Math 3 Student Reviews 4th Edition

We are pleased to be able to distribute BJU Press curriculum to our customers. Published by a Christian university located in South Carolina, BJU Press produces and markets curriculum materials for Christian schools as well as home schools. Probably the most homeschool-friendly full-curriculum supplier, they have not only accommodated homeschoolers, but have continually worked to make their materials better suited to the homeschooling family. Many of their courses now contain manuals written specifically for the home school setting, and visuals and supplemental materials have been "pared down" from the bulkier visuals still used in classrooms. While other curriculum suppliers initially frowned on distributing teacher materials to homeschoolers, and provided only expensive classroom versions, Bob Jones quickly embraced homeschoolers, readily allowing them access to teacher's editions and, eventually, producing less expensive spiral-bound or paperbound versions to save money for homeschooling families. One of the strengths of the Bob Jones program is the teaching of concepts, rather than the rote how-to-solve-it approach. Also, Christian principles and character traits are assumed and integrated throughout the program. Each level is themed, providing a motivational learning context. Lessons are "spiraled", meaning topics are reviewed throughout each level, delving a little deeper each time. Lesson exercises consist mainly of practice for that lesson, not a review of previous lessons or chapters. However, topics are not covered, then left forever; they reappear in more complexity throughout the course, allowing for more practice. We have long been fans of Bob Jones curriculum materials, having used courses in almost every subject area for one child or another through the years. In our particular situation (seven children, Mom and Dad sharing in teaching as well as in running Rainbow Resource Center), a well-constructed, teacher-ready course can be a God-send. Although we have used a variety of methods and curriculums in our homeschool through the years (and continue to do so), we strongly feel that the Bob Jones materials we have used have helped to produce excellent, college-ready students. Unless you have a particularly strong aversion to textbooks of any kind, at any level, we highly recommend these materials to you.

Focusing on teaching concepts rather than just memorizing, the elementary levels of BJU Math are taught at the concrete level through hands-on activities and manipulatives, then progress to semi-concrete and abstract instruction as the course progresses. The Student Worktexts are particularly well done – colorful, good variety of skills, and on-grade-level. The consumable Student Worktexts are available through 5^th grade, a real bonus for students who like colorful pages and are not ready to transfer work to their own paper. Beginning in Grade 6, the softcover Student Text offers minimal writing space, so students will need a notebook or paper to complete the lessons.  
BJU Press Math is teacher-centered and works well for one-on-one instruction. Teacher Editions have complete lesson plans and answers to text problems. For those using BJU Math as their math curriculum, they are worth the investment, as they provide the one-on-one instruction, manipulative instruction, and offer many suggestions for presenting and enriching the concepts covered in each lesson. Additional resources are available at various grade levels including a Test Book and Test Key, Reviews and Reviews Key, and Paper Manipulatives. See individual grades for more information. At each level, the Homeschool Kit includes the required components for the year. 

Math 3 teaches place value, multiplication, division, and fractions by using manipulatives for an interactive approach to math, although the manipulatives are used less frequently than in the previous years. Mastery of multiplication is expected by the end of the year. A greater emphasis on the Biblical worldview is integrated. Two editions are currently available. The 4th edition teaches alternative strategies for mastering the concepts and offers additional teaching support in the Teacher Edition. The 4^th edition TE no longer includes the Teacher Toolkit CD. The content and scope have not significantly changed, although the presentation and problems vary. Some components of the 3^rd Edition are not available on our website but may be available directly from BJU Press. Currently, the 3^rd edition aligns with the online Video Course from BJU. Homeschool Kits include the Teacher Ed, Student Worktext, Paper Manipulatives, Review Worktext and its Answer Key, and the Test Pack and Test Answer Key. The 3^rd and 4^th Editions are not compatible.

Colorfully illustrated, the consumable Student Worktexts include space for students to solve the problems, which includes new concepts and review of previously learned material. The Reviews workbook provides additional practice on new and previously learned concepts.

The Student Manipulatives Packet is integral to interactive, hands-on learning. Manipulatives are printed on heavy card stock. Some families, however, may prefer using plastic pieces, which are easier to handle and more durable.  Manipulatives in the packet include acorn counters, geometric shapes, clocks, rulers, and thermometers. The packet also contains Number Cards, Fraction Kit, Money Kit, and Place Value Kit and Mat. Most of the items are perforated for easy preparation.

Test Booklets are sold separately and have a separate Answer Key. Tests are not reproducible.

The Teacher Edition is necessary for success as the course is designed for a teacher to present the information to the student. Teacher's Editions provide lesson instruction, lesson activities, and reduced student worktext pages with answers. 

Using math in real life through the adventures of Hailey and Horatio, the 4^th edition has significant changes compared to the 3^rd edition. Changes include up to date content to meet a few of the more current standards for elementary math and deeper critical thinking activities. It also has emphasis on 4 key biblical truths about math and more concrete activities in the teacher edition. Math 3 teaches place value, multiplication, division, fractions and decimals. Students will be challenged to think more deeply about their calculations and the implications of math on their worldview. Manipulatives are used, but to a lesser extent than the previous grades.