Manipulative Kit: 1st Edition (Saxon Homeschool)

Since another reviewer has already inventoried the supplies that come in the kit, I'm just going to list here the things that stood out to me since I've just gone through and inventoried everything. I would suggest counting the items to make sure you have at least enough of each, especially for the small tile/counter type objects -- I noticed that some bags had a different amount than what it said in the invoice or on the bag/package (in the end, there ended up being more than the stated amount).1) The hands on the clocks have to be wound into position by the big hand -- the hour hand can't be moved by itself without seeming like you're breaking the clock. In other words if the clock reads 3:00 and you want it to say 7:00, you can't just move the hour hand to the 7, you have to manually wind the minute hand around the clock four times all the way to 7:00.2) The Hundred Board comes laminated but without the edges being sealed in the laminate. It really is flimsy; a few of the corner edges are already slightly peeling apart and I've literally just pulled it out of the box. Planning on getting it laminated again to enclose the edges and preserve the board for the full 2-3 year scope of the math program. Also, there is some sort of scuff mark on it (which obviously doesn't affect functionality).3) Dominoes: it was a brand new Domino game in a sealed plastic wrap (which was nice, I wasn't expecting that)4) Rubber bands: one bag had 24 the other had 29 (listed 25 each on inventory/bag)5) Tiles: there were 101 (listed 100 on inventory/bag)6) 2-Color Counters: there were 22 (listed 20 on inventory/bag)All in all, I'm pleased with kit so far, but am deducting a point for the issues with the hundred board and the clock hands. I admit that when I purchased the Saxon Teacher's Manual, I didn't realize that there was a whole kit that I needed to purchase along with it. My idea was to make it up as I went along. But realizing the daunting task that that would prove, I'm glad to have taken the plunge to buy the kit. If you divide the cost up over the # of years you'll be using it, in my opinion it's really worth it. My daughter is really excited to use this because it seems like a whole lot of "toys" to her, so it should be a fairly easy transition to teaching her math if she's already excited about all the manipulatives.

We ordered the kit for our 2d grader because it was time for her to 'go with the program' - the Saxon program that is :) Saxon after school was a spectacular success for our currently 8th and 9th grader kids and there is no question that our little girl will be doing the same. In fact, she's asking for it because, when done right, Saxon CAN be fun.I must confess that we did NOT buy a 'kit' 6 years ago and I remember how time-consuming it was to get EVERYTHING and how we had to improvise on the few items I couldn't get at the time. To make the story short, we decided to splurge this time and, if price is not an issue, we are VERY happy with what we got.In fact, this is what we got, inside a large white plastic container/tray with lid:- Student Balance - some assembly required, plastic- Student Clocks (2) - durable plastic, minimal assembly required- Plastic Pattern Blocks (100) - hexagons, trapezoids, triangles... etc- Geoboards (2) with (lots of) rubber bands- Hundred Number Board - plastic-treated paper- Ruler inch/cm (2) - made of wood?- Tangrams (4) - plastic, 4 colors- Color Tiles (100) - plastic squares- MathLink Cubes (100) - Lego-like- Two-Color Counters (10) - round- Baby Bear Counters (48) - plastic, cute- Dominoes (1) - a full setAs far as I can see, almost everything is done right. I would have preferred if the 100-number board was made of some more durable material and the rulers were some see-trough plastic but I understand that it's impossible to keep all customers happy.Both me and our little girl are very happy with this kit. It comes with everything Saxon will need through 3d Grade but I will subtract one star for this kit's hard to justify high price.

So, the items are for K-3rd, but the container is missing a latch. Here's the true fact about children: they want to handle the whole job THEMSELVES. This is impossible with the case provided. Not only does the case not latch, which should be an obvious requirement... the case not not even snap-seal closed (like Tupperware). The lid just rests on top loosely... and this is a heavy, large case. The poor children keep dropping everything.So, I solved the problem by putting all the items inside a separately-purchased Rubbermaid container. It was a 15-quart "Latching Revelations" container. All pieces fit inside with room to spare -- I even tossed in some packs of flashcards and counting money. I also put all the like pieces into ziplock bags to keep from losing the parts.***See customer images ***By far, the most popular part of the arithmetic lesson is these manipulatives. The balance is a bit flimsy; everything else is well consttructed of heavy-duty plastic. The trick with the snap cubes is to teach the children to snap them apart like green beans, not pull them apart like LEGO.My littlest guy does not even consider them a math tool... he calls them his "awesome toy." You can't beat that endorsement.

This kit is wonderful, and some things were surprisingly better than I expected. For example, the clocks are geared, so they only can be positioned in normal ways for a clock. This helps kids understand how it works. I will say, the linking cubes are very difficult to snap together at first. I break them in by snapping them on and off about ten times before asking my 5 year old to do it. It is still challenging for her then, but she can accomplish it. They get easier as they are used more. But my daughter loves the things in this kit! She is so excited when we get into the box for math! This kit is expensive, but you use the contents for 4 years per child. You can use the lit over and over, nothing gets used up, so you can use it for multiple kids and pass it on to another homeschooling parent when you are done! I don't regret spending the money!

Really love these, the bright colors get my kids excited to do math everyday. There are still supplies you will need to make yourself, so be prepared.

We use these along with the Saxon Math K Homeschooling text. My son loves it. Would have given 5 stars, but was a bit expensive.

It is quite expensive for what it contains if you start at grade 1, because some of the stuff is for kindergarden. Also, some of the things in there you could buy for a dolar at the store. But its nice to have all you need all at once. P.s. Saxaon (Pre-Common core) is Great!