Math WE LOVE! How we use Beast Academy Online in Our Home!

[@jacobjohannes7123]

I’ve been considering this for my almost 9 year old to use next year. I’m going to be joining the CMEC (two more days!!!!!) It’s very encouraging to hear you give this program your stamp of approval

[@Ahomeontheprairies]

We have started using BA a few months ago and it has been awesome here too. We currently only utilize the online program & read the textbooks on the tablet, and that's working well here!

[@teamgibber]

Joy, are you still using BA? We tried it last year. I had a hard time following what my student was actually getting done, and whether or not they spent their whole math block designing their beast or playing games and not actually doing the lesson. He could complete the math problems but didn't read the comics. He loved it. But I wasn't confident in what he was actually learning!! I'd like to give it a go again this year. But I'm not sure how to structure our lesson time. Start the week with the comic or each lesson has their own comic and then practice sheets? Or maybe we should just do pen and paper. The online grading is so helpful but I'm concerned it's too distracting. Thoughts? Thanks so much!

[@archisc9080]

Thanks for the info. My son who is still in kinder has been doing grade 3 general curriculum math book as additional work at home. He started online Level 1 and he really likes BA. He seemed to struggle with the some very challenging questions but it's great that he can choose his pace. With his current speed (30-40 mins a day), he can complete level 1 (all exercises) in 3-4 months in total. He usually gets 90%+ right. Do yo think we need to slow down and have him take more time before jumping to level 2?

[@joycherrick]

You know your child! If he's doing well and enjoying it then go for it! Curriculum is there to serve us and it sounds like it's doing that for your family

[@rachelleruggiero2803]

Would you recommend getting the workbooks or is online good enough?

[@joycherrick]

We get all the GUIDE books because the kids just pick them up and read them over and over. But the practice books aren't always necessary. I like the paper practice books for first grade - but it's really up to you with how it goes. (I.e. do they need more practice getting in the habit of using a pencil and paper - do they need more reps on a particular concept - are they just wanting to do math in their free time - these are the ways we've incorporated practice books!

[@Sofia-y4o8o]

Do you find the instructional videos being helpful for them if you choose the online option?

[@joycherrick]

I've found the online portion essential for my kids once they get to BA 2. I do BA 1 with them shoulder to shoulder and then sit with them to learn how to do the online on their own. It takes about 3-6 months to train them

[@rastus89]

Do you have to have the online to use the guidebook and practice books? I'm not a giant fan of online my kid gets very distracted a does other things instead.

[@joycherrick]

We've used all of it. I sit next to my children or am in the same room to keep them on task when they are doing their math. Once they are trained on what to do, they can work independently - but I've found it takes time to sit with them and help them understand what is expected.

[@gretchenkrause7955]

What would you do if you are starting a 6 yr old with beast academy but have a 5 yr old (kinder) that needs math? What would you use for kinder?

[@joycherrick]

Hi @gretchenkrause7955 the only thing I do for little ones (Kinder and younger) are letting them match and count stuff. (and really just numbers 1-10) How many dolls do you have? How old are you. Then I have a preschool calendar where they start to learn the numbers 1-30 because they engage with them on the calendar. They also learn the days of the week this way. They also get a sense of time i.e. We will see grandma in 3 days. Look, we are on this day. One, two three - three days (sometimes tracking "sleeps" or "bedtimes" is helpful) we will get to see grandma. Kinder is TOTALLY unnecessary to do intentional things like this. You will be surprised how much they pick up "in the air". Let it be a game. Let it be fun. Don't stress.

[@priyaranjanmarathe]

Did you use the Puzzle books? Any tips on how to use them? TIA 🙏

[@joycherrick]

@@priyaranjanmarathe We have the puzzle books but only have them for the kids to mess around with. They use puzzlelab on BA online more than the books at this point. HOWEVER, the puzzle books are great for younger children who need more time working problems on paper. It's a great shoulder-to-shoulder activity with mom or dad!

[@Hopelb]

Joy, y'all used Math mammoth prior to BA? How do you like BA compared to Math Mammoth? I have FOMO when it comes to math curriculum and I'm thinking through these two.

[@joycherrick]

BA is so much better than MM hands down. It's more interesting, more challenging, more fun. It's better for the students and the teacher. It took me some time to come around to the BA awesomeness because I understood the simplicity of MM, but BA engages students so much better and gives us more brain food than MM.

[@Hopelb]

@@joycherrick thank you Joy for your response. It gives me food for thought.

[@erumrab1]

My kids are in 5th and 6th grade currently. They have been doing math on Khan Academy. If i want to switch to BeastAcademy...where should i start off...which level?

[@joycherrick]

You will want to take the “placement tests” to help you figure that out! They are super simple and will help you pin it down. Rule of thumb for “normal kids” is to go down a grade- if they are in fourth start with level 3- etc. it’s a curriculum for “gifted” kids.