Saxon Math Intermediate 3 Student Edition

Description

Saxon Math Intermediate 3 Student Edition offers homeschooling parents the perfect balance between educational rigor and student independence. Written by Stephen Hake, this curriculum bridges the gap between the teacher-intensive Saxon K-3 series and the more advanced Saxon 5/4 program, making it an ideal choice for families transitioning to more self-directed learning.

This comprehensive textbook allows students to do much of their work independently, which works exceptionally well in homeschooling situations. Unlike the heavily scripted early Saxon programs, Intermediate 3 gives parents the freedom to teach concepts without following rigid scripts while maintaining the proven Saxon methodology that has helped countless students excel in mathematics.

The Power of Spiral Learning in Your Homeschool

Saxon Math retains its signature incremental, spiral approach where concepts are introduced, then expanded upon in future lessons that are spaced out over weeks rather than taught consecutively. This method works particularly well for homeschooled children because it accommodates different learning paces and styles while ensuring long-term retention.

For homeschooling families, this spiral approach means your child won’t forget previously learned concepts. Each lesson builds upon earlier work while introducing new material in manageable steps. Parents consistently choose Saxon for its strong spiraling curriculum that reinforces skills and provides the solid foundation Saxon is known for.

Three-Part Lesson Structure That Builds Mastery

Each lesson in Saxon Math Intermediate 3 is divided into three strategic sections designed to maximize learning and retention:

Power-Up Practice

The first section covers basic math facts and mental math exercises which improve speed, accuracy, the ability to do mental math, and the ability to solve complicated problems. These Power-Up activities include four categories: math fact review, jump start activities, mental math, and problem solving. For homeschooling families, this daily practice helps children develop computational fluency that will serve them throughout their mathematical journey.

New Concept Introduction

The New Concept lesson introduces a new math concept through examples and provides practice problems. Mathematical concepts are taught through informative lessons, diagrams, interactive activities, and investigations that build critical thinking as well as real-world problem solving skills. This section empowers homeschooling parents to introduce topics with confidence, knowing that clear explanations and examples are provided.

Written Practice Review

The Written Practice section reviews previously taught concepts, ensuring that your child maintains skills learned in earlier lessons. This continuous review is what makes Saxon Math so effective for long-term retention and mathematical confidence.

Comprehensive Grade 3 Mathematics Coverage

Saxon Math Intermediate 3 covers addition and subtraction review, multiplication through one-digit multipliers times three-digit multiplicands, division through one-digit divisors into two-digit dividends, measurement, rounding, estimation, number concepts, geometric shapes, area, perimeter, time, money, calendar reading, graphing, and probability.

Specific topics include addition/subtraction facts, fractions, probability, estimating/calculating area, multiplication and division facts, dividing two-digit numbers, multiplying three numbers, arrays, congruent shapes, capacity, polygons, classifying angles, adding/subtracting multi-digit numbers, and estimating lengths and distances.

For homeschooling families, this comprehensive coverage ensures your child receives a complete mathematical foundation. The curriculum includes real-world applications that connect math to everyday life, making learning relevant and engaging for students.

Investigation Activities for Deeper Learning

Periodic Investigations are variations of the daily lesson and often involve activities that take up an entire class. Saxon Intermediate 3 includes 11 investigation activities that explore math concepts in-depth. For example, one Investigation teaches about bar graphs then directs students to collect survey data by asking questions then create their own bar graph.

These investigations provide excellent opportunities for homeschooling families to engage in hands-on learning projects. They encourage critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills while making mathematics come alive through practical application.

Student Independence and Parent Support

Saxon Math Intermediate 3 features a colorful, hardcover text written directly to the student with no scripting or manual for parents to labor over. This design supports families who want their children to develop mathematical independence while still having parental guidance available when needed.

Many homeschooling parents appreciate this approach, particularly those who found the heavily scripted versions cumbersome but still want the strong basics that Saxon is known for. The textbook format helps prepare students for the more independent learning they’ll encounter in higher-level Saxon courses.

Flexible Implementation for Different Learning Styles

Manipulatives are mentioned but optional in Saxon Math Intermediate 3, giving homeschooling families the flexibility to incorporate hands-on learning tools if their child benefits from tactile experiences. Unlike traditional Saxon Math 3, assessments are written only rather than both oral and written, streamlining the evaluation process for busy homeschooling parents.

This flexibility allows families to adapt the curriculum to their unique situations, whether they prefer a more structured approach or want to incorporate additional resources and activities that align with their educational philosophy.

Building Toward Advanced Mathematics

Saxon Math Intermediate 3 serves as an ideal bridge to Saxon Math 5/4, preparing students for the more advanced mathematical concepts they’ll encounter in middle school. Those just starting Saxon Math at third-grade level should probably go with Math Intermediate 3 since it ensures a more familiar transition into either Math Intermediate 4 or Math 5/4.

For homeschooling families planning their long-term educational journey, Saxon Math Intermediate 3 provides a solid foundation that will support success in algebra, geometry, and beyond. The consistent methodology across Saxon levels means less adjustment time and more focused learning as students progress.

Supporting Resources for Homeschool Success

The complete homeschool kit includes the student text, solutions manual, Power Up Workbook, and Homeschool Testing Book. The Solutions Manual offers step-by-step solutions to lesson practice, written practice, and early finishers questions, giving parents the confidence to help their children when questions arise.

The Homeschool Testing Book features reproducible cumulative tests and a testing schedule to help students practice concepts and build confidence. These assessments allow families to track progress and identify areas that may need additional attention.

Educational Attributes

Grade Level: 3
Subject: Mathematics
Skill Level: Elementary
Learning Style: Mixed (visual, kinesthetic, auditory)
Educational Approach: Spiral/Incremental
Curriculum Type: Traditional/Structured

Practical Attributes

Page Count: 656
Lesson Count: 110
Estimated Completion Time: Full academic year
Answer Key Included: Yes (separate Solutions Manual)

Content/Scope Attributes

Topics Covered: Addition/subtraction review, multiplication and division facts, fractions, geometry, measurement, time, money, probability, graphing, estimation
Real-world Applications: Data collection, survey creation, money handling, time management, measurement projects

Format/Usability Attributes

Format: Hardcover textbook
Reproducible: No (student textbook is reusable)

Special Features

• Spiral learning methodology with continuous review
• Three-part lesson structure (Power-Up, New Concept, Written Practice)
• 11 in-depth Investigation activities
• Student-directed learning with reduced parent involvement
• Bridge curriculum to Saxon 5/4
• Optional manipulative use
• Comprehensive solutions manual included