Thursday, November 10, 2011

Questions for Abeka Math Users

Okay Homeschool Moms and Dads, I need your help (again)!

I am switching to A Beka math as soon as I can afford to order it! I am considering cutting out some items to save the final cost.

So, these are my questions -

Do you/did you use the Drill Cards Set A often enough to make it worth the puchase (I would be using it for both 1st and 2nd graders). I think they look good/useful, but $28.50 is a lot of money. I am leaning towards buying them.

And, do you/did you use the charts and games enough to make it worth the money (for first and second grade)?

And, I am assuming that since this is first and second grade math that I should not worry about answer keys? Or, are they set up in such a way that it could be a useful tool for children self-grading?

Thanks for your assistance!

I just looked at the A Beka site and found that there will be a opportunity to view materials in my area on the 15th of this month! Hot Dog - count me in! Only problem is... what if I fall in love with every other subject they offer too... oh my...

6 comments:

MamaHen said...

Okay Bethany, I have used ABEKA math for 1-4th grade for three children. I think it is a good program. Two of my children did fine with it and one did not. It moves very fast. Very fast. When I start James in K5 I am going to start him out in Rod and Staff. Rod and Staff is so much cheaper. Its what Matt and Abbie are using this year and it is good for us. With Rod and Staff you have plenty of time to get lots of good practice in. My second needed that in math and he didnt' get that with ABEKA.

If I was starting Abeka again I would buy the Drill Set. You will use it alot for K5, 1st, 2cd grade. I think it would be worth your money becuase you can use the cards no matter what curriculum you use.

I bought the games and did not hardly ever use them. But, I am not a game/crafty person. We just pretty much got our work done and they went out to play :)

It will be good to go to the viewing. Then you can really look at the books and materials. Also, when you order from them at the viewings you don't have to pay Shipping.

MamaHen said...

Oh, and I don't think you will need the answer keys.

Bethany W. said...

Thank you so much, Mama Hen, for your detailed reply! I am super excited about the viewing next week. But, I am not sure if I'll buy anything that day. I will buy new workbooks (some time soon), but I am going to browse the internet for used stuff too.
After reading your comment last night, Paul and I looked up Rod and Staff math. You are right, it certainly is affordable! But, after seeing the colorful exciting workbooks with A Beka - it kind of pales in comparison. But, if A Beka moves to fast for us, we will remember that it is a real option.

Also, we looked at Christian Light Publications. Their math (and all subjects) is very affordable too.
It has more pictures and excitement than Saxon, but looks silly compared to A Beka. (IMHO) But, we are still praying about it - just in case God would have us to be more frugal with our limited funds. Paul's last word last night was - "get what works, and don't worry about the price."

Shopping in my head has been a fun diversion these past few days. Thanks for your input! I'll be sure to let you know what we end up getting!

Bethany

Dawn said...

I was just given a large box of A Beka school supplies for 1st graders, and I am not going to use them. (I am happy with the math we have.)If you want the math placement cards and teachers books you can have them. You would still need to order the work text. I am not on the internet much so you may need to call to let me know if you want them.

Bethany W. said...

Dawn,
I'll take them! I'll give you a call tomorrow. (Are you just baiting me to keep in touch better? :0) I can send money ahead for shipping or reimburse it.

Thank you, thank you, thank you,
Bethany

Anonymous said...

We used A Beka math for 3 children till about 4th grade. I think I got the answer key starting around 2nd grade because I was lazy :-)

I thought there was plenty of work without getting the extra stuff. We did keep up with the speed drills/test book. At a certain point, I decided just doing every other question would be enough - or I'd circle the problems I wanted them to do. If they did fine getting those right I figured we could move on.

-Mrs. B