Saxon Math 5/4 Kit & DIVE CD-Rom, 3rd Edition

Description

The Foundation for Mathematical Excellence Your Homeschool Needs

Transform your fourth grader’s mathematical journey with this comprehensive Saxon Math 5/4 Kit enhanced with DIVE CD-ROM instruction. This complete package combines Saxon’s time-tested incremental approach with engaging video instruction, creating an ideal learning environment for homeschooling families who value both academic rigor and independent learning.

Saxon Math 5/4 employs a proven spiral approach that emphasizes incremental development of new material while continuously reviewing previously taught concepts. This method builds lasting mathematical fluency by ensuring students don’t simply learn and forget concepts, but instead encounter them repeatedly in new contexts throughout the year.

What Makes This Kit Perfect for Homeschooling Families

This complete kit addresses the unique challenges homeschooling parents face when teaching mathematics. Many homeschoolers choose Saxon because it allows students to work largely independently, making it ideal for parents who lack time or mathematical expertise. The inclusion of the DIVE CD-ROM takes this independence even further by providing expert video instruction for every lesson.

Spiral Learning That Actually Works

Unlike traditional math programs that teach a concept intensively for a short period and then move on, Saxon’s spiral approach means students continuously practice and review previously learned concepts alongside new material. This approach particularly benefits homeschooled children who may not have the peer support and competitive environment of a traditional classroom to maintain their skills.

For homeschooling families, this means less time spent re-teaching forgotten concepts and more confidence that mathematical skills are truly mastered. Parents report that the continuous review helps concepts “stick” better than other approaches, making it an excellent choice for families educating multiple children or those concerned about learning gaps.

Comprehensive Content Coverage for Fourth Grade Success

Math 5/4 covers essential fourth-grade concepts including whole number concepts and computation, arithmetic algorithms, geometry and measurement, elapsed time, fractions, decimals and percents, powers and roots, estimation, patterns and sequences, congruency and similarity, and statistics and probability.

Building Critical Mathematical Skills

Students work systematically through 120 lessons plus 12 investigations, developing mastery in key areas that form the foundation for advanced mathematics. Specific skills include adding three-digit numbers, subtracting with regrouping, reading time, estimating arithmetic answers, dividing with two-digit answers, multiplying three or more factors, simplifying fraction answers, and using decimal number lines.

These skills align perfectly with what homeschooling families need to prepare their children for standardized tests while building genuine mathematical understanding. The program introduces algebraic reasoning and geometric concepts early, giving students a head start on mathematical thinking that will serve them through high school and beyond.

DIVE CD-ROM: Your Personal Math Instructor

The DIVE (Digital Interactive Video Education) CD-ROM features Dr. David Shormann teaching every lesson step-by-step on a digital whiteboard that looks and sounds like a real classroom, with the added benefit of being able to pause, rewind, and fast-forward at your own pace. This addresses one of the biggest challenges homeschooling parents face: “What if I can’t explain this concept clearly?”

Christian Worldview Integration

Dr. Shormann teaches from a Christian perspective, incorporating discussion of mathematics’ tremendous Christian heritage and reminding students that God is the Author and Creator of all knowledge, including mathematics. For Christian homeschooling families, this provides valuable worldview integration without being heavy-handed or distracting from the mathematical content.

Flexible, Family-Friendly Learning

Each video lesson averages 10-15 minutes in length, and because each lesson is stored separately, students can easily navigate between lessons and within individual lessons. This flexibility allows families to adapt the program to their unique schedules and learning rhythms.

What’s Included in Your Complete Kit

Your Saxon Math 5/4 Kit & DIVE CD-ROM includes everything needed for a full year of fourth-grade mathematics:

• Saxon Math 5/4 Student Textbook: 611 pages of systematically organized lessons
• Tests & Worksheets Book: Comprehensive assessment materials and practice sheets
• Solutions Manual: Complete step-by-step solutions for all problems, essential for parent confidence
• DIVE CD-ROM: Expert video instruction for every lesson and investigation

Adapting Saxon 5/4 to Your Homeschool’s Unique Needs

For Different Learning Styles

Saxon Math works well for both math-averse children who tolerate it without frustration and math-loving children who enjoy the systematic progression. The combination of textbook lessons and video instruction accommodates different learning preferences within the same family.

Visual learners benefit from the DIVE video presentations, while kinesthetic learners can work through problems alongside the instructor. Independent learners thrive with Saxon’s clear explanations and systematic approach, while students who need more support can replay video segments as many times as necessary.

Flexibility for Multi-Level Teaching

Many homeschooling families appreciate that Saxon Math can be reused with multiple children, making it a cost-effective choice for larger families. The consumable Tests & Worksheets book is the only component that needs replacement, while the textbook, solutions manual, and DIVE CD-ROM can serve multiple students over the years.

Addressing Mathematical Anxiety

Parents report that Saxon Math builds confidence in children who previously struggled with mathematics, with many noting significant improvement in their children’s math skills and confidence levels. The incremental approach ensures students build on solid foundations rather than being overwhelmed by too much new information at once.

Setting Your Child Up for Long-Term Success

Saxon Math 5/4 typically follows Saxon Math 3 and prepares students for Saxon Math 6/5, creating a clear progression through elementary and middle school mathematics. This continuity is particularly valuable for homeschooling families who want to ensure their children receive consistent, high-quality mathematical education throughout their academic journey.

The program’s emphasis on mental math, fact fluency, and problem-solving strategies builds the kind of mathematical thinking skills that serve students well in advanced mathematics, standardized testing, and real-world applications.

Technical Requirements and Practical Considerations

The DIVE CD-ROM is compatible with Mac OS X and Windows 7, 8, 10, and later versions, using MP4 and PDF file types. This broad compatibility ensures the program will work with most home computer setups.

Educational Attributes:

• Grade Level: 4th Grade (can be used with advanced 3rd graders or struggling 5th graders)
• Subject: Mathematics
• Skill Level: Grade-appropriate with scaffolding for different abilities
• Learning Style: Multi-modal (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
• Educational Approach: Incremental/Spiral Learning
• Curriculum Type: Traditional with Christian worldview integration

Practical Attributes:

• Page Count: 611 pages (student textbook)
• Lesson Count: 120 lessons plus 12 investigations
• Estimated Completion Time: Full academic year (36 weeks)
• Answer Key Included: Yes (complete solutions manual)

Content/Scope Attributes:

• Topics Covered: Whole numbers, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, time, estimation, patterns, statistics, probability
• Real-world Applications: Time management, money handling, measurement, basic statistics

Format/Usability Attributes:

• Format: Print textbook with digital video instruction
• Reproducible: Tests and worksheets are reproducible for family use