Math - Teaching Textbooks

 From the beginning of homeschool (Kindergarten) we had used Singapore Math.  However, once we hit 3rd grade, it was a struggle for me to explain Math to Samuel in a way that he could understand.  VERY frustrating.
After much research I discovered Teaching Textbooks, and a year ago we started Math 3. It comes with a textbook and 4 CD-ROMS with100 plus lessons.  Each lesson begins with a 5 minute lecture, practice questions and problems and then an assignment.  It has been the best Math program for Samuel and the only time we stopped the daily lessons was to spend time memorizing the times tables.

I like that it includes a grade book, bonus rounds to earn extra credit/practice skills and a quiz every 7 lessons.  I highly recommend it if you struggle explaining the abstract.  Even though it is not considered a rigorous math program it is exactly what we need at this moment in time. And why would you want your child to struggle in math?

Fourth Grade

Fourth Grade, part A, January 2011 (8 1/2 years old)

Fourth Grade, part B, July 2011 (9 years old)

Samuel really wanted to be in fourth grade at the beginning of the year!  I believe it was mostly peer pressure from one specific boy in his piano class.  So, I said "Of course you can be in 4th grade.  You can be in any grade you want!" And that is what we called it.  He was also struggling with a bad attitude in general when it came to chores and school, and 2010 was just a year of homeschool ups and downs.

A year ago we started Third grade with a completely different curriculum, stepping away from Heart of Dakota (my all time favorite), then experimenting with Unschooling, eclectic, and Simply Charlotte Mason.  I believe we have come full circle.  We are back with Heart of Dakota, and what I truly learned this year is that the curriculum is usually not the problem.  But adapting it to your student's learning style and personality is 99% of the battle.

So he is back to enjoying school.  Granted we have only completed one week - but it was a good one!

First day of P.E. - Softball

It was a fun day!