Do you want a classic mathematics textbook created with the home school family in mind?  How about a textbook that utilizes online and software programs that track student's progress?  Are you intimidated by having to correct and explain mathematics concepts to your child?  Then Teaching Textbooks may be the math program for you. 

Teaching Textbooks is a modern mathematics program created for the busy home school family.  Starting in grade 3, students can use their home computer to access Teaching Textbooks online with version 3.0 or access their 2.0 book via CD.  Teaching Textbooks offers mathematic instruction for grades 3 - pre calculus.  

A unique feature of the TT curriculum is the lesson presentation.  Students may watch the lesson on the computer or read the lesson written directly to them in the book.  The book is basically a written transcript of the spoken lesson on the disc. 

Once the student watches or reads the lesson the student then completes the practice homework problems.  The problems are available in the book to be completed on paper, or on the computer where the student enters the answer and receives instant gratification in a job well done for each problem that is correct.  If the student gets the problem wrong on the computer then he is given a walk through the solution, and given a chance to enter the correct answer.  Because of this format, some students have figured out a way to "cheat" the system and appear to be getting 100% on every homework assignment.  Thus, even though TT seems to be parent hands off, it does require that the parent be overseeing their student's work. 

Many parents and students find this program helpful because of the guidance given with the instructional videos.  Students are able to see the course as a separate teacher from their parent and thus deflect math frustration from the parent.  Busy, seemingly overwhelmed parents are especially fond of the Teaching Textbooks program. 

What about the solidness of the concepts covered?  There are many qualms with Teaching Textbooks' material and the level of mastery.  On one hand, the concepts and topics covered and mastered in Teaching Textbooks are sound and acceptable for the vast majority of students. On the other hand, Teaching Textbooks is not advanced or challenging enough for your STEM student.  If you have a student that gravitates toward mathematics, then supplementing this program may be a necessity.  

The practice problems are fairly straight forward and follow the lessons along with presenting review problems of a previous concept.  Depending on the course text, there may or may not be unit review problems or quizzes.  The table of contents for each course can be viewed at the Teaching Textbooks website.  Each book contains appendices offering a vast array of general mathematics information and a full index for finding specific concepts in the lessons quickly. 

Because of the way that the books are written, some students may prefer to read the book and complete the lessons without the CD or online program.  Teaching Textbooks' newest update (3.0) is an online subscription cost making the program affordable for parents, but keep in mind the cost does not include a physical book.  

Overall, Teaching Textbooks is a good math program for families with multiple students in multiple mathematics levels who are seeking a level of instruction requiring the parent to give basic overview, but not direct instruction to each student.  The company has been very open to developing their program based on parental and teacher input and some of the concerns listed here may be addressed in the future.