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Building Mathematical Confidence Through Proven Methods
Transform your homeschool math experience with the Saxon Math 8/7 Kit paired with DIVE’s acclaimed video instruction. This powerful combination delivers a complete pre-algebra foundation that prepares students for advanced high school mathematics while accommodating different learning styles and family schedules. Perfect for seventh graders or eighth grade students who need additional mathematical reinforcement, this kit eliminates the guesswork from teaching complex mathematical concepts.
What Makes Saxon 8/7 Special for Homeschooling Families
Saxon’s time-tested spiral approach revolutionizes how students learn mathematics by introducing new concepts incrementally while continuously reviewing previously mastered skills. Unlike traditional math programs that teach concepts in isolated units, Saxon 8/7 weaves together arithmetic, pre-algebra, geometry, and statistical reasoning throughout the entire year. This method prevents the summer learning loss that plagues many students and ensures mathematical concepts become deeply embedded in long-term memory.
For homeschooling parents, this approach means less time re-teaching forgotten concepts and more confidence that your student is building genuine mathematical understanding. Each lesson builds systematically on previous knowledge, creating a solid foundation that will serve students well through calculus and beyond.
Comprehensive Pre-Algebra Curriculum That Bridges Elementary and High School Math
Saxon Math 8/7 covers essential pre-algebraic concepts including signed numbers, algebraic expressions, solving equations and inequalities, graphing linear relationships, and the slope-intercept form. Students explore advanced fraction operations, decimal conversions, percentage applications, scientific notation, and probability theory. Geometric concepts include area and volume calculations, the Pythagorean Theorem, and coordinate graphing.
The curriculum strategically introduces concepts that students will encounter again in Algebra I, making the transition to high school mathematics smoother and less intimidating. Students who consistently score 90% or higher on the final 40 lessons may skip Saxon Algebra 1/2 entirely and proceed directly to Algebra I, allowing accelerated learners to advance at their natural pace.
DIVE Video Instruction: Your Personal Math Tutor
The included DIVE CD-ROM transforms Dr. David Shormann into your family’s personal mathematics instructor. Each of the 120 lessons features step-by-step instruction on a digital whiteboard, averaging 10-15 minutes per lesson. Dr. Shormann’s clear explanations and patient teaching style help students grasp difficult concepts without the frustration often associated with pre-algebra.
The digital format allows students to pause during problem-solving, rewind when concepts need clarification, and fast-forward through review material they’ve already mastered. This flexibility accommodates different learning speeds and helps build mathematical confidence. Students write problems alongside Dr. Shormann, engaging multiple learning pathways simultaneously.
Christian Worldview Integration
Dr. Shormann thoughtfully incorporates a Christian perspective throughout the video lessons, discussing the mathematical order evident in God’s creation and highlighting the Christian heritage of mathematical discovery. These brief but meaningful connections help students see mathematics as part of God’s design rather than an abstract academic exercise, making the subject more meaningful for Christian families.
Practical Homeschool Implementation Strategies
This kit works excellently for various homeschooling approaches. Independent learners can work through DIVE lessons and textbook problems with minimal parental oversight, freeing parents to focus on other children or subjects. For students needing more support, parents can watch DIVE lessons alongside their child, then work through textbook problems together.
The spiral review format means students practice previously learned concepts daily, reducing the need for separate review sessions before tests. Many homeschooling families appreciate that Saxon’s consistent format allows siblings at different levels to work through problems using similar problem-solving strategies.
Consider creating a math notebook where students copy key formulas and example problems from DIVE lessons. This becomes a valuable reference tool for homework and test preparation. The solutions manual serves as an excellent teaching tool for parents who want to understand Saxon’s problem-solving methods before helping their students.
Supporting Different Learning Styles and Family Schedules
Visual learners benefit from Dr. Shormann’s digital whiteboard presentations and the textbook’s clear problem layouts. Auditory learners absorb concepts through the video instruction, while kinesthetic learners engage by writing problems and solutions. The daily warm-up activities reinforce basic facts and mental math skills that support more complex problem-solving.
For busy homeschooling families, the 10-15 minute DIVE lessons fit easily into flexible schedules. Some families prefer watching lessons during breakfast, while others use them as part of afternoon independent study time. The self-contained nature of each lesson means students can work around family activities, field trips, and sick days without losing momentum.
Assessment and Progress Tracking
The comprehensive testing program includes facts practice tests, cumulative assessments every five lessons, and twelve in-depth investigations that explore mathematical concepts thoroughly. These assessments help parents monitor student progress and identify areas needing additional attention.
The solutions manual provides step-by-step problem solutions, making it easy for parents to help students understand mistake patterns and develop better problem-solving strategies. Recording forms help track daily lesson completion, test scores, and overall progress throughout the year.
Technical Requirements and Setup
The DIVE CD-ROM operates on Windows 7 and higher, as well as Mac and Linux computers. Installation is straightforward, and lessons can be accessed individually without watching previous content. The digital format eliminates the need for multiple DVDs and provides quick access to any lesson for review purposes.
Each lesson remains accessible throughout the school year, allowing students to revisit challenging concepts as needed. The software includes a weekly syllabus to help families stay on track with lesson completion.
Educational Attributes:
- Grade Level: 7th grade (or struggling 8th grade students)
- Subject: Pre-Algebra/Mathematics
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Learning Style: Multi-modal (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
- Educational Approach: Spiral/Incremental Development
- Curriculum Type: Traditional/Structured
Practical Attributes:
- Page Count: 712 pages (textbook)
- Lesson Count: 120 lessons plus 12 investigations
- Estimated Completion Time: One academic year
- Answer Key Included: Yes (Solutions Manual)
Content/Scope Attributes:
- Topics Covered: Pre-algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, scientific notation, graphing, equations, inequalities
- Real-world Applications: Measurement conversions, percentage calculations, geometric problem-solving, statistical analysis
Format/Usability Attributes:
- Format: Textbook, workbook, video instruction
- Reproducible: Tests and worksheets for family use
Special Features:
- Christian worldview integration in video lessons
- Self-paced video instruction with pause/rewind capability
- Spiral review methodology
- Digital whiteboard instruction
- Email support available
Aop.com
The Homeschool Shopper –
The Saxon Math 8/7 Kit & DIVE CD-ROM, 3rd Edition represents a comprehensive middle school mathematics solution that combines Saxon’s proven incremental methodology with Dr. David Shormann’s expert video instruction. This package successfully bridges the gap between elementary arithmetic and high school algebra, providing families with both solid mathematical content and effective teaching support.
What We Liked
Proven Mathematical Foundation: Saxon’s incremental approach with continuous spiral review creates exceptionally strong mathematical understanding. Students encounter concepts in small, manageable pieces and then review them consistently throughout the year, leading to superior long-term retention compared to traditional mastery-based programs.
Outstanding Video Instruction: Dr. Shormann’s DIVE lectures transform potentially challenging Saxon lessons into clear, understandable concepts. His 10-15 minute videos provide step-by-step instruction on a digital whiteboard, making complex pre-algebra topics accessible to both students and parents who may feel rusty on their math skills.
Comprehensive Pre-Algebra Preparation: This course excellently prepares students for Algebra 1, covering fractions, decimals, percentages, basic geometry, scientific notation, algebraic terms, inequalities, and the Pythagorean Theorem. Students who master the final 40 lessons can confidently skip Saxon Algebra 1/2 and move directly to Algebra 1.
Student Independence Builder: The combination of clear video instruction and systematic problem sets enables many students to work independently, reducing parent teaching burden while maintaining educational quality. The weekly syllabus helps students stay on track with their progress.
Christian Worldview Integration: DIVE instruction incorporates a Christian perspective naturally throughout the mathematical content, providing families with values-aligned education without compromising academic rigor.
Areas for Improvement
Repetitive Review Structure: While Saxon’s spiral approach builds retention, some students find the extensive review tedious, especially those who grasp concepts quickly. The daily 30-problem sets include significant review that may feel unnecessary for confident students.
Dry Presentation Style: Saxon’s straightforward, no-frills approach lacks the engaging elements found in more modern curricula. Students who thrive on creative or hands-on learning may find the format monotonous over time.
Separate Purchase Requirements: Families must buy both the Saxon kit and DIVE components separately, increasing the total investment. The DIVE videos also cannot substitute for the solutions manual, requiring yet another purchase for complete support.
Technology Challenges: Some users report occasional technical difficulties with DIVE software, and customer support responses can be slow. The CD-ROM format may feel outdated to families accustomed to streaming content.
Parent Learning Curve: Families new to Saxon methodology may initially struggle with the approach, particularly if parents learned math through traditional chapter-based programs. The spiral review system requires adjustment in expectations and teaching methods.
Bottom Line
Saxon Math 8/7 Kit & DIVE CD-ROM, 3rd Edition excels as a rigorous, systematic approach to pre-algebra that builds genuine mathematical competence. While it demands commitment from both students and families, it delivers exceptional results for those willing to embrace Saxon’s proven methodology. The DIVE videos significantly enhance the program’s usability, making complex concepts accessible even to parents who feel uncertain about teaching higher-level math. This combination works best for students who can handle systematic, consistent work and families who prioritize solid mathematical foundation over flashy presentation.
Recommended for: Families committed to rigorous math education, students who benefit from systematic review, parents seeking Christian instruction, families planning Saxon’s high school sequence
Consider alternatives if: You prefer unit-based mastery approaches, need highly engaging presentation styles, want all-in-one packages, or have students who struggle with repetitive practice