Saxon Math By Kathy

I always read over the lessons the night before and will usually present things in the way they suggest since I think they have some good ideas. I also have quite a wealth of knowledge from my years of teaching math so I have no problem deviating from the "script" and ALWAYS add other activities when I think it will get the concept through (or just make math more fun!).

Some of the "script" is very repetitive(especially the class meeting!) and I don't feel inclined to do all of that every day if it's obvious the class is "getting it." (Interestingly enough, it is only the primary grades that give so much teacher direction. In fourth grade it seems to go to the other extreme. Virtually, no teacher's helps.)

I've taught Saxon for three years this way and my children have always done well on the tests. I feel you need to pick what works in Saxon and add as necessary. I think I like fourth better than third--there just isn't enough practice in the lessons for the third graders.

If your administration is supportive, I would feel free to be "creative" with both the math and the reading. After all, it's just the curriculum. You're the teacher!!