Teaching Textbooks™ is a math curriculum based on 3 easy steps: watch the lesson, do the problems, and watch a tutor explain the ones you missed. Teaching Textbooks™ were designed specifically for independent learners (they focus on teaching/explanations). From the website:
A Teaching Textbook™, with its approximately 700 pages of text and 120 - 160 hours of teacher instruction on CD-ROM, is both a teacher and a textbook combined into one. And the CD-ROM teaching isn’t just abstract lectures either. There are also down-to-earth, audiovisual step-by-step explanations for every single one of the almost 3,500 problems in the book ... [The Teaching Textbook™] introduces proper terminology only after first presenting the underlying concept in plain language.
Website: Teaching Textbooks™
(46 Reviews)
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Contributor Reviews
Reviews are solely the opinions of the contributor.
Grades Used: 4th, 7th, 9th
We used Teaching Textbooks for the first time this year and I WISH we had used it from 3rd on up with all my children. I love how everything is explained in great detail and it's all on the computer. The only one who has used her book at all is my 9th grader and that was just briefly. I was so nervous about high school math! I am not great at math myself and wondered how I was going to teach it in high school. Since using Teaching Textbooks this year, I now have no worries about the remainder of high school. This is a great, great program!
Cons: expensive
Grades Used: 7th
My daughter has always hated math - she didn't mind it with Teaching Textbooks - they made pre-algebra funny and fun. She could understand their explanations and did not get all upset every day as in the past.
Cons: None
Grades Used: 4th
Our daughter has struggled with Math since kindergarten. Now it is her favorite subject.
The DVD begins with a lecture of that day's Math concept that lasts about 5 minutes. Then there is a practice session of about six problems, then the day's lesson begins, which usually has 22 problems for each day. It is set up so that the child can be completely independent in his/her Math because when they present a problem, they offer a 'hint' so that the student can get a reminder in case they are unsure of how to do the problem. All they need to do is click on the hint button.
Also, if the student gives an incorrect answer, they have the option to click on 'Yes' to see the explanation and they will show how the problem was supposed to be done.
I usually sit with my daughter when she does Math because I want to know her weak points. When she misses a problem, we pause the DVD, watch the correct way to do the problem and then we take some time to do extra practice on that particular problem for a while until I feel she understands the concept and then we go on. If you take time to do this way daily, the problem areas will be handled immediately.
We love Teaching Textbooks. Every day, there is review of previous lessons built into the lesson and so there is nice review. There are not a lot of exercises each day, only 22 Math problems each day, but if you take the time to add extra like we do on weak areas, there is an adequate amount. Some days and possibly even most days, you may not need to add extra because they simply understand the lesson, but that is okay, because they understand and that is our goal.
We plan to continue with Teaching Textbooks because it takes something that was so painful for my daughter and made it enjoyable. That is worth a lot, because I believe that if a child struggles, they will not learn to their potential, however, if they enjoy learning, they will go beyond what we thought possible. Attitude is key.
Cons: Expensive
Grades Used: 5th and 8th
This program saved my sanity this year! My 5th grader is a struggling reader and easily distracted. Saxon just wasn't cutting it for us anymore! It was too dull and black and white for my son who needs to be kept interested. TT does just that. It has fun 'buddies' and the cd's keep his attention. He still works slowly, but that is just the type of student he is. The fact that he likes the program is good enough for me!
My 8th grader was stressed out w/ Saxon because at the Algebra level they just don't explain their work well enough! There is no explanation of how they arrived at their answers, and I can no longer help her at this level. TT is wonderful for her in that it explains everything! She can see and hear how the solutions were found and the best thing is that she can do all the work on her own so I have more time for my other kids!
(I do wish it was more affordable though!)
Cons: none
Grades Used: 5th,6th,7th,pre-algebra,algebra,geometry,and algebra II.
Absolutley love this Math!!! I couldn't have homeschooled highschool without it!! When you think of the time you save by purchasing this product its crazy not to have it! (unless you love teaching math)
It's very easy to understand and takes the worry out of "are my kids getting it" question. I've used it for 4 yrs. My son even completed two years in one year using this! I can't say enough about it!
If you have more than 1 child you are good because it can be shared with younger siblings! Great investment!
Cons: Maybe not enough coverage in lecture
Grades Used: 5th, 6th
Let me start with my daughter hated math. She still does not like it, but the difference in her doing it now with TT than with the curriculum before TT is sooooooo much better. It would take forever it seemed to do just one or two problems before. Now it is very different. She is not very good at paying close attention always on her own so that can sometimes cause a problem. I may need to go over a topic or reteach it to her, but it seems that their repetitive work helps her to catch on pretty well. She does probably better than what I would have thought. I am very glad we switched to TT!
Cons: division teaching, expensive
Grades Used: 3 and 4
Teaching Textbooks is EXTREMELY easy to use! Once it is installed, the student can do the lessons by themselves. All you do is check their grade book occasionally. However, the DVDs are a bit expensive and you can't buy new workbooks for a reasonable price. Also, my daughter complained about the division teaching going too fast. Overall, this is a good program, but be prepared to spend quite a bit for it.
Cons: NONE!
Grades Used: pre-algebra, algebra I and II
This is a GREAT math program! We had a child struggling in algebra using a different curriculum. We switched to Teaching Textbooks and algebra finally "clicked". I regularly recommend TT to homeschool families looking for a math program that's user friendly.
Unlike other programs, this one has CDs that will walk through EVERY problem if the child doesn't understand it(or if mom can't quite get it either!).
Some say the price is kind of high but can we really put a price on our child's education? This program can be used by multiple children and when you are done with it, it has a high re-sale value.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Cons: On the expensive side; would like to see more practice problems.
Grades Used: 6th
I'm using this with my 6th grader, along with Life of Fred Fractions. She has never been strong in math and has hated it. TT has made a world of difference. She loves being independent, and loves the little bear that tells her she the smartest student ever. 🙂 Also, it's wonderful for teaching multiple students.
Cons: Perhaps a bit weak in the problem solving area
Grades Used: 6th
This curriculum was a life saver for us. The frustration that both my son and I experienced trying to get him through math everyday was enough to make me want to throw in the towel. Now he doesn't dread math. Having an endlessly patient computer program to guide him is wonderful. The only thing that worries me is that while it is very strong in computation, the problem solving seems a bit weak compared to other curriculums. Most of the word problems are very similar in structure. Even that is working out ok for us. Since it doesn't include an overwhelming amount of problems, I can supplement a bit with word problems etc. My son seems much more confident than he did with the very rigorous problem solving heavy curriculum that we used last year. We will definitely continue with TT next year.
Grades Used: 3,4,5
I first looked at TT for my son who struggeld with reading and staying focused. He could not stay with his work unless I was right next to him, urging him on. I had 2 younger children and 1 older and it seemed like I never had enough time to go around. When I found TT, I was thrilled. They read the text to him and if he didn't catch it the first time, he could easily replay it againa and again. This allowed me to spend more time with the other three while he did his Math on is own. It worked so well for him that I got it for my older child as well.
I like that they constantly are reviewing previously taught material. The lessons are attractive and yet not overwhelming with too much animation, if you know what I mean.
The company has been wonderful to work with. You can buy these used and they will give you an new code to use if you don't have one.
You don't have to use the CDs. You can use just the book. This works well, although my daughter did one year with just the book and is doing this year with the cd and it seems like it is going better with the computer.
This is a lenghy review and I am sorry for rambling on here, but I can't hardly say enough good about TT and how it has been an answer for our family's need.
Cons: it's a bit pricey, but worth it
Grades Used: 3rd and 4th
This is our second year using Teaching Textboks and we love it. The kids can do their math lessons on their own with me nearby to answer questions if needed. I've seen a great improvement in the confidence of my children and their math skills. I think that is because the lessons are fun and interactive and they feel very accomplished having done it on their own for the most part.
Teaching textbooks is by far my favorite math resource so far! Math used to bring tears for me and my daughter, but no longer- thanks to teaching textbooks. I t was on the pricey side for us but now that I have used it with , I think it is very well worth it. My daughter even said she would recommend it to anyone who loves math or hates math, its just a great resource for all kinds of learners ( visual or auditory).
Grades Used: Pre-Alg, Alg I-II, Geometry
With a Computer Science degree/Math Minor, I understand how the basic foundations of math concepts need to be explained and understood. The DVD interaction takes away the painstaking task of "reading" a book (unless you or your child thrives on that).
I have tutored TT Math to a student who was two grades below his level, brought him up to a current level in 6 months using TT because he was not taught constant and consistent math concepts in the elementary years.
TT is also a HIGH resale for homeschoolers. Well worth the price and investment!
Grades Used: 3, 6, 7, pre-algebra
I really enjoy using this program. It has a lecture and it grades for you. What more can you ask for? My boys do complain about the mans voice though! LOL Overall I will keep buying this program!
Cons: a bit high priced but you can resell when you're done
Grades Used: 4 & 5
I love Teaching Textbooks - last year when we were using another popular math curriculum my dd was struggling. We ran across TT at a fair and she played around with it on the computer they had there and liked it. I decided it was time to give it a try...we've been hooked every since. She went from HATING math to now wanting to be a math teacher...AMAZING!!!
Cons: pricey, but well worth it
Grades Used: 7th, pre-algebra, algebra 1, geometry,
Teaching Textbooks has revolutionalized the subject of math in our homeschool. Math is still not a favorite subject, but it not nearly so painful. I appreciate that ALL solutions for practice problems, lesson problems, and tests are provided. The student can either listen/watch the lesson on the DVD, or simply read the lesson in the textbook (reading works better in our house!) The textbook is extremely user friendly--font is easy on the eye, key points are highlighted. The dreaded word problems are written humorously, making them slightly less painful. This is a fabulous math program, especially for those whose strength is NOT math.
Cons: not as many lessons as other curricula; new curricula never on sale
Grades Used: Algebra 1, Geometry
My son used TT for Algebra 1 and Geometry. He really liked it. The instructions for Geometric proofs, though, were lacking as he really struggled with it and needed his engineer-father's help. He enjoyed the humor in the lessons.
The upper levels have several different CD-roms that have to be put in and out of the computer. It's a pain to do that all the time. I guess the lower levels have just one student and maybe one parent, CD at a time.
My son used the texts as "workbooks" by writing all work he could fit in them. The rest he did on paper. So I couldn't resell those, but the other items have a high resell value on used homeschool curricula sites.
I decided to change to Thinkwell when my son took Algebra 2. TT had a lot of topics missing, most noteably matrices. Also, TT's Algebra 2 only had about 125 lessons, whereas Thinkwell's had 265.
Teaching Textbooks is great for an audio-visual learner and great for parents who do not know, or do not want to re-learn, higher math levels.
Cons: Pricey but worth every penny
Grades Used: 4th, 6th, 7th
Our family loves Teaching Textbooks Math! We pulled our children from public school in grades 6 & 3 midyear. Both were struggling in math quite alot. Math is also my weakest subject so it was very important for me to have a really strong curriculum for our children. This program is very comprehensive, covering every topic thoroughly and FUN! My son loves the interactiveness. Both of my kids actually look forward to doing math every day and their grades have improved tremendously. This computer-based software gives you the ability to view the lectures as often as necessary. The graphics are fun and allowing the kids to choose their favorite icon is a nice touch. With built-in hints and the ability in the newer versions for the parent to go in and override wrong answers gives the child a chance to redo problems in order to really "get" the concepts. There is also a workbook for children who like to work independent of the computer at times or to get extra work time to help them retain what they are learning. The software is a bit expensive but it's such an excellent product I am happy to cut corners in other areas so that we can continue to use it. Go to their website for a free demo of their products and a handy pre-test to help you decide what grade level your child should be in.
Cons: Doesn't teach like I learned
Grades Used: 8
My 14 year old has been learning Algebra this year with Teaching Textbooks. It has been very helpful. Math is easy for me, so sometimes I find it hard to teach because I don't understand why he doesn't get it. This program breaks it down very simply. In fact he was able to skip the lessons for Chapter 7 because it was showing shortcuts for earlier lessons. So he listened to the lessons and then took the Chapter test and didn't miss any. I would say that's a sign that this program is successful.
Grades Used: 7th and 8th
My daughter is dyslexic and has found math so much easier with this aproach. she now enjoys doing her math and can repeat directions with a click of the mouse and it is show in a couple of differant ways so if she doesnt understand it one way she has the second directions helpful. step by step with a easy to under stand directons make math a breeze now not a fight.