Ambleside Online Math Options
There are many good math programs out there, and which you choose will
be determined by your own math background, comfort level and time to
invest teaching math. Those who are comfortable teaching
math seem to prefer hands-on programs that use Cuisenaire rods like
Miquon, while others prefer a less teacher-intensive program like
Math-U-See. Math programs can follow a mastery or spiral
formula (repeating principles and building onto itself over the years,
which is fine as long as the steps are mastered at each stage of the
"spiral"). The following programs are very popular among Charlotte
Mason homeschoolers, but this isn't an exhaustive list of effective
options.
Developmental
Mathematics by L.George Saad; 16 workbooks focused on individual
math concepts
Making
Math Meaningful by David Quine; a math program developed by a CM
family. "Easy for the mom." Six levels, plus algebra and geometry.
Math U See
by Steve
Demme; includes teaching videos, manipulatives and consumable texts
Miquon
Math is a primary math program based on Cuisenaire Rods that
provides a solid start in mathematics and is great for hands-on
learners. It requires a fair amount of parent involvement and the
teachers' materials can be slightly confusing, but there's a yahoo support list
that can help, especially when starting.
Ray's
Arithmetic is a solid no-frills set of books for grades 1-8
recommended by Ruth Beechick. This is the math used in the 1800's when
"having an 8th grade education" meant being proficient at skills that
our high school graduates sometimes lack. It's affordable ($100
complete) and develops skill at mental math, but is teacher-intensive.
There is a yahoo support
group
Singapore
Math uses the methods that have helped Singapore obtain high
international math scores. May need supplementing with another math
program.
Right
Start Mathematics by Activities
for Learning is based on the abacus (more teacher intensive) for
grades 1-8.
For more math help, suggestions and comparisons of curriculums, see:
Homeschool
Reviews
Cathy
Duffy Math Reviews (reviews of some programs aren't online, but
must be read in her book, which is for sale from her website.)
Julie Brennan's Living Math has a CM focus
MEP
(Mathematics Enhancement Programme) - this curriculum is free to anyone
anywhere in the world. You can download the practice books, lesson
plans, and answer keys (for upper years) through the University
website. if you have questions about how to use the site, there's
an email support group. Password
required to use the site, but homeschoolers in the US have had no
problem obtaining one when they ask.
Additional
options for higher level math:
Harold Jacob's Elementary
Algebra, Basic Geometry and Mathematics: A Human Endeavor ublished by WH Freeman (popular and highly rated for their thoroughness, fun and
readability; a review here) widely
available from various book vendors
VideoText (video
program on CDRom) Algebra and Geometry recommended by Apologia's
Jay Wile
Teaching
Textbooks (video program on CDRom) Algebra, Geometry and (in
progress) Pre-Calculus; preferred by some over VideoText
Ray's
Arithmetic has upper level math on CDRom: complete set for $59.
Some are lacking answer keys, but those are in progress.
There is also a yahoo support
group (Ray's
Algebra page images are online)
Euclid's Elements (a geometry
classic)
Purple
Math - free online algebra
The
Math Page - free online
courses in arithmetic, Euclid-based plane geometry, and algebra as well
as tpoics in trigonometry and calculus.
Thanks to Amy Raab for
her help with this page!
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