Homeschooling math and science . . . I have so many thoughts on this topic!
I was a certified English teacher for grades 6-12, and I have no doubt in my ability to teach history or geography. But many (most?) English teachers will tell you math is not their subject–and science is usually even less so. I fit that mold.
Math
I’m asked semi-frequently how I homeschool my kids in math and science. My older child started with Singapore Math Standards Edition, and it served her well until she reached books 6A and 6B. At that time, she began having more and more difficulty. I switched at that time to CTC Math, and my younger child started with that system from kindergarten. I love CTC Math! I receive detailed reports every week to let me know how both kids are progressing. My older child must reach at least a 95% success rate to proceed; my younger child, 90%. On occasion my older child reaches a more difficult concept and I have to stop and assist, but such an occasion is rare. She loves CTC Math, particularly in comparison with Singapore Math, which she said she liked but now sees for its flaws. My younger child enjoys anything on the computer, so he really loves CTC Math. I love that I’m no longer stuck grading so much math because the computer does it for me. (I will note that with some frequency, I found errors in Singapore Math’s key, errors that had not been corrected in its errata sheet, and that was one reason we gave up Singapore Math.)
Homeschool recommendations are very YMMV–“Your mileage may vary.” For example, CTC Math may not work for you. But you can get a trial to see before you spend the money. (Here is a link.) In fact, with any curriculum you see recommended, you should try to find free trials or go to the library or used book store and look at books and workbooks to determine what is best for you and for your child. A close friend started her homeschooling with Singapore Math, but her child hated the workbooks because they were not in color. While this was not a concern for my child, for her child, it was. She switched instead to Beast Academy online for math and loved it. Now she uses Math Dad. Look until you find what works for you and your child(ren). Don’t buy in until you know it will work for your family unless your budget has wiggle room.
Science
Science is my least favorite subject. My husband loves science and intended to take a larger role in this area. But life comes at you fast, and he hasn’t been able to work with my children as much as I’d hoped. I have used a host of pre-school and early elementary experiment books–and Mystery Science back when Doug owned and ran it–to homeschool my younger child in science until she reached upper elementary school. I felt increasingly disillusioned as time passed, and I went to Outschool and was thankful to find a certified teacher in my state who teaches science according to state standards. I have paid the “tuition” for that course for the past two years. The teacher takes summers off, so I have my child re-read the textbook (Sciencesaurus books–we love these!) and I quiz her on concepts during the week. My husband does experiments with the kids on the weekends.
Again, your mileage may vary. My close friend uses Science Mom, and her daughter loves those courses. My own kids like Science Mom, too. You can get a “feel” for her courses on her YouTube Channel. (Here is the link.)
I do not believe that every parent should homeschool. But if you have the desire, motivation, ability, and resources (many which you can get with an Internet connection and a library card), I do believe that you can give your child a better education at home than most kids get in public school. (Again, I am a former public high school teacher and pro-public school and VERY pro-Department of Education.) I knew from the beginning that science and math would be harder for me to teach than language arts and social studies. I sought solutions and found the ones that were right for me and my family. I would encourage you to know your limitations and fill in the gaps as necessary.
Never stop learning,
Erin
