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February 08, 2012, 03:40:53 PM
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Author Topic: Thoughts about online math?  (Read 1104 times)
Homeschool_Newbie
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The best of summer...
« on: September 07, 2010, 12:53:52 PM »
What are your thoughts about online math? I am specifically thinking of my 4th grader-- perhaps next year in the 5th grade. Teaching textbooks and Aleks are the programs that sound good to me. Do you think these programs are effective and help save mom and dad some teaching time? Any thoughts on the pros and cons? I am adding a another homeschooler to our " school" next year ( the 3rd child to start) and am thinking that it might save me some time so I won't spend all day teaching.
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denim&lace
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Posts: 1721
« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2010, 02:08:59 PM »
I'm big on Teaching Textbooks.  Having this program allows me to put them to work on math while I fix lunch, play with babies, etc. while they learn.  We started using TT because my oldest daughter had gotten to a point with Singapore math where she was just frustrated.  I LOVED Singapore Math, as it teaches to the concept which is my big thing.  If I can understand the how and why, I can get the answer... turns out, my daughter is NOT a little replica of me. Wink  She needed a different approach, and TT works very well for her.  They do teach the concept, but focus more on repetition and memory.

She was starting to fall behind in math when we found TT, but now she is doing well.  After her first year in TT we put the two older boys on it as well. 

I think the biggest drawbacks is that it is too easy for the parent to give them and say do it... and then lose touch on how well the child is learning and understanding the lessons.  You still have to remember to check in and see how they are doing and see if they have questions.

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Homeschool_Newbie
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Posts: 867


The best of summer...
« Reply #2 on: September 07, 2010, 02:54:29 PM »
Thank you D and L Smiley I am not a big math person...so I'll have to be careful to check in. It sounds like this program saves time.
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Skydancesmom
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Posts: 153
« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2010, 02:23:41 PM »
My DH has said no to internet learning (or computer learning), as the games (math,history,bible knowledge etc) can be a gateway to other things, kind of like planting seeds for fun in the wrong way, if that makes sense.  I do not know any math!  At all!  I am not sure what we will do when we get past my knowledge. (6th grade I think!! LOL) We just know so many folks with older boys (husbands too!) who are really addicted to the computer in one way or another, and many more addicted to video games, which are really violent and immodest IMO.  I am not judging anyone who pertakes in this at all!!!  Please know!  We just don't want to see our boys fall into this trap!                                   

DH has a biology and math minor and is getting a masters in teaching, so I have to admit I will have the help of a teacher/math science guy!  Which is a Blessing!
-SDM
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denim&lace
Master

Posts: 1721
« Reply #4 on: December 09, 2010, 06:52:46 PM »
Teaching Textbooks is not an internet program.  We use it all the time on a laptop that is not hooked to the internet.  Neither is it a game.  It is a teacher giving a math 'lecture' and then when the children do the problem, if they make a mistake the program walks them through the process to the answer.

I just thought I'd clarify. Smiley  It's kind of like keeping your business accounting or something like that on the computer.  You can do it without, but the computer is a tool to help you accomplish the task and keeps record.  I completely understand not letting your kids get hooked on computer games and internet socialization...
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Skydancesmom
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Posts: 153
« Reply #5 on: December 09, 2010, 08:26:21 PM »
That sounds neat, I will have to look it up!  It would be nice to have another teacher in the house!  I'm sure we all feel that way sometimes ha?  We let our children type letters and also write stories!  It sounds like this wouldn't be too much different!  Is this only a math program?  Is is Christian!
SDM
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Skydancesmom
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Posts: 153
« Reply #6 on: December 09, 2010, 08:30:30 PM »
OOPS!  I also wanted to know if you review the program ahead of time in order to offer help, or if you just let your little one do it on her own, and look up/ answer questions if she has them?
Thanks
SDM
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denim&lace
Master

Posts: 1721
« Reply #7 on: December 11, 2010, 12:43:31 PM »
We don't start using Teaching Textbooks until they are 9-10 years old, so they aren't exactly little ones at that point.  We've already taught them all the basic math concepts, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, simple fractions, measurement, area, decimals...  Really, we don't use TT books until we are moving beyond what I call everyday math.  You know, the math you have to have in order to function in society.  By the time we start TT  they can already figure a checkbook, double or half a recipe, figure the serving amounts needed for a large gathering, or get the square footage they need to re-carpet their bedroom. 

We start them with TT's 4 (we were going to use 3 but decided against it) to make sure we didn't leave any gaps, so their first year is basically review.   

I previewed a couple of lessons, but I don't review all 114 lessons with 20+ questions each.  The program was a quality product that focused on teaching math.  I am available to ask questions if they need me, and the computer is in the living room to be easily monitored.  It isn't a christian program.       
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Skydancesmom
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Posts: 153
« Reply #8 on: January 16, 2011, 08:26:02 PM »
D&L-
    I have a child who is a very very very fast learner, but doesn't care too much for math.  He catches on qickly, but is more the type to sit and read a book.  Would you recomend Teaching Text books for him?  We just looked at the program and looked at the samples, we think it would work well, especially on our old lap top.  Wondering since you have used other math programs which you would reccomend, as it is pretty pricey!!!!  Also, if he is a fast learner, where would you start as far as grade level, I know you don't know our DS, but just wondering if you have any insight on that!  (as in above level or below to be safe)
Thanks so much,
SDM
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smfmommy
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Posts: 265
« Reply #9 on: January 16, 2011, 08:39:17 PM »
Quote from: Skydancesmom on January 16, 2011, 08:26:02 PM
D&L-
 Also, if he is a fast learner, where would you start as far as grade level, I know you don't know our DS, but just wondering if you have any insight on that!  (as in above level or below to be safe)
Thanks so much,
SDM

Not D&L but from what I have seen in reviews from other users you might want to start him out a year ahead if he is bright in math.  They have placement tests on the site and I would make extensive use of those.  Depending on the level you can also find quite a few  for sale at www.homeschoolclassifieds.com  At least you could save a few dollars!

Hope this helps!
 Grin
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Wife to my best friend for 17 years.
Mommy to four little ladies, ages 13, 11, 7, 5 and two little men, ages 3 and 1.
Skydancesmom
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Posts: 153
« Reply #10 on: January 17, 2011, 06:53:01 PM »
awesome, thanks so much!  What a great web site, I remember looking at it a while back and then forgot about it!
Thanks again. 
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denim&lace
Master

Posts: 1721
« Reply #11 on: January 18, 2011, 11:37:53 PM »
I'm sorry Skydance.  I've not been on a lot and apparently when I was on I somehow missed your questions. 

smfmommy gave you the same advice I would have.  Use those placement tests, they are right on target for where you should start them. 
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