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Neesy

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Posts posted by Neesy

  1. I will attempt to talk you out of this route. It sounds like you would benefit (as most parents would) from having teacher support—not having ever been exposed to this type of whole-parts math.

     

    The HIGs for the Standards Edition are widely acknowledged to be far superior to the earlier US Edition HIGs.

     

    There is also more basic practice and review in the "core" books of the SE, something the US Edition has of then been criticized for by users as being inadequate in terms of quantity.

     

    You end up with the same number of books either way.

     

    Bill

     

    I meant that I love the "Keep it Simple" motto....in general. Not that I wouldn't use the HIG . I would NEVER do a math without one! LOL. Also, from reading all the other info., IF I went with Singapore, I would go the route of the standards edition (SE) with the home instructor guide (HIG):iagree:

    OR............................. I would go with the Math in Focus.

     

    Thanks so much for your input!

    :)Blessings,

    Denise

  2. You would pick EITHER Math in Focus OR Primary Mathematics as they're two different series. The former is an Americanization of the post-2001 syllabus. It appears more incremental but not quite as challenging for bright students.

     

    Primary Mathematics is the pre-2001 syllabus and what most HS refer to when they talk about "Singapore Math". It was updated recently in order for it to qualify for the California Dept. of Ed. approved textbook list, hence the "standards" edition. The topics were rearranged slightly and a few minor ones added. The textbooks are in full-color throughout the levels rather than just in the first 2 ones. There are also additional end-of-chapter reviews. The big difference, however, is that the Home Instructor's Guide has been significantly improved. That's the reason I personally switched from US edition to SE.

     

    However, if you've got struggling learners, I actually would not use Singapore at all. Right Start Math would be my recommendation for an Asian-based math program. It really builds a solid foundation and the higher levels go more slowly than Singapore.

     

    Yes, I have struggling learners and I appreciate you telling me this about Singapore....that had been my fear(gut instinct;)) about it and you are the first I have heard this from!

     

    In your quote about Math in Focus....in red....do you think that would actually be a "good" thing for my struggling learners? IDK:confused: I have recently been reading about the "fuzzy math" in schools now and I want to avoid that as well!

     

    As far as Right Start goes...I think I actually purchased & returned that one years back and was totally overwhelmed with the "way" it worked...the way I would have to "teach". I think that was the one, but I'm not sure.

     

    Do you have any knowledge/opinions about McRuffy math??

     

    It is all very confusing and I am NOT mathy at all....never have been. Thank goodness dh is! :) Problem is......... he is at WORK! :tongue_smilie: LOL!

     

    Anyway, thank you SO MUCH for explaining all the Singapore books. You made it so clear. I don't know what would be so hard for cbd to add those explanations to their book descriptions.:glare: It sure would alleviate a lot of confusion!

     

    Thanks again and have a blessed day!!

    Denise

  3. Keep it simple! We use the US edition Textbook, Workbook, and Challenging Word Problems (I write one word problem from this per day on the white board for my ds to figure out on his own). I also use the HIGs some. If you want to get crazy you can buy the Intensive practice. Personally I wouldn't want to jump into the new ones like Math In Focus. From what I have seen of them they just look like watered down Public School editions, but I'm not positive of this. Also they are way more expensive.

     

    Love the KEEP IT SIMPLE! Thanks for all your other tips! Love 'em!:)

    Blessings,

    Denise

  4. I was thinking that sounded like a lot, too...with all the Singapore books.

     

    I have heard Math Mammoth has a lot of mental math and I wasnt' sure if my boys would do well with that or not? I really don't know why I'm not really drawn to MM. I have a friend using it that likes it a lot. I guess all the printing throws me off as well....and the "hows" of getting a Kinkos to print the color books with the download I purchase?:confused:? I'm not very "techy", I guess. Probably not very good reasons to avoid MM, though!

     

    I am now looking at McRuffy Math and still at the revised Modern Curriculum Press (MCP). I wish I could just make a decision, already!:tongue_smilie: LOL!

     

    Thanks for all your input! I AM still "listening":bigear:. I am also still wondering about all that other Singapore stuff:confused:! The Singapore Math in Focus is so...........PRETTTY!!! LOL!!! I am just kidding. I have to admit, though I AM drawn to the graphics! I was a graphic artist before "coming home". I have read a couple posts that talk about it being "overkill" and "more complicated than necessary". :confused:

     

    I think I need to take a break from this and go do laundry! LOL

    Thanks again, ladies!

    Blessings,

    Denise

  5. Hands On Math/Mathstart books http://www.didax.com/shop/productdetails.cfm/Sort/Item/Order/Asc/StartRow/1/ShowAll/No/ItemNo/2-196.cfm

     

    Every time I check Singapore Math 1 on cbd, it seems there are MORE choices. I am SO confused!

     

    Singapore "choices"....

    Math in Focus

    MIF: Primary Virtual Manipulatives

    Primary Math

    Primary Mathematics Standard Edition

    Math Works

    New Syllabus Math

    Singapore Math 70

    Challenging Word Problems

    Extra Practice

    Oh, and we can't forget the Intensive Practice!

    Then, there's the Home Instructor's Guides or the Teacher's Guides.

     

    SHEEEESH:banghead: It makes me not even want to use it at all ! LOL!

     

    I am SO confused and am really leaning towards the newest version of MCP with mathstart lessons and books, and/or manipulatives/games. I love the math literature/hands-on idea....always have.

     

    HELP!! I have been homeschooling for almost 20 years and I still haven't found an elementary math program that "clicks" with my dc. Every one of my kids has used different early elementaty math. We have had great success with Rod and Staff from 4th grade on, but I always had to "get them ready" for it. Then, we used Teaching Textbooks Algebra, etc. after 7th gr. R&S. But...oh.....the elementary! Plus, my little guys now are delayed learners with diagnosed ADD and ADHD. I am really trying to pick something they will "get" that won't move "too fast", that "sticks" and helps them "understand" math.

     

    ANY advice would be helpful. I actually have never tried Singapore. I have looked at samples and the placement tests, that's about it. I have also read several reviews. I am concerned it will move too fast, but I am also using Heart of Dakota guides, which include some hands-on lessons to go with the Singapore lessons.

     

    :seeya:Thanks in advance!

    Denise

  6. Thanks so much for answering. I actually have little guys that haven't started any formal math yet. I am hoping someone will answer about the elementary part of this. I don't know whether to just start them out in Singapore or I am actually leaning towards MCP with added math literature and hands-on games.....and then switch then to Systematic Mathematics when they are older. Hmmmm. Let me ask you this, if you could do it over, would you have started your dd with this when she was little? I guess that is probably a hard question to answer, since you probably haven't even looked at the elementary stuff. I am wondering how I have never ever HEARD of this program! Our oldest dd is a sophomore in college! I have been homeschooling all these years, and my friends call me "Research Queen". LOL! I watched one of the videos and though it was simple, it just seemed like it would "work". The reviews also seemed really positive. It didn't seem too expensive, either. I guess I'll do some more "digging" on it. So glad this is clicking for your dd!

    Well, anyway....thanks again!

    Have a Blessed Day!!

    Denise

  7. With all that, you probably don't need to invest in MTW. You could simply follow the order of SM and what is in the LHFHG math section. I don't think I would actually give them the workbooks. Just look at them to determine the topic and teaching ideas. Then go to LHFHG and all your other sources and do activities and games.

     

    The 8 year old may be okay with some workbook work, but I'm just not a big fan at 6.

     

    Best of luck!

     

    Now THAT would just be TOO easy, now wouldn't it!?? LOL!! I don't know WHY I must continually complicate things!!! Thank you for the advice, nonetheless!!!

    I KNOW I should take it! :001_unsure::rolleyes::blushing::ack2::confused1:

  8. I read the book Home Learning Year by Year by Rebecca Rupp. I really feel comfortable with following her math layout pretty much right in the order she wrote it as far as introducing new concepts' date=' and making sure like 2 days a week we play a game or do some activity that hits on one of the already learned concepts to keep them fresh in their brains. Her lay out covers everything listed in the Family Math books (look in the back) as to what is typically learned every year. She also gives more ideas for living math books to cover each topic.[/font']

     

    Our interlibrary loan had this one. It is "in-transit" as we speak! Can't wait to check it out. Thank you for sharing this!

    Hopefully all of this will gel into some sort of a plan soon:tongue_smilie:!

    Thanks again...

    Denise

  9. We had an amazing fourth grade teacher pilot Mathematics as a Way of Thinking and she didn't like it. She felt it was outdated and that there are better resources available now, like the Marilyn Burns books.

     

    If you are just looking for supplemental, hands-on, MTW style activities, I'd suggest just buying the Work Jobs books.

     

    FWIW, even being trained in the program and loving it, I would not choose MTW as a stand alone math program. It's a great supplement though.

     

    Well, I purchased the Work Jobs books (used) and have a couple Marilyn Burns books coming to our local library, so I can check them out. They are..... Math and Literature K-3/Book One and About Teaching Mathematics: a K-8 Resource. I also have another one coming to our library, called Math links : teaching the NCTM 2000 standards through children's literature / Caroline W. Evans, Anne J. Leija, Trina R. Falkner ; illustrated by Cherie Blackmore. This one also looks good.

    Thanks so much for sharing!

    Dense

  10. I just wrote down the Ruth Beechick book from some other thread (to read it)...and I love Marilyn Burns' books!

     

    What I really would like to do is have some sort of "spine" to follow and use hands-on manipulatives, games, and math literature with the boys. My fear is that I won't cover everything well, in the "right" order, etc. I have saved a couple scope and sequences and some info. from threads on here, mostly.

     

    We already have: cuisenare rods and books, unifix cubes, geoboards and cards, pattern blocks and books, tangrams with cards, a base ten set, Math Pack (Math Sense Building Blocks Program ) lots of counters, a student and teacher clock, Rulers, various tape measures, Answer Bingo Time & Money, Answer Bingo Addition, Dominoes, Rummikub, Uno, Math Mouse Games, Shut the Box game, Regular Bingo, Learning Resources Teaching Cash Register and accompanying book, The following books: Family Math, Grocery Cart Math, Bears, Bears, Bears, Shoe Box Math Learning Centers, 15 Fun and Easy Games for Young Learners: Math, Adding Alligators and Other Easy to Read Math Stories, Meet the Math Standards with Favorite Picture Books, Math Skills Made Fun: Dazzling Math Line Designs, Mrs. E's Extraordinary Number Activities, Quick and Easy Learning Games: Math, Literature-Based Math Activities, Math Games to Master Basic Skills, How to Get Your Child off the Refrigerator and on to Learning (SO many great ideas!), AND all of the US Edition Singapore Earlybird Mathematics workbooks (and the lessons in Heart of Dakota's - Little Hearts for His Glory that go w/ them). I also have countless LISTS of Mathstart books, Marilyn Burns books, Crowell Young Math books, etc.....

     

    My head is SWIMMING trying to make some sense out of all of it! Where to begin, HOW to begin....

     

    ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated:confused:.

  11. Thank you so much for answering! Looks like "we're it" lol!

    The boys are 6 and 8.

    I am a little concerned since this "way" isn't quite the "norm". I discovered it on this website: http://www.custom-homeschool-curriculum.com/homeschool-curriculum-store.html

     

    It's really good.

     

    Have you seen the other book I mentioned? I guess that one is "supposed" to follow this one.

     

    I'm not for "teacher-intensive", but I think with these boys I'm going to have to get over that:glare:.

     

    What did you read or see that helped you make your decision to use it?

     

    Thanks again for your input!!

    Blessings,

    Denise

  12. I ran across this and am wondering if I should check it out. I have two boys with undiagnosed learning issues and have not started them on formal math yet. I know one is ADHD (diagnosed) and the other ADD (diagnosed). Not sure if there are other issues going on or not. I really need to have them evaluated, but I wouldn't even know where to start. I have a fear of them becoming labeled and then under a microscope by our public school, social services, etc.

    I am also going to post this on the special needs board, but put it here too because the math is for ALL learners and I thought there might be some out there using it.

     

    Thanks!

    Blessings,

    Denise:)

  13. Did you use the 'Go Advanced' button when you edited. That's the only way to update the subject, I believe. I also suspect that it might not work perfectly. I seem to have a memory....

    Yep, I used the go advanced.

    Oh welll............

    That has been very typical of my whole week with the internet :glare:(trying to shop online, email being bought out by another company, etc. etc....)

     

    Thanks for sharing.:001_smile:

  14. I filed the papers for me as the teacher and the workboxes are for the kids. On Sunday night I pull out the Weekly folders, fill up their workboxes with Monday's sheets, and I review any extras we might need (glue sticks, colored paper.) On Monday morning we start school with Box #1. If somebody finishes their box early and I am with another child they know to go get the next box. This works better with my older son as he has more independent work.

     

    SUPER, just what I was thinking! Makes so much sense, thank you again!!! :D

  15. I do! :D Here is what I do with LHFHG:

     

    Filing Folders: Made copies of all the Ryhmes in MOtion and filed them under the appropriate week, also under each week have his phonics sheets and math sheets. I put any art supplies for the week in baggies, labeled and filed. I have other sheets from different programs filed.

     

    Worboxes: I have Box 1 through 12, but I use other things besides HOD

    Box 1- math

    Box2- phonics

    Box3- Art/Music/ Geo rotation

    Box4- Bible study and music

    Box5-Reading About History

    Box6-fine motor skills

    Box7- Storytime

    Box8- FLL/ Latin

    Box9- Science/Thinking Games rotation

    Box10- playdo/legos center

    Box11- T/Th French, other days free

    Box12- Elemental Science

     

    WOW! How long does YOUR school day take??

    Thank you for posting this, I can SEE it now!! The Light bulb is finally ON! I never thought of having the file AND the workboxes. I kept thinking it had to be one or the other. I had seen where people loaded the files, like they loaded the drawers, but just today I ran across the 36 week filing system. YIKES! Hope I can keep up lol! This is probably exactly what I need, though.

     

    I'm actually "seeing" the filing system as a "teacher box" that the dc don't get in, but that *I* use to fill their workboxes from...right? At least at this age? We also have an "in bin" for completed work and they each have a three-ring binder divided by subjects for graded work. Anything I'm missing??

    Thanks again!

    Blessings:),

    Denise

  16. I don't know if they are out of print though? Can't find them. There is a sample of the table of contents here, but not of a lesson?: http://www.rainbowresource.com/pictures/008713/c/1/1285448776-1574025

    I may be able to scan a couple lessons and post or email them to you. Not sure if I know exactly "how" to do that, but I need to learn! LOL.

     

    Start with Art Series by Sue Lacey

     

    There are five books in the series.

    1. Start with Art Still Life
    2. SWA People
    3. SWA Landscapes
    4. SWA Animals
    5. SWA Sports and Leisure

    Let me know if you are interested and have questions. I can give you a better description of a lesson.

     

    Blessings,

    Denise:001_smile:

  17. with Heart of Dakota and if so, HOW and what does that "look" like? I have been a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" very eclectic homeschooler for fifteen years! Granted, my oldest son is taking all advanced highschool classes and three college classes his junior year and my oldest graduated highschool and is in her freshman year of college. She was on the honor roll the whole way through highschool and is doing great in college. I also have a sixth grader that loves science, art, loves to read, and is doing well in all her subjects. SO...........I guess they still did/are doing well even with their scatterbrained mama. LOL! BUT....... I have HAD it (with ME)! Plus, with these last two little guys, I am going to HAVE to be very organized and have a flow, because if I don't....they are GONE...sometimes mentally (zoning out while waiting on me) or literally...gone! LOL :o

     

     

    I was thinking workboxes would be good for them to "see" their work getting done, but how do I do it with HOD?? Can it be done or am I wasting my time? My head is spinning with all the multitude of ideas I've been reading about, so I thought maybe if I asked for those specifically using HOD it might set off the lightbulbs in my head! I tend to be an all or nothing kind of person.......I'm actually a perfectionist with ADD! LOL :lol:

     

     

    We don't really have an issue with needing things compact or not having enough room for workboxes. I am leaning toward the plastic drawer-type however, just cuz I don't like the stuff sticking out the tops of the shoebox types and how the books "bend". I know that would drive me crazy! lol Just me, no offense to all of you that use the original sytem!:D

     

     

    Anywaaaay.....we are using Little Hearts for His Glory.

     

     

    Thanks so much!!

     

    Blessings,

    Denise

  18. I find it easier to do the 3 R's first ,when they are young. Then they can just lounge around when they are more tired and I can read to them. Most of the time I would do Storytime during lunch.

     

    That's awesome that you can do that! I'm with Stephanie, my guys would rebel. LOL Actually, they just wouldn't learn as well. By the time we got to math if I stuck all three "desk" lessons together, the boys might "look" like they're sitting still and listening, but inside their head they'd be saying, "can I go...can I go...can I gooooo....can I huh?huh?huh? can I? HUUUUHHH???? Can I move? can I move? can I mooooooove????" LOL:lol: Needless to say, if that's what's going on in their head when I'm trying to teach them a math concept, I'm better off letting them blow off the steam and come back when they can concentrate better. We are also using a cd called Music for Concentration and one called Music for Learning.....testin' out that Mozart research! :001_smile:

  19. I am using LHFHG with 2 boys (K & 1st). I try to alternate between harder (sitting/listening/writing) and easier/funner tasks as well.

     

    1. History

    2. Bible

    3. Reading (1st does Emerging Readers while K does starfall.com)

    3. Reading (K does The Reading Lesson while 1st does starfall.com)

    4. Rhymes

    5. Fine Motor Skills

    6 & 7. Music/Storytime/Snack/Break - I turn on the music while I prepare the snack. While we eat the snack, I read the story. Then I give them a short break if I need a little time to set up for art/science if necessary.

    8. Math

    9. Rotating box (art/science/drama)

     

    Since they play a little in the morning, we sit down for history. Bible is normally throwing a ball or a kleenex, so that's up and about again. Settle back down for reading. Back up for rhymes. Back down for fine motor. Snack time is a break & I let them have a few minutes to run around. Back down for math and then back up (mostly) for the rotating box. Hope that makes sense! It sounds tiring but it has worked really well for my two boys! :001_smile:

     

    Sounds like us :)

    Since your guys are prob. around the same age as ours, I wanted to share....

    This is the silliest thing, but my boys beg to start school because the first thing we do is I read the Bible related reading/lessons and pray first, while they eat a pack of fruit gummies (a real treat for them). Sometimes the littlest things make all the difference! lol

    We are also using Starfall...isn't it GREAT!?:D

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