CAUTION! Working beyond the brain's developmental ability to retain and process new information has the same effect as skipping the material which leads to "careless" mistakes, frustration, and gaps in understanding.
Developed by Dr. Shormann over 30 years, the Timed Method ensures students do not work beyond their developmental ability. How does it work? Set a timer for the time listed for your student's grade level below. At the end of that time, have them stop and pick up where they left off the next day. (See FAQs below).
- Watch: A Homeschool Mom's Perspective on Why Use the Timed Method?
- Find your child's Grade Level in the chart below.
- Read this testimonial: From Hating Math to a Perfect Score on the ACT!
If your student has a learning disability, reduce the time by 25% or more, as needed.
| Grade Level | Maximum Time Limit* |
| 6th Grade | No More Than 30-45 Minutes |
| 7th Grade | No More Than 45 Minutes to 1 Hour |
| 8/9th Grade | No More Than 1 Hour to 1 Hour and 15 Minutes |
| 10/11th Grade | No More Than 1- 1.5 Hours |
| 12th Grade | No More Than 1.5 - 2 Hours |
Relearning is essential to building long-term retention and fluency (speed and accuracy). However, many students will not use the embedded tools to quickly relearn forgotten concepts because it will make their math lesson take longer. This creates gaps and makes learning math harder. The “Timed Method” allows students to relearn forgotten concepts without extending their math lesson, which develops fluency and makes learning math faster and easier!
While it seems like this will prevent the student from finishing the course on time, we have found the opposite is true. Knowing math will never take more than the set amount of time, allow them to stop thinking “how much longer?”. Instead, they can focus on learning, build fluency, and often even start liking math! As fluency develops, they will complete a lesson per day on most days. Please see the FAQs section below.
*These time limits are based on the average developmental ability of students at this grade level; however, individual needs may vary depending on a student’s maturity or learning disabilities. Similar to beginning a running or weightlifting program, students may initially be able to manage less time per day. As retention and fluency develop, learning becomes easier, and study time can gradually be extended. Additionally, daily study sessions can be divided into two shorter sittings, such as 30 minutes in the morning and another 30 minutes later in the day.
Math is a Language
While many people view math as merely a set of facts or procedures to memorize, it is actually a language—the language of science. Although most math curricula emphasize accuracy, teaching fluency goes beyond this by continually reinforcing skills over time. This sustained practice enhances recall speed, improves comprehension, and boosts standardized test scores. Just as fluency in reading or playing the piano is essential for proficiency, fluency in math is critical for effectively understanding and applying mathematical concepts in new contexts, including science and standardized testing.
Don’t Require Immediate Mastery
I strongly discourage requiring “immediate mastery”. For example, some parents and teachers will not let the student progress to the next lesson unless they have completely mastered the current lesson. This can cause discouragement and exasperation. Just like in sports or music, it takes time to learn a skill. Most students need to practice a skill over several days or weeks before mastery is achieved. That’s why each skill is practiced again and again, over a long period of time. So, please use the system like it was designed, and give your student time to patiently practice and build skills!
Good and/or Gifted Math Students
Usually, these students will not need to use the Timed Method. However, the first 25 lessons are a review of the previous course and important foundational topics. So, if they are new to Shormann Math, some of these lessons may be new to them, and may take more than one day to complete.
Struggling & Reluctant Math Students
Using the Timed Method is essential for these students. They should start with lower time and work on math 5 days per week. After the first 25 lessons, students should complete a minimum of 3 lessons most weeks.
FAQs
I’m concerned my student will not finish the course on time.
While many parents share this concern, we have found the opposite is true. Knowing math will never take more than the set amount of time, students stop dreading math and thinking “how much longer?”. Instead, they can focus on learning, build fluency, and often even start liking math!
How Will My Student Finish On Time?
While a standard school year is 36 weeks, Shormann Math courses (except Pre-Algebra) are set up on a 30 week schedule which provides six flex weeks that can be used when each individual student needs extra time. Pre-Algebra is set on a 36 week schedule but only has 3 lessons and a 4 question quiz each week which can be completed in 3.5 days. This gives pre-algebra students an additional 1.5 days per week when extra time is needed.
Algebra 1 & 2: Two or Three Semester Course
Because one and a half credits are earned, Algebra 1 & 2 students can take up to three semesters to complete each course. Each eLearning subscription is good for 24 months so every student can successfully complete the course. Instead of scheduling the lessons over over 3 semesters, use the Timed Method to allow the student to learn at their own pace.
Earn 14 College Credits
Shormann Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Calculus provide specific preparation for select CLEP and AP exams. If a passing score is earned on these exams, an additional high school math credit can be listed on the high school transcript. Learn More: Transcripts & Credits
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