Beast Academy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m not familiar with map scores. If he’s at all advanced in math or has a natural ability I reccomend starting AoPS prealgebra. A 10yo beggining for math will appreciate that more than beast academy (which is comic books). But I don’t know your ds. I will say many 9yos who homeschool complete prealgebra. They may be gifted or not. Beast academy online may be a cheaper alternative than jumping into buying all the books. Also Alcumus is free.

PP here

I wouldn’t dismiss BA as just comic books.

The comic book aspect engages the kids, but my math-loving kid gets a lot out of the program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m not familiar with map scores. If he’s at all advanced in math or has a natural ability I reccomend starting AoPS prealgebra. A 10yo beggining for math will appreciate that more than beast academy (which is comic books). But I don’t know your ds. I will say many 9yos who homeschool complete prealgebra. They may be gifted or not. Beast academy online may be a cheaper alternative than jumping into buying all the books. Also Alcumus is free.

PP here

I wouldn’t dismiss BA as just comic books.

The comic book aspect engages the kids, but my math-loving kid gets a lot out of the program.

The online program is quite good.

[Anonymous]

Beast Academy has assessments to figure out the right level: https://beastacademy.com/resources/assessments

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you mean pricey? The guide and accompanying workbook is 27 dollars. There are 4 guidebooks with 4 accompanying workbooks -so $108 for a year's worth of amazing enrichment math. That isn't even $10 a month!

I’m happy to buy it if DC can use it. If we get the wrong level, it’s a waste of $108, which is a fair amount to tbrow away.

But you don’t have to buy all four books at once. Take the online assessment and start with the first book on the recommended level. If it’s not right, despite the assessment, you’re only out $27. My kid has enjoyed the books and I’ve been impressed by them. Lots of thought-provoking problems. It’s not just a comic book.

[Anonymous]

But you don’t have to buy all four books at once. Take the online assessment and start with the first book on the recommended level. If it’s not right, despite the assessment, you’re only out $27. My kid has enjoyed the books and I’ve been impressed by them. Lots of thought-provoking problems. It’s not just a comic book.

OP here. Didn’t realize you could assess and buy the books separately. This has all been super helpful, thanks. DC was loving working the questions on the assessment, even without the comics (which they’ll also love), so I think we’re onto something.

[Anonymous]

I would purchase the 3rd and 4th grade books (but not the workbooks yet) to see how engaged your child becomes by the stories.

My child in 5th still goes back and reads the lower level books for fun. She has never done the workbooks but we did end up buying them. This is a child who is in 5/6 math and recommended for AIM so she does well in math.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’ve never done academic enrichment outside of school, but my 4th grader is begging for more math.

I’ve seen Beast Academy recommended often, but it’s pricey. I’d like to get the right level on the first try, if possible. What do you recommend for a 4th grader in compacted Math? Midyear MAP was 247. Should we try level 4? Level 5?

If you are still looking to buy BEAST ACADEMY LEVEL 4 Textbooks (4 A, B,C,D) and 4 Workbooks (4A, B,C,D), take a look at Craig’s list. It is listed under Washington, DC- Maryland Books.

[Anonymous]

You can also use Alcumus which is AOPS online problem solving program - if DC enjoys those problems DC may be ready for AOPS prealgebra. The prealgebra is a huge jump in executive functioning level - it’s black and white and very very wordy. And, the kid is supposed to discover the ideas on their own so you can’t really present the lesson and send him off to do the problems - they learn from the problems.

I wish wish wish they would make their prealgebra book more accessible for the 7-10 year old set - there’s a huge subset of math loving kids that are just turned off by all the words. They can enjoy the math and the tough problems fine but the way the book is - literally it’s like phone book size - turns off a lot of kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 3rd grader whose map is lower has completed most of 4 and stated some parts of 5. Try the online version. It includes 3-5

It now has 2-5. They updated it a few months ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can also use Alcumus which is AOPS online problem solving program - if DC enjoys those problems DC may be ready for AOPS prealgebra. The prealgebra is a huge jump in executive functioning level - it’s black and white and very very wordy. And, the kid is supposed to discover the ideas on their own so you can’t really present the lesson and send him off to do the problems - they learn from the problems.

I wish wish wish they would make their prealgebra book more accessible for the 7-10 year old set - there’s a huge subset of math loving kids that are just turned off by all the words. They can enjoy the math and the tough problems fine but the way the book is - literally it’s like phone book size - turns off a lot of kids.

There's some overlap with the BA online stuff. Just not as in depth.

[Anonymous]

BA is great for cultivating a deeper understanding and love of math but if you simply want to boost your kid's MAP score this is probably not the ticket.

[Anonymous]

Anyone have experience with the AoPS prealgebra class online?

[Anonymous]

Yes, my kid took prealgebra online. It's good. The book is fantastic. My kid hasn't gotten into the online community part -- chatboards or whatever that extra stuff is, but he liked the classes, and the online problems are also good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, my kid took prealgebra online. It's good. The book is fantastic. My kid hasn't gotten into the online community part -- chatboards or whatever that extra stuff is, but he liked the classes, and the online problems are also good.

Thanks that's helpful! I wanted to provide something that was a little challenging that can be done over the summer.DC is kind of young but was able to complete the pre-assessment so think this may be the next thing.

[Anonymous]

I’ve known quite a few kids take aops prealgebra in 4th-5th grade. Some complete it in a few months. Others over the course of 2 years.