Hi everyone- I am wondering if anyone has used McRuffy math before and perhaps 3rd grade? It looks like a great program and not overwhelming, something my son could use! I am just curious, about how long are the lessons and is it much hands-on? I know timing will depend on the kid but if I could get a general idea, that would be great and what are your thoughts in general about this program? Thank you in advance! Sea
It is a good program. It doesn't take much time at all to do. The TE is a must with this program. I have only used up to grade 1. All the colors and such were to distracting to my little guy in the long run. We still open it up and use it sometimes for a change, but for the most part we have dropped it. Now my only complain about the program is there is not enough repetition on math facts. You do your worksheet, do a time drill and that is it. My son needs more than that.
DD is going into Grade 2. We also used McRuffy Color Math in Kindergarten and First Grade. Both DD and I loved it. The reason we chose the program was because it was very hands on, colorful, spiraling approach to Math. It is a manipulative based program (as I would imagine most early math curricula are) that comes with a resource packet including LOTS of games DD absolutely loved. To me, McRuffy Math is one of homeschool's best kept secrets! The lessons were succinct and very hands on, just what my antsy little learner needed. We spent lots of time using counting bears, playing the games, using rods and cubes, tangrams, pattern blocks, and geoboards. We rarely spent more than 15 minutes on a lesson, unless we were playing a game. Though I found that McRuffy Math provided a great foundation, I agree with Jo Anna. You'll definitely need to get out the flash cards and use additional materials to reinforce basic math facts. The first grade book included timed math fact tests, but there was very little practice in the text. As Jo Anna also mentioned, the teacher's edition is a must have. We had a great experience with McRuffy, but we have decided to switch DD to Abeka Math in Grade 2. However, my younger one will be starting Kindergarten soon and we'll using McRuffy with her. We also plan to use McRuffy's First grade math with her the following year.
Thanks for the responses, I have also considered Teaching Textbooks for my 3rd grader, I know I will use McRuffy for my 1st grader next year. I know TT is computer based, and I know he would like that too, he needs hands on or that. However my concern with TT is that I would likely order grade 4 for him otherwise it will be too easy and then it has about 120 lessons, I worry that provides for a short year. Would either of you or anyone have a thought of TT and McRuffy together- or overload, I have also heard of Mammoth Math- would that compliment either program? Thanks so much!
