The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

The
Organized
Homeschooler
Malia Russell

In our homeschool, it is a goal that each child will leave our school well prepared for furthering their edu- cation through college or a trade school, and to function as adults in whatever path the Lord leads them to take. When it comes to mathematics, we have had children who struggled, and some that have flourished in math. Whatever their temperament, after some bumps in the road, we came to a solution that seems to work well for us.

For our younger children, we start teaching the basics of mathematics using manipulatives that are logical and sound, but does not have too much writing. Since my children usually start math at around age four, we progress slowly or quickly as driven by the child, and we use Math-U-See. This program uses manipulative blocks and quick, engaging videos which are very helpful.

When they finish the curriculum
through second grade, I give a Saxon
placement test. If they are ready (and all
have been) I switch to Saxon math for 3rd
grade level. For the younger children, I
do not use the meeting strips or teacher’s
books. I did not relish the thought of so
much repetition for things which could
be taught very quickly and reviewed as
necessary.

Once they have reached middle school, I adjust the lessons based on the student’s abilities. If math is particularly slow or difficult, I may require only half of the problems in each lesson to be completed. After I grade the problems, they correct every mistake. I take time to cover anything they do not understand. Then they take the weekly tests.

For students who really struggle, do not hesitate to go backward and review lessons that are shaky before continuing to move forward. Likewise, if a student is very gifted in math, we have given the option to take the tests in the book, and instead of doing lessons, just skip to the test. If the student receives a 90% or higher, we can let the student move forward without completing all that lesson’s work.

For our next three children, we are proceeding in this same manner unless we see a difficulty arise we have not expected. This is the beauty of homeschooling. You can adjust each subject for each child and prayerfully consider the best solutions for each. We have been pleased with placement test scores using Saxon as their basis for math education, even for those for whom it was difficult.

Mistakes I Made

With my first daughter, I suspected something just was not right with her math abilities. I ignored it because her scores on her math papers were acceptable. When I noticed her inability to do mental math or to figure out measurements for food, I ignored the problems and thought it was probably just because she was talking or distracted. We learned later about a learning disability called dyscalculia, which affects learning and retaining math, much like dyslexia affects reading and writing. She required serious intervention. Through this experience, I learned to never ignore my own instincts with my children’s education.