For more than 30 years now Saxon math curriculum by John Saxon has been available. Today its homeschool version is one of the top choices for math. This program uses an incremental approach that includes practice questions, reviews and assessments. It is available for all grade levels.
Primary Math For Saxon Curriculum
The kindergarten through third grade curriculum covers basic math by using manipulatives and worksheets. It also teaches time, basic geometry and patterns. All of this is scripted for ease of teaching.
Middle Grades
In grades 4 through 8 children are transitioned from the worksheet and manipulatives to a traditional textbook program. Herein beginning algebraic concepts and geometry are covered. There is also a pre-algebra integrated curriculum for eighth grade students.
High School
Saxon offers algebra 1 and 2, geometry, advanced math, calculus and physics for high school students. This curriculum is based upon college preparation standards.
The Curriculum
All of Saxon curriculum’s lessons are designed to follow an incremental approach. They start by covering a new concept that builds upon a previous one. This program is somewhat self-taught in the middle and upper grades wherein the student reads the lesson, learns the concept and then is given example problems that show each step.
There are also some investigations that explore mathematical topics in depth. Each lesson has numerous practice problems for the student to complete, which includes both mental math and story problem practice. These problems cover the new subject material and review previously learned concepts. Frequent tests are available to act as assessments for both the student and the parent.
Homeschool Kits
Saxon math curriculum also has homeschool kits available. These kits contain everything that you as a parent need to teach the lessons. In the early grades, the kit includes the manipulatives, worksheets, flash cards and scripted lessons. Then in the middle and upper grades these kits include the student textbook, a solutions manual and tests that come with an answer key. Each part of the kit can also be purchased separately.
Therefore it is possible to reuse the textbook for other students. Teaching CD’s are another optional item that may prove helpful for upper level math. You can find free placement tests on the company’s website so that you will be able to choose the correct level for your child. Another nice thing about Saxon is that they also accept emails from students that need assistance with a problem. You will also find a detailed scope and sequence for each level on their website, as well as research that demonstrates just how effective the program really is.