Beast Academy

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

AoPS has a live school nearby. It might be worth calling them to discuss, even if you are planning to purchase the books.

[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?

Definitely level 4. It's a pretty challenging program.

[Anonymous]

4. They say on grade kids should start the level below where they think they would be.

[Anonymous]

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!

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

I'd try Khan Academy for free before paying for anything.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Khan Academy is good but boring by comparison. The BA program is more engaging and thought out. Although personally, we use a mix of both.

I'd strongly suggest signing up for BA online since it will at least let your DC see what's there from 3-5 and work on the areas they want to focus on. Perhaps, once they narrow it down, switch to the print versions if that's your preference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Khan Academy is good but boring by comparison. The BA program is more engaging and thought out. Although personally, we use a mix of both.

I'd strongly suggest signing up for BA online since it will at least let your DC see what's there from 3-5 and work on the areas they want to focus on. Perhaps, once they narrow it down, switch to the print versions if that's your preference.

The online version provides access to all the print versions too.

[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.

AoPS' Beast Academy 5th grade unit for print and online overlaps with their prealgebra class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Khan Academy is good but boring by comparison. The BA program is more engaging and thought out. Although personally, we use a mix of both.

I'd strongly suggest signing up for BA online since it will at least let your DC see what's there from 3-5 and work on the areas they want to focus on. Perhaps, once they narrow it down, switch to the print versions if that's your preference.

The online version provides access to all the print versions too.

And even the low commitment monthly rate is something like $20/month.

[Anonymous]

Khan academy is good for brushing up on a concept. It does not cover nearly enough to get that deep understanding of math needed to do well in math later on. It just scrapes the surface and is easy to complete the lessons without really know what you’re doing. I don’t hate khan. I do love it. But I wouldn’t let a kid get too ahead with that alone.

[Anonymous]

Beast Academy has been wonderful for my DD. It is challenging.

We started in 4th grade with the 3rd Grade books and it was worth the cost.

I would definitely start with 4, if your kid is in 4th. If anything, it’ll be a fantastic review, and more in depth review of concepts he already knows.

We buy our books from Rainbow Resource, FWIW. Worth every penny. Kid enjoys it and it’s a good challenge.