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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nGetting Started With Saxon: What is Saxon Math and Why Should I Use It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first thing you need to know about getting started with Saxon math is that it’s unique from many other curriculums out there. John Saxon, the man who started it<\/a>, wanted to make sure students have a solid foundation in math basics so they could excel at advanced computations as they grew and matured. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can read more about his story here but the end result is a rigorous spiral curriculum<\/a>. A spiral curriculum hits the same points in small increments over time so that it stays fresh in the brain without being overwhelming. Students ultimately master each concept as they continue to revisit it throughout the books and full curriculum. You can learn more about the pros and cons of a spiral curriculum here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Teachers and parents tend to choose Saxon because it\u2019s a tried-and-true curriculum that produces students with solid math foundations and skills. There is an emphasis on multiple-step problem solving as well. At the younger ages Saxon offers a script for instruction and you\u2019ll find lots of manipulatives and lessons which involve playing with math. As they grow into the later elementary years students will start to use the books more independently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It also offers options for those who are looking for something that\u2019s not Common Core aligned and–surprise–one that IS Common Core <\/a>aligned (while the original Saxon texts came along before Common Core, there are also versions of the books that have been aligned with Common Core<\/a> so that students might have the benefits of both).<\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you think it sounds like a good fit for you, what next? Saxon math offers placement tests for all levels so you can see which book would be a good fit.<\/a> These are recommended for students who have never used Saxon math before. Once you have a recommendation, you can purchase the books needed for that level and begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes this can trip people up because a student may not place into the level you expected. Remember that Saxon math books are designed to be used by level<\/a>, not grade. So while there are rough correlations, you may have to \u201cde-program\u201d your thinking a bit and go with the level that will allow your child to gain or re-gain the foundation they need to move on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Time to get books! The younger grades (K-3) have a large textbook designed to be used by the teacher. They include a script to read and detailed lessons. You\u2019ll also want the companion worksheet books that include consumables for lessons and practice. Manipulatives can also be purchased as a complete set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The older grades will have a textbook for students to use and some version of an answer key, solutions manual, and tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find a link to purchase books here<\/a>–full disclosure, it is an affiliate link that supports me in helping Saxon math families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time to crack the books! If you\u2019re on this site, you know that I offer video lessons for students using Saxon math, from Saxon 3 through Advanced Math. While the books above K-3 are designed for students to use on their own, we all know that when possible, having a teacher to help you out makes learning more enjoyable. That\u2019s my goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By utilizing my lessons, the written material in the Saxon books, and the various tutorials and resources I have on my site, students have so many resources for learning that most frustrations can be easily avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to prove that, I offer a truly free 7-Day Trial (no credit card, no risk) so you can see how the videos and other resources work. I highly recommend checking it out so you can be fully informed on what\u2019s available to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I have an extensive Saxon FAQ here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find reviews of Saxon 5\/4 and up here<\/a>. A review of Saxon K-3 is here<\/a>. You can also find customer reviews of each level here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGetting Started With Saxon: How to Use a Placement Test<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nGetting Started With Saxon: Buying Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Getting Started With Saxon: Trying it Out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nGetting Started With Saxon: Where can I find more information about Saxon Math (including reviews).<\/h2>\n\n\n\n