Self-Directed Homeschool Math with Teaching Textbooks 4.0

Teaching Textbooks is a legendary name in homeschool math curriculum. I first heard positive things about them about 10 years ago when a homeschooling mom friend raved about how well her kids were doing with it — and really enjoying it. Due to my own math reluctance, I took note of that glowing review and decided to look further into Teaching Textbooks on my own to see if it would work for my daughters.

Since that time, I’ve heard more good things about them from more families we know and we eventually had the chance to try Teaching Textbooks in our own homeschool. All three of my daughters have given it a try. My oldest daughter has since graduated, but my two youngest are currently using Teaching Textbooks. My middle daughter is especially clicking along with it and claiming it’s her favorite way to learn math.

What is Teaching Textbooks?

Teaching Textbooks 4.0 is an app-based math curriculum for grades 3-12. The upper levels include Pre-Calculus, Geometry, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Pre-Algebra. You download the Teaching Textbooks 4.0 app on your computer or other compatible device like a tablet (they even have a Kindle version, which we’re excited about!) or phone.

Kids can complete their lessons at home or on the go. This latest version does not require constant internet connection, so it truly can be used on the go. You must download the app for each level you use, though. For instance, if you’re using Math 3, Math 5, and Math 7 for your children, you would need to install each separately. They may be installed on more than one device and they require only one parent log in and master password. Each student has their own user ID and password for their level.

Back in the day when I first heard of Teaching Textbooks, it was actually a book and a CD-rom with the lessons, but they’ve come a long way with all of their recent updates and improvements. We had previously used Teaching Textbooks 3.0, which was web browser-based, but they have replaced that due to the changes with Adobe Flash Player. They’re keeping up with the times and updating everything to give users the best experience possible.

Teaching Textbooks 4.0 offers a free trial of the first 15 lessons with no time limit and no credit card required. You may try any or all of the levels. You can also move to a different level (up or down) if you find it isn’t the right one for your child’s current math ability.

How We Use Teaching Textbooks Homeschool Math

We’re currently running the Teaching Textbooks 4.0 app on a Windows 10 desktop computer with no issues for Math 4 and Math 6. It has updated several times, which requires downloading and configuring again, but it does not lose the progress or grades recorded.

Students may customize their user with a selection of wallpapers, stickers, and a “buddy” of their choosing. These animations cheer them on for correct answers and add visual interest without being too busy or distracting. Of course my daughters like this feature very much. It adds just enough gamification without being overwhelming.

Both girls do math lessons several times per week. I haven’t set limits on them, though that is an option through the parent log in. We’re very relaxed in our homeschool so we don’t keep a strict schedule of when we do certain subjects. Most of our learning is done through reading great books and discussing them, along with any hands-on projects we decide to do.

Teaching Textbooks helps us to build math skills without it feeling like a chore.

Which brings me to one of my favorite features . . .

Self-Directed Homeschool Math

Math is one of those things that I tend to overthink because I believe a solid foundation is important, yet it’s never been my favorite subject to teach.

One of the best things in my opinion about Teaching Textbooks is that it can be self-directed. My daughters don’t need me to hover over them to complete their work. They can just log in, do the assignments, and move on with their day. I want them to learn math — not belabor over it.

They can do any figuring they need to with the built-in scratchpad right on the screen under the Controls menu. This is a helpful feature for showing their work just in case they need to ask me about a particular problem for further explanation.

As the parent/teacher, I can view their progress, set assignments, and have a record of their grades. This is so convenient and it’s also helpful because I can print the reports to include in their homeschool portfolio review, which is required by the state.

I can view the percentages completed, the grade percentage, and even whether or not they have used a second chance or hint for a certain problem. You have the option to change the grades if you need to for some reason.

The second chance option lets the student try again if they make a mistake the first time. A hint will help them along if they get stuck. You can adjust the settings for these in the parent dashboard, turning them on or off as you see fit.

The quizzes are built-in, too, and come at the end of each set of lessons for review.

Gentle Correction

Teaching Textbooks doesn’t obnoxiously buzz or ding with wrong answers. Instead it offers gentle correction and encouragement to keep trying. If you have children who lack math confidence or are easily discouraged by wrong answers, this feature is really important.

Learn more about Teaching Textbooks Homeschool Math

It should be noted that Teaching Textbooks in the process of transitioning accounts to 4.0 and there are longer wait times for support than usual. You’ll want to carefully read the requirements for running the Teaching Textbooks 4.0 app on your system and speak with customer service if you have any questions. They’ll be glad to help.

Teaching Textbooks 4.0 also has more features coming soon, such as a payment plan, printable award certificates, birthday cards, postcards, and other fun things.

If you have a larger family, Teaching Textbooks offers discounts so be sure to check that out if it applies to you.

Overall, Teaching Textbooks is a very robust homeschool math curriculum that works well for both parents and students. I’m so glad we’re using it in our homeschool.

Teaching Textbooks 4.0 Free Trial

I honestly can’t think of any reason NOT to try Teaching Textbooks 4.0. Remember that you can do the first 15 lessons of any level for free to be sure you have the correct placement.

If you need a homeschool math solution that your kids will like and that will be no prep or stress for you, check out Teaching Textbooks 4.0.

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Sara

Author/Speaker/Consultant at Heart and Soul Homeschooling

Sara is a homeschool mom to 3 creative girls. She holds a degree in Social Work specializing in early childhood development, which led to her interest in individualized educational options like homeschooling. She believes that learning should be a lifelong adventure, not just a checklist to get through. She is a writer, avid reader, introvert (INFJ), and dreamer of dreams.