Self-Teaching Math Method Explained
carol | February 28, 2009
I am also very happy with B10’s progression in Math. He began Saxon Math 5/4 as soon as he turned seven at the beginning of grade two. At this point, he has completed every problem in Saxon Math 5/4, 6/5, 7/6, and 8/7. He is now on Lesson 25 of Saxon Algebra 1/2. He studies the lessons without a teacher and completely works the problems himself. He is almost 10 1/2 years old and in grade five.
[This paragraph is copied from the previous post to keep everything together: I am very proud of N15 who finished Calculus today. That is the end of the Saxon Math series for him. He began Saxon Math 5/4 at age 7 1/2, and did every question in every Saxon Math book, including 6/5, 7/6, 8/7, Algebra 1/2, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Advanced Math (Trigonometry), and now Calculus. He taught himself the lessons, and worked the problems without a teacher.] He is 15 years old and in grade ten.
I am thankful to have learned about the self-teaching math method from Dr. Robinson. http://www.robinsoncurriculum.com/ He recommends two hours of math per day, year round, including Saturdays. Our typical plan has been one lesson a day, five days a week (occasional Saturday), at least six weeks off in the summer and two weeks off at Christmas. Some weeks in the summer, they completed a math test per week so they wouldn’t lose a lot of ground.
I second Dr. Robinson in saying that the most important background for success in mathematics is the rote memorization of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. When your child is around 6½ or 7, have him or her completely memorize the math facts (addition up to 9+9, subtraction up to 18-9, multiplication up to 12×12, and division up to 144/12.) Although not recommended by Dr. Robinson, we have added arithmetic workbooks (ABeka, Spectrum, Lifepacs) in the early grades to help learn some basic skills.
Supplies or Ideas to Help
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division Flashcards
(Read math fact. Say answer. Look at back. Repeat from memory.)
Math Facts Practice Sheets http://www.schoolhousetech.com/Math/Download.aspx
Quarter Mile computer program http://www.thequartermile.com/
Addition/Subtraction computer programs
ABeka Rapid Calculation Drill
Once the math facts are completely memorized, and the child can read well, he or she is ready to start Saxon Math 5/4, usually by age 7 or 7½. Purchase the complete Saxon Math set for each level, including text, answer book, and test booklet.
There will be “those kind of days”, (and even occasional tears), but for the most part, learning is steady, straightforward, and rewarding. When first beginning Saxon Math 5/4, the child may be ready to only complete 1/3 or 1/2 of a lesson. Eventually he or she will be able to finish at least one lesson per day, showing all work. Over the years, there have been times when my children have “lost it” and needed to start books over, or go back and re-work all the “practices”. There have been times when the error rate got out of hand (usually careless mistakes), and we have had to try to figure out what was going on.
The parent or the child can check the lessons, and the child makes any corrections by re-studying the lessons. If your child comes to you and says, “I can’t do that problem”, just help him locate the lesson where it should have been learned (indicated in sidebar of problem), and have him or her study the lesson again. The tests are unnecessary, but certainly can be used for review, records, or parental reassurance. During the early years, have the child continue practicing math facts with flash cards review, completing Saxon Math Facts Practice sheets, and practicing ABeka Rapid Calculation Drills (with a parent).
If you are removing a child from school, have him or her memorize the math facts, regardless of age. Then use placement tests to determine which Saxon Math book to begin. It can take a couple months of deprogramming to get rid of the “need” for a teacher.
