Math-U-See

When I first heard of Math-U-See, I have to admit the name was a bit off-putting. To me it sounded childish and unprofessional. I can assure you, though, this curriculum is anything but those things. In our 8 years of homeschooling, this is the only subject in which we haven't changed curriculum.

I'll start my review with the cons:
1. The name. I'm sorry, but it still bothers me.
2. I had a lot of trouble finding testimonials about upper-level testing success. I even made a plea on the MUS Facebook page and another highly populated homeschooling support site. But after much research and prayer, I decided not to switch before the middle school years. When I was questioning my choice of curriculum -- as any over-thinker would -- I talked to my father and brother, both successful engineers (aeronautic and chemical respectively). They both said if a math program is teaching the basic concepts, it's fine. I took great comfort in that and we carried on. I don't regret that decision.

Variety is the Spice of School: Eclectism

All the walls in my house are eggshell white. It's boring. But I've never been confident with color. Plus, we got all the paint for our almost 2,000 square feet for about $5. Cheap AND boring.
This same trend of boring does not carry over into our homeschool, however. And good thing.
Again and again, I read comments from moms in total frustration: they are using a boxed or computer-based curriculum, and their child is uninterested, unmotivated, bored, underwhelmed and they don't know what to do about it.
My advice? Paint some rooms red and yellow.