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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My 1st grader has been working through grade 2 math on Khan Academy but finding some of the units are a bit too brief. Would like to try others. Suggestions? I've heard about Beast Academy but not sure how it compares to other options? Also interested in book recommendations. We have some Kumon books but they are worksheets without instruction. [/quote]

Here's what you need to know:

Kumon: Bad.
Beast Academy: Amazing.
Everything Else: Somewhere in between.[/quote]

Why is Kumon bad? the worksheets? But those have their place, no?

Also, what's amazing about BA? My understanding is that it's very gamified but maybe my impression is wrong? I don't want my kid to go through life needing everything to be games in order to be able to learn anything.

What is everything else and have you tried it? [/quote]
Regarding Kumon, it's probably bad in a dangerous way for most kids. It forces them to do drills by rote and doesn't stop until their interest is completely killed. I mean it's not really any better than Kuta software worksheets (yes Kuta is a company that generates math worksheets and yes, FCPS has paid them so that teachers can print worksheets filled with math questions generated by the computer, and.. yes of course this is a terrible way to teach math to children, those paying attention to their children's math homework have likely stumbled upon Kuta worksheets if they've been paying attention). Kumon may have its place but you need to be hyper aware of when it's too much for kids because once their interest is killed, they're never engaged again.[/quote]

Thanks. I'm not trying to be contrarian, just curious and trying to understand. Why do Kumon or other worksheets "kill interest"? Isn't it important to consolidate knowledge and practice for fluency? They can use them as needed. Of course you wouldn't sit there and give your kid worksheets all day, but practice is critical. I'm guessing BA makes it more fun but there has to be practice there too? [/quote]

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