies" I mean grammar, copywork, handwriting, math/algebra, critical thinking, and literature) are all progressing at a good speed. I am happy where both of the kids are at, both in how well they are doing with the material and in how far they are along in the number of completed lessons. All of these regular studies are moving along easily. Both kids know what is expected of them in these courses and do them each day with ease and independently, for the most part. I do have to add that for Brynne, I am loving Math...