I believe the International edition is the newer of the two and there is less overall to buy.

I contacted our local chapter to see if there were any kids around my DD's age but there wasn't so I passed. The only way I would sign my kids up is if there was a strong kids chapter.

Ok...that makes sense. I'll get the full program online (unless my local store just happens to get it in used) and start it at 1B if I feel like the text would benefit her. Right now she is on unit 2 and so far it's all just been for fun and no challenge. I do want her to be challenged eventually but right now, it is more about her having fun with it.

I have been all over the internet trying to find an answer to my Singapore questions and have had no luck. I'm sure I could contact the company and ask but I'd rather here it from parents who have used the products. On their website I see a 1A workbook but at my local bookstore that has a homeschool section, the 1A book has a different cover and is called Singapore Math Practice. Is this the same? They did not have the text in the store so I'm wondering if I buy the 1A text from a website, will it match the 1A book that I have? I looked through the book pretty well in store and thought I was buying first grade math but on the cover it says Appropriate for Students in 2nd Grade. I am not familiar with what public school 2nd graders are doing, but is it equivalent to Singapore 1A/1B? I always feel so bad asking what are probably silly questions =(

My DD loves for me to read the rainbow fairie books to her! She also likes Magic Tree House and Magic School Bus both of which would be fun for boys too. I think they are all around the same level.

Have any of your kids who have used Singapore had trouble with the number bonds? Based on the placement test I am thinking starting at 1a. I looked at the kindy books but DD is past those. Do I really need the home inst. manual?

I would give my right arm to be able to take my kids to a Brain Balance center or Anna's house. We have nothing like those here! Both of my kids have special needs and my DD (now 4) was identified gifted at 3. I also suspect DS (2.5) is gifted based on similarities to my DD. If I had not had my DD IQ tested, I have no idea how long it would have taken me to figure out that a lot of her difficulties are related to problems with auditory processing. I also love that I figured out this early that she is a strong VSL. DD's IQ test was part of a behavioral evaluation so insurance actually paid. I think I would do Anna's or BBC first so that the info from there can be taken into account when IQ testing is done.

I wish I could get my hands on a Miquon book to look at it in person. The few samples I am finding online do not look appealing so I am guessing it is something I would need to actually see to understand it. I did look at Singapore samples like one of you suggested. I like the looks of it and the concepts covered but am having a hard time figuring out if she would need the first part of the first grade book or the second. Once again, I wish I had more samples to look at. Is there a website that shows more or are those few sheets on the main website all I can see without purchasing? MM looks good too but maybe a little too repetitive and too much writing for a young learner.

My DD just turned 4 last Friday. She too, loves workbooks but I hate how much crap I've heard from people who don't understand that I'm not pushing her to do them. She really loves them! I'm so glad to hear there is another 4 year old out there who seems to thrive on them as well. :001_smile: What is the differences in Horizons math and the other programs mentioned? Are the grade levels similar or is one more advanced than the other? Can you tell I'm new at this curriculum thing? Haha. We've only done store bought workbooks but since DH and I have decided to pull her out of her two day a week preschool, we are wanting to do something more organized at home. We have enjoyed our tot school time over the past couple years so I'm really excited to have her home all the time now and move up our schooling a notch!

Wow. I think the Lifepac stuff looks awesome! I'm definitely putting that one on my list as one to look more into, especially the Bible curriculum. How old is your son?

What are the differences between those and Unifix cubes? When I bought the Unifix cubes at our local school store, I saw the C-rods but wasn't really sure of how they are used and if they are that much different.

Please bear with me as I am a newbie at trying to figure out the big homeschool curriculums. I am looking for a kindergarten/1st grade math program that would be good for my pre k DD who is identified as a strong VSL through IQ testing. She is currently in therapy for auditory processing issues but one on one she does fine as long as I can keep her interest. She enjoys adding and subtracting with Unifix cubes so I would like to somehow incorporate those. I briefly looked online at MM, Singapore, Lifepac. Can anyone tell me the differences from experience? I have a good friend who uses Math U See and explained it to me but it sounds a little boring for a pre k aged child. I also looked at MEP but got kind of overwhelmed and confused by the site. What others should I look at for a young VSL? :bigear: Thanks in advance!

I actually just had an interview today for a pre k program but they ended up saying DD is too far ahead for what they can offer. That is the 2nd pre k that has told us that so we are going to homeschool instead. Do you have a link for the Lifepac curriculum? I am not yet familiar with that one and would love to check it out!

I have been enjoying reading Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students. I'm not really sure how it would work for a stubborn child but the tips recommended in the book have been helpful with my overly emotional perfectionist preschooler. http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Intensity-Gifted-Students-Explosive/dp/1593634900/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320706703&sr=8-1