Can't decide between Algebra Teaching Textbooks and Saxon Math with D.I.V.E. cds. Help!?

Question

I have always used Saxon Math with my home schooled children, but my son found Teaching Textbooks online and it also seems to be an excellent program, but more expensive. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Math-U-See.  it's awesome.

(I know it's neither of the ones you mentioned.  but trust me, it's better. ;o)

that program makes things SO much easier to understand, especially Algebra, and it's so easy to use ... virtually no teacher prep.

it's cheaper than those other programs too.

( I think )

their website is mathusee.com.   They will send you a free demonstration dvd if you go there and request one.

just something else to think about ....

:O)

have a nice day!

Answer 2

I personally prefer Teaching Textbooks to Saxon, unless you have a student that does exceptionally well with the Saxon approach.  Saxon tends to confuse a lot of students.

Honestly, what I'll be using for my son is VideoText Interactive.  It has a setup something like Teaching Textbooks - it's a video-based program that can also be displayed on the computer - but the format of it is more of a mastery program than a Pre-Alg/Alg 1/Alg 2.  The three programs are combined into one curriculum and the student is led through a series of modules that take 2-3 years to complete.  It can be purchased either in modules (I believe there are 6) or all together.

That's just me, though...I was really impressed with their program.  It's a bit more expensive, but worth it IMO.

Answer 3

I love Saxon, so we invested in the DIVEs. I was disappointed in them because they merely do the same example problems as in the book. We did use the DIVEs a few times, but the kids typically could figure out the text examples on their own.

I saw Teaching Textbooks at a curriculum fair and I have heard about them. I have heard that every problem given is worked out for the student if they need the help. I like that. If cost is an issue, can you find it used? If you buy used and it doesn't work out, you will likely be able to sell it again for about what you paid for it minus shipping.

Answer 4

All my friends who have kids in that age group are now using TT.   They've switched from Saxon.   It seems to be a better program but yes, expensive.  

I think we'll be doing TT as well when we get there.

Answer 5

We are using TT for Algebra I.  For what you get, it is not expensive, IMO.  Every single problem is worked out on the cd-rom, on top of the lecture for every lesson also.  My son LOVES it!  It has great word problems (they throw in humor) to help with problem-solving skills.

My son would DIE if he had to use Saxon.  It does not fit his learning style at all!

Answer 6

Teaching Textbooks are Far superior to Saxon, I've done used both in the past, and I can quite definitively say that teaching textbooks are better. You can even call the teaching textbooks company at times, and get math assistance if you are having difficulty understanding. Saxon math made me hate math class, but with Teaching Textbooks it made it something that was understandable and usable.

The only real problem I had with teaching textbooks was the fact that if you already know the material for some reason it's going to seem a bit more boring then it would otherwise, the books really reinforce and take a more graduated approach then with Saxon in my opinion.