Thank you for all of that info!!! I had no idea it could be that cheap! When do you find the paper that cheap? I have an ink jet but am looking into buying a laser one now. I saw one on Staples.com (it was a mono and not a duplex though) for only $60. I'm thinking it may be worth getting it, even though I won't be able to print double sided?

Thank you!!

Can you order just the RS math games separately? What exactly am I looking for if I do that?

I'll be waiting to see if anyone replies. I also looked at Staples for having prints made. I think the ones that print at home have said to use the fast printing (less ink I guess) and do it in b&w. How much ink do you go through though?

Thank you for all those links and the explanation! That helped tremendously!! I'll definitely watch that video. Off to purchase now!:)

Ok, that makes me feel better. I've heard those same items mentioned a couple of times. Where did you get the C-rods and the base 10 blocks? Is there mention of how to use them with the MM curriculum?

I had almost decided on MM. I even entered all of my payment in the HSBC page and everything. But then I started reading more (bad idea when you've almost decided on a piece of curriculum, I know:glare: ) Now I'm not sure if I should go with MM or RS. I think my 3rd grader will do just fine in MM. It's my 1st graders (actually one is 5 years old and one is 6, but have been schooling them on the same level) that I'm more concerned about. I want it to be a good foundation for them. We are coming from Abeka, where it was pretty dry and they didn't really enjoy it. I've written a couple of posts about MM and additional games and such to add, but now my question is MM or RS? Then I've heard that some who use MM add in the al abucus. Would I just buy that separately and which one? Do you just add that in as a supplemental tool to MM? For those who have done both, what do you recommend? I want to give them the best possible start. Also, if you talk about things to buy from RS, could you either link them or be specific in the description? I haven't done as much research on that and am still trying to wade through their site that I'm completely unfamiliar with. THANK YOU!!

Yes, fun math stuff for them. Thanks for that info. I haven't actually ordered yet, so I haven't been able to look through it to see what is there. I will definitely check that out once I get it!

Thanks for the suggestions! Erin, when you say a pack of cards...what kind of cards do you mean?

Thanks for the suggestions!

Oops, forgot to mention those two. We are pulling a couple of things from MFW for music and will be doing Song School Latin :)

We have done Abeka since I started homeschooling. They were getting bored and started not liking school as much, so I figured it was time for a change. After months of mullling over curriculum, reading posts and reviews, and praying...I think I've decided on what we will use. I'm a little nervous since Abeka is really all we've even known...but so excited for a change at the same time! So, what do you think? Two 1st graders and a 3rd grader: MFW Adventures for all Pathway Phonics with Explode the Code for 1st graders Primary Language Lessons and Spelling Power for 3rd grader Math Mammoth for all (though still trying to find some 'fun' stuff to add in for my 1st graders.) Do I have it all covered? It's so different for me piecing things together, since I'm so used to buying a 'kit' and being done. But I think it will be a good year for us. Any other suggestions?

After much review and some great advice on here, I've decided to go with Math Mammoth. But I'm wondering if I should get something to go along with it to make it more fun for my two 1st graders. Actually, they are 5 and 6 years old, but my 5 year old will be doing 1st grade instead of K (he did K with my son last year and breezed through it.) I want to make it fun for them and am worried that MM won't be 'fun' enough. I've heard people recommend Right Start math games (how do I even order that) . I've also thought about the pattern blocks (like they have on MFW.) If you have a 1st grader in MM, what do you add to it to make it more fun? I have a 3rd grader that will be doing it to, but not as concerned about the fun factor for her. Thank you!

Yes, that does help! Thank you all so much! All the replies have helped so much!!:thumbup:

Thanks Erin! One more question...I was just looking over some sample pages and really really like how they are colored. Do most people print in color (and has that been costly or an issue) or do most print in black and white. For those who print in black and white, do you find it takes away from it with there being no color?

Thank you Jen! That makes sense now! I tried to read over it but it just seemed confusing to me. Thanks for clarifying!:) So excited to finally find our math program for the year! It was the last thing I needed:) Of course, as excited as I am, I still have moments of second guessing myself...like I just did when I was writing this:001_unsure: I thought I was set on Singapore until I came across MM. Someone tell me I won't be sorry for going with MM instead of Singapore!

Thank you ALL so much for the replies! I am definitely going with the downloadable version! :thumbup: So, the light blue is 1-6. That's all I would need through the 6th grade for all three kids? I can print out as much as I want? Wow, that IS a great deal if that's the case! So, one question then...I saw on the HSBC that they have bundles and you can choose to buy all 3 sets (blue 1-6, light blue 1-6, golden/green 1-8/9.) I'm not buying this, but it made me wonder what the difference is between them and why would someone need them all? I've heard light blue the most. Is that what I need to go with? One more question. I've never bought off there before. I just put in that I want to wait for it to get to 50% (or whatever I decide) and commit to buy it then? That's all? Is it pretty guaranteed that it will get to 50% or should I put in something lower? Also, we were going to start school the 20th. Does it usually not get that cheap until way closer to the end of the month? I'm so excited and can't wait to get this! Thanks for everyones help!!:001_smile:

Thank you! So, you're doing 4th grade with your 3rd grader? How do I know how to place them? Also, I see a bunch of stuff on that site. Is this what I'm suppose to be looking at if I want to buy the soft cover? At Lulu: Part A worktext $14.95 Part B worktext $14.95 Answer Keys $13.95 Tests & Cumulative Reviews $12.95 Is that all I would need for the whole year for one of my 1st graders? And you said it was all consumable? All 4 parts of that?

Let me start by saying that I have an upcoming 3rd grader and two 1st graders. We are coming from Abeka math. I originally thought I would switch to Singapore, but have ready so much about Math Mammoth that I think we will do that. (Is that a good choice?) I have looked on the sites given for buying MM, but am totally confuses. I saw that you can buy either downloadable (or CD) or the soft cover books. I would rather buy something that I don't have to print out, but is that the better way to go? How do most people buy it? Is it costly and annoying to print out? Or is it better to just buy the hard copy? Also, what would I need for two 1st graders and a 3rd grader? I saw so much on the sites and couldn't decipher it all. Could someone link me to exactly what I would need to order for both of them? And would I need to order 2 sets since I have 2 in 1st grade? Is it all consumable? Thank you for your help!! Tammy