This was a great review! I hope people understand that just because something is “taught” doesn’t mean that it was “learned” at all. It would be very easy to learn those missing links with real life applications or games too.
I have a sister that taught elementary school for 37 years. Phys Ed was her major but she also taught math and science. Most teachers I know, including her, dislike common core because it's s lot more paper work for the teachers. It doesn't necessarily mean a better education for the students. Bottom line, you can have all the standards you want, it doesn't mean kids learn and understand them. She said many kids are passed to the next grade and just get left behind. If a text you like the methodology of is easy for your child simply go through a bit faster and get the next level for the last quarter or so for the school year.
This video is not intended to debate common core. I am also a teacher and have my own thoughts on common core, which is a whole different video. However, I found it interesting to compare it. My daughter did not prefer MLFLE. We tried it twice (level 1 and then level 3), however, LLFLE works great for her! The wonderful thing about homeschooling is we can pick and choose and mix things up.
I would definitely be interested in hearing your thoughts on Common Core. As a former English teacher, I have some decidely strong opinions on the LA standards, but feel rather out of my depth when it comes to the Math standards (and the Math-babble in the standards doesn't help!)
My problem with Masterbooks is that while yes, they might cover those topics, I feel they are hardly covered. A lot of the examples you showed, had few problems to work though what was taught. I used their LA and Science last year for my 3rd grader. Days one and four were almost a waste in their LA and spelling was given on day five? Those days could have been used to teach more. I felt like all MB did was introduce something in a few sentences, then there were a few words to fill in a blank and that was it. My 10th grader also did their Science which was considered a full years course. One day was spent reading a few pages from a book, the next day was answering some questions. Around Christmas time, she started reading and answering the questions on the same day and finished super early. I'm not sure why that was considered a full years course when it can clearly be done in half a year.
MacNSyds Mom That definitely can be a problem for some, but for that math they’re coming out with extra practice books I guess. What science did your 10th grader use? I do feel like the way they schedule things makes little sense. All that being said, Principles of Mathematics (my all time favorite course) does not lack in questions or in anything. That was my first introduction to Master Books and I was extremely impressed but I haven’t found anything like it since.
I was wondering why did you not finish the book? I just purchased masterbooks for all 3 children and I'm hoping after seeing some comments here about it not being enough --that it will be. My children do thrive on repeated practice. (2 on the autism spectrum) I'm hoping maybe added worksheet practice might help? What do you think?
Jennifer Tefft Hi! My daughter just didn’t like it. She likes math but kind of felt this was too...fluffy? She didn’t want to listen to the story or anything. She just wanted to get straight to the math.
Have you by chance looked at MUS compared to Common Core at the same level as you have with MB? Just curious, as MUS seems to focus on one key concept per level (although I know they do include other concepts like area in Beta etc). But does it cover most of what would be expected for that age level? I got the impression that with MUS (and probably with MB also) you may not cover the topics at the same time as schools do, but over the years of the course you would end up at the same point. With your experience with MUS, would you say that was true?
R Richards I have not compared it MUS to common core, but I could. Right off the bat, I would say that I do know MUS Gamma, for example, wouldn’t meet all the standards because it doesn’t get into division at all. I agree with you that these programs do not cover the topics the same time as schools do but over the years would end up at the same point. With MUS I think it would be best to start at Alpha and see it through if you want the best outcome.
