My Favorite Part About Saxon Math
The best part about using Saxon Math is easily their unit investigations!
We have been using Saxon Math off and on for years and it has been an incredibly effective program for our oldest child.
As a rigorous and solid program it does a great job of teaching procedural math. Unfortunately it's just not really what I would call a hands on or overly engaging math program. (And that's okay, hands on curriculums are not for everyone)
However, the one exception, is their investigations. Starting in level 5/4 (typically done in 4th grade) Saxon has added unit investigations. Investigations are hands on activities and provide an opportunity for students to work on developing a more conceptual understanding of certain math topics.
It's honestly my favorite part and I wish that Saxon would put out a series where every lesson was taught through this same process.
Investigations are not overly complicated, and they give students an opportunity to practice the procedural side of mathematics through the lens of real world application.
Above I took a few pictures of our latest investigation that my 11 year old daughter and ai completed together as a part of her daily work in Saxon 6/5. Again, it was a simple activity, it took very little prep and I only needed basic household supplies that I was able to grab in seconds.
In the end it was well worth it and gave my daughter an opportunity to practice logic and determine probability in a real way. That's the kind of learning that creates long term retention and I'm so glad that Saxon took the opportunity to add these additional activities into the upper levels of math.
Saxon Math has garnered attention for its innovative unit investigations, particularly in levels 5/4 and above. These activities not only integrate hands-on learning but also connect procedural skills to real-world scenarios, greatly enhancing student engagement. For parents and educators, finding effective math curricula can be daunting. Saxon Math's approach allows learners to practice core math concepts while cultivating logical thinking and probability skills through interactive investigations. To enrich your homeschooling experience, consider how these unit investigations align with broader educational goals. They encourage children to explore mathematical principles creatively, essentially transforming abstract concepts into tangible learning experiences. Beyond Saxon Math, other programs also emphasize inquiry-based learning and might be worth exploring if you're considering alternative or supplementary resources. Ultimately, unit investigations can foster long-term retention of mathematical concepts and skills—an invaluable outcome in any educational journey. Engaging students practically is essential and can produce a deeper understanding of math that lasts far beyond the classroom.
What is the upturned number?