Christianbook.comDescription
Saxon Math 2 Home Study Kit provides a comprehensive, time-tested foundation for second-grade mathematics that has earned the trust of homeschooling families for over three decades. This carefully structured program builds mathematical confidence through Saxon’s proven incremental approach, where concepts are introduced gradually and revisited consistently to ensure deep understanding and long-term retention.
Designed specifically for second graders, this curriculum masterfully guides young learners through 132 carefully crafted lessons that cover essential mathematical concepts including skip counting by various increments, comparing and ordering larger numbers, mastering all basic addition and subtraction facts, and introducing multiplication facts through five. Students will explore geometric shapes, create and interpret Venn diagrams and graphs, work with simple fractions, and tackle multi-step problem solving with increasing confidence.
The hands-on learning approach makes Saxon Math 2 particularly effective for kinesthetic learners and younger students who benefit from concrete manipulation of mathematical concepts. Each lesson incorporates meaningful mathematical conversations and activities that actively engage students in the learning process, making abstract concepts tangible and accessible. The program emphasizes real-world applications through numerous word problems that help children see mathematics as relevant to their daily lives.
For homeschooling parents, Saxon Math 2 offers the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. The detailed teacher’s manual provides scripted lessons that make instruction straightforward, even for parents who may feel uncertain about teaching mathematics. The meeting component adds routine and rhythm to your school day while reinforcing calendar skills, weather observation, and number patterns. This approach aligns well with Charlotte Mason and traditional educational philosophies that value routine, thoroughness, and incremental progress.
The spiral methodology ensures that previously learned concepts remain fresh and connected to new learning, preventing the frustration that can occur when students forget earlier material. This approach is particularly beneficial for children who need extra time to master concepts or those who learn differently, as it provides multiple opportunities to encounter and practice each skill in various contexts.
Saxon Math 2 integrates seamlessly with unit studies and interdisciplinary learning approaches popular in homeschooling. The measurement and graphing components connect naturally with science experiments, the money and time concepts support practical life skills, and the geometric explorations enhance art and nature study activities. The program’s emphasis on logical thinking and pattern recognition also supports the development of reasoning skills that transfer to other academic areas.
Parents appreciate the clear progression from Saxon Math 1, making it easy to continue building on established foundations. The program’s reputation for producing students who excel in higher-level mathematics provides confidence that this early investment in mathematical understanding will yield long-term benefits. The consistent format and familiar routine help children develop good study habits and mathematical thinking patterns that will serve them throughout their educational journey.
Aop.com
The Homeschool Shopper –
The Saxon Math 2 Home Study Kit represents a solid, methodical approach to second-grade mathematics that has earned widespread respect among homeschooling families for over four decades. This comprehensive program follows John Saxon’s signature incremental development and continual review methodology, making it a reliable choice for families seeking a structured, thorough mathematical foundation.
What We Liked
Strong Incremental Building Approach: Saxon Math 2 excels at breaking down complex mathematical concepts into digestible pieces. Each new concept is introduced gradually, practiced consistently, and never abandoned. This spiral approach ensures that students don’t just learn a concept once and forget it—they continue to encounter and practice it throughout the year, leading to genuine mastery.
Parent-Friendly Teaching Support: The scripted teacher’s manual is a godsend for parents who feel uncertain about teaching math. Every lesson provides clear, word-for-word guidance on what to say and how to present concepts. This takes the guesswork out of math instruction and gives parents confidence, even if mathematics isn’t their strongest subject.
Hands-On Learning with Manipulatives: The program makes extensive use of math manipulatives like bear counters, linking cubes, and geometric shapes. These concrete tools help young learners visualize abstract mathematical concepts, making the transition from concrete to abstract thinking much smoother.
Manageable Daily Lessons: Each lesson is designed to take 10-15 minutes for the main instruction, followed by practice work. This bite-sized approach prevents math overwhelm and fits well into a homeschool day without dominating the schedule.
Comprehensive Skill Coverage: Saxon Math 2 covers an impressive range of second-grade topics including skip counting, place value, basic addition and subtraction facts, beginning multiplication, measurement, time, money, geometry, and graphing. The scope ensures students get a well-rounded mathematical education.
Meeting Time Routine: Each day begins with a “meeting” where students practice calendar skills, weather recording, and reviewing previously learned concepts. This routine helps establish mathematical thinking patterns and provides built-in review.
Areas for Improvement
Significant Parent Time Investment: Unlike some “open-and-go” curricula, Saxon Math 2 requires active parent involvement for every lesson. The program assumes the parent will be present to guide the meeting time, teach the lesson, and supervise practice work. This can be challenging for busy families or those with multiple children.
Manipulatives Sold Separately: Despite product descriptions that sometimes suggest otherwise, the manipulatives kit is sold separately from the home study kit. This additional $75-100 expense can be frustrating for families who thought they were getting a complete package.
Slower Pace May Frustrate Quick Learners: The methodical approach that helps struggling students can become tedious for children who grasp concepts quickly. The extensive review and repetition that characterizes Saxon can feel boring to mathematically gifted students who are ready to move forward.
Classroom Methodology in Home Setting: Since Saxon was originally designed for classroom use, some activities and presentations can feel artificial in a one-on-one homeschool environment. The structured approach may not align with families preferring more natural, discovery-based learning.
Limited Problem-Solving Emphasis: While Saxon builds solid computational skills, it places less emphasis on creative problem-solving and mathematical reasoning compared to newer programs like Beast Academy or Singapore Math. Students become proficient at following procedures but may struggle with non-routine problems.
Assessment Frequency: The program includes written assessments every fifth lesson and oral assessments every tenth lesson, which many families find excessive. Most homeschoolers adapt by testing less frequently, but the rigid assessment schedule can feel overwhelming.
Bottom Line
Saxon Math 2 Home Study Kit is an excellent choice for families who want a proven, systematic approach to mathematics instruction and are willing to invest the time to use it properly. While it requires significant parent involvement and can feel slow-paced for quick learners, it delivers outstanding results in building mathematical fluency and confidence for average learners and those who need extra support.
The program’s greatest strength—its methodical, review-heavy approach—is also its primary limitation. Families who embrace Saxon’s philosophy of “slow and steady wins the race” will find it incredibly effective. Those seeking more creative, discovery-based learning or faster-paced instruction may want to consider alternatives.
Recommended for: Families comfortable with structured instruction, parents new to teaching math, students who benefit from repetition and review, families planning to use Saxon throughout elementary school
Consider alternatives if: You prefer discovery-based learning, need truly independent study, have mathematically gifted children who need acceleration, or want minimal parent involvement in math instruction