The following curricula range from comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade programs to single year textbooks, including quick reference handbooks and multi-age materials adapted for gifted math enrichment. Grade levels are approximate; the right homeschool math curriculum depends on the abilities and learning style of the individual gifted homeschooler.
Singapore Math Program for Gifted Homeschoolers- Grades K-12
- Texts
- Workbooks
- Home Instructor Guides
- Online Assistance
- Standards-aligned editions available
Singapore consistently tops international math rankings, explaining the popularity of this curriculum used in Singapore schools. Singapore Math teaches basic concepts with minimal rote memorization and drill, focusing on development of higher order mathematical reasoning.
The formal curriculum for each grade level consists of a text and a workbook, with level A and B corresponding to the first and second semester of a school year. Singapore Math offers different series for grades 7-10, with The New Elementary Math supplying the greatest challenge. Separate texts are not required for higher-level math as the curriculum integrates algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus (Grades 10-12). California Standards editions are available.
Supplemental materials include Home Instructor’s Guides, Tests, Extra Practice, Intensive Practice, and Challenging Word Problems. The texts do not contain solutions, but answers are included in the optional teacher guides. Primary math texts, workbooks, and upper level teacher’s manuals cost under $10 US. Upper level texts, lower level teacher’s guides, and some solution manuals are priced between $21-$27 US.
For accelerated learners, homeschooling parents will appreciate the placement tests provided on the Singapore Math distributor’s website. Member, teacher, and math help forums help parents with curriculum implementation and solution assistance.
One homeschooling parent with an education background recommends the product, saying it teaches a deeper level understanding of math fundamentals. Her six and nine year old children have “responded well” to Singapore Math after less satisfying experiences with other curricula.
Challenge Math for Primary Grade and Elementary/Middle School - Grades 1-8
- Multi-grade texts
- Leveled problem sets
- Practical applications
Edward Zaccaro tailored his Challenge Math textbooks to gifted students. Challenge Math is an exceptional example of a traditional textbook approach, using cartoons, characters, and drawings to illustrate problem-solving techniques. While classroom teachers appreciate Challenge Math as a primary curriculum or math enrichment source for gifted students, the Wisconsin Book Watch says “Challenge Math is also an ideal and highly recommended resource for home schooled students.”
Primary Grade Challenge Math [ISBN-13: 978-0967991535] provides first through fourth grade gifted kids with leveled problem sets including an “Einstein level” of very challenging material. The text covers topics including: sequences, money, weights, equations, multiplication, percentages, decimals, negative numbers, and basic algebra.
Challenge Math for the Elementary and Middle School Student [ISBN-13: 978-0967991559] illustrates practical applications of math in scientific inquiry. The text targets grades 4 through 9 with leveled problem sets requiring critical thinking instead of just rote calculation. Chapters explore math concepts such as fractions, statistics, area, volume, probability, and calculus using scientific fields such as astronomy and physics.
The Challenge Math website says the texts strive to “instill a deeper level of mathematical understanding and thinking skills in young children while nurturing a love of mathematics.” Each Challenge Math text is $23.95 or $26.95 for a spiral-bound edition, making this curriculum an easy choice for gifted homeschooling on a tight budget.
Mathematics, Pre-algebra, Algebra, and Geometry by Jacobs- 7th grade and up
- Textbook
- Teacher’s guide
- Test bank
- Student workbook
Mathematics: A Human Endeavor by Harold Jacobs [ISBN-13: 978-0716724261] is quite simply one of the best introductory math texts available. The text’s popularity extends from middle school classrooms to college math for non-majors courses throughout the US. Now in the third edition, it is also a common text in many comprehensive homeschool curricula.
Jacobs not only makes math relevant, but also shows its beauty in a clearly written text with a conversational tone. Homeschool Resource Center reviewer Cindy O’Leary states that with Jacobs’ text, “students are taught to solve problems by studying patterns. This forces them to think…”
Gifted students who love math deserve an introduction by Jacobs. Reluctant learners are attracted to real world applications and strong visuals in the text. Parent educators can start with Mathematics: A Human Endeavor and follow with Jacob’s other exceptional textbooks on elementary algebra and geometry. Supplemental teacher’s guides, tests, and student workbooks sold separately.
Great Source Math Handbooks- Grades 1-12
- Math to Learn- grades 1-2
- Math to Know- grades 3-4
- Math on Call- grades 6-8
- Algebra to Go- grades 8-12
- Geometry to Go- grades 8-12
While Great Source markets their handbooks as math support and reference for test preparation, the visually engaging presentation of math skills in a condensed format works well for homeschooled gifted students who want to learn and move on without endless drill and repetition.
Great Source’s website says the texts are organized by math strands and offer quick references of math vocabulary, symbol charts, and equation tables. Great Source also offers Spanish versions, parent guides, and additional problem-solving workbooks to accompany the texts. Hardcover printings of the handbooks are $23 US with paperback versions available.
This curriculum is strong, but not the best choice for fostering complex mathematical reasoning or higher-level problem solving. Great Sources math handbooks quickly cover fundamentals for gifted students who are good at math, but whose primary interests lay elsewhere.
Choosing the Right Homeschool Math Program for a Gifted Student
Singapore Math, Challenge Math, Mathematics by Jacobs, and Great Source math handbooks are all excellent homeschool math curricula for gifted students who learn best from a traditional textbook, worksheet, and problem sets approach. Kinesthetic and visual-spatial learners will do best with a homeschool math curriculum employing manipulatives and video lessons. Mathematically precocious gifted students also benefit from lessons tailored both their abilities and developmental considerations.
An overview entitled “Best Homeschool Math Curriculum for Gifted Kids” helps parents match their gifted child to the most appropriate homeschool math program.
Carla Marie Boulianne - Background and Interests I am a former feature writer for Parenting a Gifted Child. I relish combining personal parenting and childhood ...
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