Similar resource to Saxon K?

[StormySar]

I think we want to use Saxon for our math needs, however when pricing Saxon k, I was shockd to see such a difference between K and 1. I ordered 1, because according to their scope/sequence that is where my daughter falls in... But what makes the K so expensive? We played K math by ear for the most part but I think I want a curriculum once my others join the rank of real homeschooling so I don't "forget" anything. Or at least a book to use as a reference.

So is there anything comparable to Saxon K that I could use, that would have my kids ready for Saxon 1? Wish I kept a copy of all the math related things I've done with my oldest so I could just follow suit for the K... All the games we played, things we did together to incorporate math. I learned my lesson now I write down everything. I realise not very child will follow the same path, but at least I have some sort of firm path to follow once I have all 4 being schooled... Right now it's just my oldest and she's just in K - we're doing a classical education and next year add quite a bit more to the schedule!

[kitten18]

I bought Saxon K for $20 used on ebay last year.
I don't know what is in the 1st grade book but I thought K was pretty basic. I think my DD, who was 4 and turned 5 last year (we used it for preschool) could have pretty easily skipped the K curriculum.

[4Blessings]

We didn't start Saxon math until second grade (last year) and we started with Saxon 3 at that time. Both my second grader and Kindergartner had no problem being "ready" for Saxon 3.

We just played games (esp. from Math for the Very Young by Polonsky) and worked through Math for Your First- and Second-Grader: All You Need to Know to Be Your Child's Best Teacher by Steve Slavin. Both books are available very cheap.

This year my 3rd grader is easily working through Saxon 5/4. I wouldn't stress too much. Have lots of fun playing games and using real world examples and you'll be fine

[elizawill]

we used it for kindergarten with my dd. honestly, i don't remeber a huge price difference between k & 1st grade though. i bought the books used from homeschoolclassifieds for fairly cheap. the most expensive thing was the K-3 manipulatives, but i found them new for $60 ppd from ebay. the curriculum ended up not working out for us, but we still use the manipulatives everyday for both my children.

[StormySar]

The teachers edition I am finding between 40-60 bucks, I found a used copy for $20 but it's missing some master pages.. what are master pages and is it ok if they're missing or is it actual content i'd b using?

I bought Saxon 1 for $18 something on amazon. So the K level is 2-3 times more expensive!

[kitten18]

I just looked through the masters. There isn't anything in there that you couldn't find online or create yourself.
There is a graph paper, pattern block masters, circle and rectangle patterns, number 'tiles', handwriting worksheets, etc.

[elizawill]

imho, yes, you need the master pages for the kindergarten book. you should be able to find a used copy from vegsource, homeschoolclassifieds, or amazon for a about 1/2 price. you do not need the student meeting book though (well, at least in grade K we didn't). we just used a calendar.



ETA - honestly saxon k moves very slow...so if your dd tested into the first grade book, i would start there.