Study Time Arithmetic (Gr. 3-8)

Description

For the families that use Conventional Arithmetic with Spunky the Donkey, this is the recommended next step. Study Time Arithmetic is printed in black & white and takes a no-nonsense, straightforward approach to math, using real-world themes from a simpler lifestyle and application.

The content of the curriculum is solid and moves at a brisk pace. The lesson sequence is similar to the Saxon methodology in which each lesson presents a different topic and builds on previous lessons. Review is ongoing and found in daily lessons, weekly practice pages, weekly check-ups, and unit reviews - students don't run the risk of forgetting previously learned concepts. Along with math concepts that you would typically expect from your curriculum, students are introduced to math application skills like checking and savings, finding original prices and discounts, record keeping, taxes, and more. When learning about money, the curriculum includes both U.S. and Canadian coins.

This curriculum does a nice job of including word problems to develop math thinking skills, but when compared to the scope and sequence of other math programs, some topics seem delayed. For example, cubic measure and exponents are introduced at the 7th grade level, and mean/median/mode and metric/English conversion are introduced in 8th grade. If you're wondering where to go for high school math after completing this program, one source suggests Videotext Interactive for Algebra and Geometry, which means that students are prepared by Study Time Arithmetic to enter a pre-algebra course.

There are 6 units at every grade level, and every unit is divided into lessons. Each unit should take 6 weeks to complete and is theme-based - farm, stars, blacksmith shop, etc. Poems are found throughout the student book that correspond to the theme and can be used as copywork or memorization (an added bonus). The consistency of the lesson presentation makes it easy for the parent and the student to know what is expected of them. Every lesson is 2 pages in length, and the student is to read the lesson, attempt to do the exercises in the lesson, then discuss the lesson and ask any questions that might need answers from the parent or just go over the high points of the lesson if the student seems to have an understanding of the topic. Students complete 4 lessons per week (except at the end of the unit) with an additional practice page in the middle of the week and a "weekly check-up" at the end of the week. The last week of every unit includes only 2 or 3 lessons, a 2-page unit review, and a unit test.

The student portion in grades 3-5 is a consumable worktext and grades 6-8 is a hardcover text. Student books include the lessons and consist of explanations and examples, practice of the new concept, "bell boxes" which include important information about the concept, review exercises of previously learned concepts, "Check It Out" which is used to create more interest and further thinking, and an occasional dictation or oral exercise at the younger levels. Timed drills are marked with an hourglass symbol found next to the page number.

The Teacher Manual at every grade level includes a unit overview, teacher tips, oral review, lesson preparation (very minimal), and corresponding student pages for every lesson. Small format student pages with answers are included for all student worktext or textbook pages, timed drills, reviews, and tests.

A separate test packet for each grade level includes 6 unit tests and timed drills that are numbered for the specific lessons with which to use them. The answers for these are found in the teacher manual.

Flashcards are available for grades 3-6 and are specific to the lessons at those levels. There are over 700 cards at each level and are referenced in the teacher manual. If you choose not to use them, you will need to make your own or adapt the lessons for use without them.

Overall, this is a very nice program to round out your elementary/junior high math education incorporating practical math skills and application. Components of the program are available separately or in a complete kit, which includes the student worktext or textbook, tests & drills, and teacher manual (flashcards are not included in the sets). ~ Donna


Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.