Have you ever reached a point in your homeschool when you thought you had it all figured out, only to discover that you were sorely mistaken?
If I had to name one homeschool subject that would do this homeschooling mom of many in, I would have to say it would be math. Not because I don’t like math, or because I was never good at it, because I’ve honestly always kind of liked it. Unsurprisingly, though, my kids don’t learn the same way I did.
I was one of those kids who was great at memorizing and regurgitating. My kids, on the other hand, aren’t. So finding a successful and workable homeschool math curriculum has been quite the journey for us. Additionally, since I am homeschooling nine children this year, it is absolutely imperative that I find something that is well within our price range.
Believe me, it hasn’t been easy.
(Disclaimer: I was compensated for my time in writing this post. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Thankfully, Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op has it covered!
While it’s widely known that all children learn differently, one of the most difficult subjects to accommodate this is math. For generations, schools have been teaching math the exact same way- drilling and memorization– and while that may work for some, it doesn’t work for just as many.
But there are so many more curriculum choices than most people realize!
The Homeschool Buyers Co-op has an award-winning selection of math products, including core curriculum, supplemental practice programs, struggling learner programs, and games.
And best of all? They offer a savings of up to 67% on math curriculum.
Let’s take a look at some of the selections, shall we?
Quality and Affordable Homeschool Math Curriculum
Life of Fred
If you’re familiar with my blog at all, you shouldn’t be surprised that I started with Life of Fred because we love this curriculum!
Life of Fred is a literature-based homeschool math curriculum that was written specifically for people who don’t like math. Rather than dealing with all of the mathematical abstractions usually taught by traditional curriculum, this series actually teaches how mathematical concepts are used in the real world and why they work.
There are several things that I appreciate about Life of Fred:
- It’s non-consumable, meaning that it can be used again and again and again.
- It’s literature-based (which I did mention before). As relaxed homeschoolers, this fits right in with our homeschool routine.
- It stays far, far away from the drill-and-kill method. Lessons are short, sweet, and effective.
- It’s easily adjustable to meet the needs of individual children and families.
- It’s not based on grade level, but on ability.
Suffice it to say, it’s definitely worth checking out!
Saxon Math
Of all the most trusted curriculum names in the homeschool community, Saxon Math is usually at the top of the list when it comes to homeschooling math.
Written in the standard, school-model format, Saxon is best used by children who do well with the traditional style of learning. Children who thrive with this curriculum typically far surpass their public school peers.
Here’s an overview of what it covers:
- K–3 teaches basic concepts, plus geometry, patterns, and time
- Math 5/4–8/7 transitions to textbooks, plus algebraic and geometric reasoning
- High school texts prepare students for college, from Algebra 1 to Calculus
CTC Math
While I myself prefer to use all curriculum that comes in physical book format, let’s face it. It’s the 21st century, and there are a lot of children and parents who prefer to use a computer-based approach to their learning- especially for math.
CTC Math is the perfect option for these families.
Some key benefits of this program are:
- Over 1,400 animated and narrated math lessons
- 57,000 interactive questions
- Diagnostic tests
- Instant feedback
- Algebra, statistics, geometry, trigonometry, probability plus more
- Detailed progress reports
I should also add that you can get 60% off!!
RightStart Mathematics
If Life of Fred were ever to stop working for us, RightStart Mathematics would be our next stop. This curriculum is perfect for hands-on learners, which is exactly what my own children are. Some kids just can’t completely understand a concept until they’ve been able to play with it using manipulatives.
RightStart is sold in kits chock full of manipulatives. Truth be told, I think the parents probably have as much fun as the children!
Shiller Math
I’m telling you, if I wouldn’t have learned by now not to change homeschool curriculums on a whim, Shiller Math would have me mighty tempted. Do you see the manipulatives it comes with??? It has measuring cups.
Measuring cups for crying out loud! I want it!!
Sorry. Now that I’ve composed myself, let’s talk about what this hands-on, Montessori-based math curriculum features:
“The ShillerMath curriculum includes research-designed lessons in student workbooks, diagnostic tests with answer keys, music, flashcards. and Montessori-based manipulatives. Plus, the kits include FREE digital content and downloads of the lessons!”
Oh. My. Lord. I can almost hear it calling me.
Okay, I think I’m going to stop here before I spend all my money on math curriculum. Whew!
As you can see, Homeschool Buyers Co-op is no joke. If you’re looking for quality, affordable math curriculum, this is the place to go.
What are you waiting for?
I agree it’s a great site- I used it to buy summer material for my high schooler/ or supplement my online school curriculum. As a high school math & science was always a pain. Lots of time on Kahn Academy.
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We’ve used Khan Academy a lot, too!
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Thanks, Shelly! Question: My kids are fans of Life of Fred as well. However, I want to add a manipulative/hands-on component. Are there math manipulative sets I could buy without buying a whole new curriculum? (That ShrillerMath curriculum looks….AWESOME!)
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I’m sure there are. I’d check Amazon. A lot of curriculum companies sell just manipulatives. 🙂
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How would you compare life of Fred and CTC to Math-U-See and Teaching Textbooks. I haven’t purchased for next year and I’ll be teaching a 2nd, 4th & 5th grader
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I haven’t used Math U See nor Teaching Textbooks. I do know that Math U See is more hands-on with manipulatives, while Life of Fred is literature-based. Sorry I couldn’t be more help!
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It’s ok. Selecting a curriculum is such a challenge. I’m going to try the free trial of CTC math. So far it seems to line up with my philosophy of teaching, correcting & reinforcing. Thanks, Shelly!
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My daughter is currently using CTC math. 🙂
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It looks like a great program!
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