Homeschoolers: Which math Curriculum Saxon or Abeka

Date sort Score sort
chicksgalore

chicksgalore

Songster
11 Years
Jul 19, 2008
367
5
131
What's the difference? We did Abeka for K5 and liked it but I was looking at the Saxon for first grade and talking to the vendors. They seem like they both go the same places and have the same spiral learning style. Only one looks more appealing than the other.

Just wondering if anyone has tried both and compared. Does one have an advantage over the other?
 
Just from my experience if you like Abeka consider sticking with it. Both are solid programs yet I felt Abeka was better for a more visual learner with the colors and pictures to support a lesson. My son is a kinesthetic learner and the more dry text with extensive reviews and manipulative accessories in Saxon really engaged him. I also kept a stash of older edition math sources from different programs to reach for if I felt another approach to a concept was needed.
It sounds like you have already taken to Abeka and that really is half the journey. Maybe you could download Saxon samples or request them from the vendors to see if they would work for your child. Are you in a homeschooling group online or in your area and could they provide some copies or older editions for you to borrow to get a feel for it? Homeschooling is amazing, lots of work and full of choices, I hope you find the resources that fit for your family and make your journey easier.
 
We used Bob Jones for everything...I had freinds that used Saxon and friends that used Abeka and I really didnt like it compared to Bob Jones.... but Abeka would be my choice of the two.
 
Have you looked at RightStart or Math-U-See? Both of these are more dynamic programs which teach the foundations of math, not just the processes. I've heard nothing but rave reviews on both of them and will be using RightStart in our Homeschool next fall.
 
We used math-u-see and Switched on school house for math, I have a friend who uses saxon and loves it. I guess that wasn't much help, good luck on your choice.
 
I did Saxon the whole way through, and HATED it. It was hard for me, and confusing. But my Mom was not a good math teacher. So if you arent good with math, I would say find something that does more of the explaining for you. Although I am sure it would be fine for the younger grades.

On the other hand, my DH also did Saxon the whole way through, and loved it.
lol.png
He says, yeah, it hard, but its good! He is naturally very good at math though. He got 108% on his college algebra placement test, and never took algebra.
ep.gif


I personally plan on using Thinking Skills Press math books for PreK, and then later going to Miquon. I did one book of Miquon as a kid, and I loved it. It is very visual. I think it only goes up to grade 3 though.
 
Thanks for all of your ideas.

I have seen lots of math curriculums including Math U See but to be honest I haven't really checked any of them out other than Saxon and Abeka. There are just SO MANY choices and it just seems overwhelming sometimes. So...my DS did really well with the Abeka last year and I trust the content so I figure for now, we'll do that. If, in the future, it doesn't seem to be working for him or any of the others, at that point I will start really delving into some of the others.
 
Quote:
Did you finish the whole book? If not, I'd just keep using it until you've finished it (without worrying about what the "grade" is on the front) since Abeka is such an advanced curriculum.
smile.png
 

Similar threads

JesWith3
Marans crosses always have feathered legs?
Replies
3
Views
286
NatJ
NatJ
lilwanderer
Muscovy eggs.
Replies
1
Views
449
SilverBirds
SilverBirds
Boof_Macarooni
    • Like
Baby duck has bulging(?) eyes compared to their sibling who has normal eyes
Replies
5
Views
817
Miss Lydia
Miss Lydia
I
Which ones are wellsummers and which are brown leghorns?
Replies
2
Views
583
-Chanticleer-
-Chanticleer-
murphynhazel12
weird RIR hen
Replies
3
Views
173
BDutch
BDutch

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom