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With 20 years of homeschooling behind us, and the 21st on the horizon, you would think we would have it all figured out when it comes to curriculum.  Math has been a struggle for at least two of our five (actually, three would probably say so) and the problem isn’t always the child.  Sometimes, it’s as simple as the curricula doesn’t fit the learning style of the one being taught or the teaching-style of the one doing the teaching.  Sometimes, it IS a child who isn’t in the mood to put in the necessary effort; but in most cases I think a large amount of difficulty comes from the fact that with cultural changes in America over the last few decades, curricula have been restructured to “fit” societal trends.  The vast majority of math books, today, don’t cause a child to THINK.  They require, “do this”, then “add this”, then “divide that”, etc.  The child doesn’t really have to understand WHY the problem works, only to regurgitate what they have been told to do.  That works well for that one specific problem, but it doesn’t teach them how to think about numbers, mathematical order, the system of mathematical application and how it applies and affects their lives and problems outside the textbook.  I learned a long time ago, that if kids can’t see the point of what they are doing, how it can be used, understand why it is able to work, they lose interest very quickly.  To be honest, most modern curricula fall into that sad category of spoonfeeding information, without requiring (or allowing) children to think.  Sadly, math is no exception.

I recognized at the end of our last school year, we were facing a huge problem when it came to moving forward in Math.  The fundamental basics were simply not well enough in place for us to move ahead.  We had worked through the lessons, done the problems, reworked the ones that were not done correctly and yet, the understanding of HOW the basics worked was still not internalized.  We weren’t able to move forward and apply what we had already done, to what was coming next.  I was really frustrated and struggling with how to proceed, since I knew we couldn’t legitimately move forward, without mastering the basic concepts. Somehow, I had to find a way to put the tricks, tips and understanding of “how” math basics work that I just naturally draw on from MY head, into my student’s head.  Finding a curriculum that teaches in that way is difficult.  Most do not focus on the how and why, but the do.

I took my search to the internet and, even there, most of the options were just more of the same.  After, a lengthy time of searching and reading I came across the website for Systematic Mathematics.  As I read, I realized that their approach to math instruction addressed the specific problems we were having.  I also started to feel very strongly, that their philosophy of education was in line with my own.  They were about educating children, not being politically correct, keeping up with foreign nations or being the first to complete an entire textbook and have their child labeled as gifted or advanced.  Their goal was for the student to actually UNDERSTAND and be able to USE mathematics.  They were about teaching children – exactly what I wanted.  I was intrigued and contacted the publisher.

I wrote and explained our difficulty with math and that I had been studying their website and sample material online.  I asked some very specific questions about our personal situation and the ability of Systematic Mathematics to help us get things back on track.  After several emails back and forth, I was convinced that this math curriculum is the one that can make a lifelong difference in how our kids handle math and apply it in everyday life.  The publisher has graciously agreed to allow me to review the curriculum and share our journey through Systematic Mathematics with you over this next school year.

After watching the first two DVD’s with David, we were both convinced we were definitely going to move forward with this curriculum.  If what you are looking for is a glitzy, high-cost production, you will be disappointed.  The DVD’s are filmed and compiled very modestly in the home of the author, a multi-decade math teacher who had become frustrated with the trends in modern-day education and wanted to get back to the business of TEACHING children.  So, there are no fancy sets or backgrounds and occasionally there is even a buzz of static from Paul’s microphone, but what we were looking for, the fundamental teaching of how and why math works, is rock solid.  If what you are looking for is education and a teacher with a heart for children, instead of production value, you won’t be disappointed.

The curriculum comes to you as DVD’s in binders.  There is a Data CD for each of the levels with a parent manual, printable information sheets, worksheets, etc that can be used with the lessons.  The DVD’s ARE the lessons.  David and I chuckled as we watched the difference between the presentations in the student lessons and the ones in the Getting Started DVD’s for parents.  Paul was very informative, but much more serious and “business-like”, even getting tongue-tied, as we often do in front of crowds of people we don’t know, when he spoke on the Parent’s DVDs.  His demeanor with students is very different.  He was much more relaxed and comfortable, often times bringing humor into the lesson.

I love that the lessons are on DVD, that we can repeat a lesson as many times as needed before moving forward and that we will actually WATCH, HEAR and then DO what is being taught, making sure the understanding is in place before moving forward.   The program is non-consumable – every student in your home will be able to use it without making additional purchases .  Establishing a strong foundation of fundamental mathematical understanding to build new mathematical concepts on, is what Systematic Mathematics is all about; and I am convinced after our initial review that it can deliver on that promise.  I look forward to a year of “light-bulb” moments with our students and being able to catch up and move forward with their math training.

This post is to introduce you to Systematic Mathematics, their website and sample materials.  It’s only the beginning of a year-long review.  Throughout the 2010-2011 school year, I will be chronicling our progress and experiences with the program in a sort of journal format.  You’ll watch to see where we started and how far we’ve come.  You’ll hear about overcoming roadblocks, reaching milestones and experiences that will help you see the value in this curriculum with a heart for children and for real education.  Most of you have seen recent posts explaining that we sold our home on Friday and will be moving on September 3.  In the interest of sanity and efficient packing and preparations, we have decided not to begin school until after Labor Day.  Our first posts about using Systematic Mathematics will come after that time.  I look forward to taking you on the journey and I hope you will spend some time on the Systematic Mathematics website, getting to know the author and the next generation of his family, who are now publishing the curriculum.

Click the Link below to see a short clip of the first lesson in Math Rescue. It can give you an idea of how lessons are formatted and presented in the curriculum.

Sample Pages from Data CD to go with Lesson 1 Math Rescue

• Data Sheet 1
• Data Sheet 1-A
• Study Sheet 1
• Worksheet 1
• Answers to Worksheet 1