How Keepers Chose a Homeschool Math Curriculum

We wish to offer a fully comprehensive homeschool math curriculum that fills the widest range of teaching/learning needs. We have decided the best way is to allow you to choose, or mix and match, between two quality programs that differ slightly, but can be complimentary.

The Practical Arithmetics series is as comprehensive and advanced as any homeschool math curriculum as you may find. It is also the most reasonably priced homeschool math curriculum you will find anywhere. However, since it begins with third grade, we were sore pressed to find anything on par with it for first and second grade until we decided to look at the Ray's Arithmetic homeschool math curriculum. Of course, Ray's Arithmetic goes beyond second grade, but after second grade, each math curriculum has advantages that may make it a better choice for certain families.

The text in Practical Arithmetics makes it a little easier for a child to understand concepts and progress on his/her own. Ray's Arithmetic more than makes up for conveying concepts through the workbooks offered with it. The subject of workbooks is one of personal opinion and preference. While there is something to be said for additional comfort for younger students in using workbooks, some folks do not feel the need to use workbooks. They have found, and, we agree, that copying problems reinforces learning, increases attention to detail, and certainly is an aid to penmanship. At some point, a natural crossover should be encouraged. Whichever you decide upon, you can be assured that the highest educational value for your money will be found in these old, but once familiar math curricula.

Note: For those who like Practical Arithmetics, Ray's Arithmetic series can be used to provide an excellent first and second grade preparation.