My son really likes the timed tests. They are great for helping him to focus, and really try his best. And, he's really proud of what he can accomplish before the time is up, and he gets lots of praise for his work. He can usually get to the low or mid teens, but has never made it to twenty before the minute is up. The tests have been great for him, and we don't plan to stop; I'm just trying to get a feel for how long it generally takes a first grader to hustle through 20 math facts.

We've recently incorporated math fact timed tests into our math routine for our 6.5yo 1st grader. How much time is normal?? I've been giving him one minute, but he has yet to finish all the problems in that time, even on tests that only use +1 problems, which he knows quite well. Should we keep practicing, or increase the time?

Here's another vote for Primary Phonics readers. Terrific!

I'm thinking CLE is our spine - do a lesson a day like a normal school year, plan to finish every lesson over the course of the year. MM is a supplement, so most days I have him do a page or two, and likely keep it going low key over breaks, summer, etc. But no sweat if MM isn't completely finished in a school year. For example, if he's telling time well via CLE, we won't do that; likewise with measuring, etc.

We're planning CLE (grade 2) as our core next year, with MM as a supplement. My son has used MM since Christmas this year, and it has really, really improved his understanding of concepts. It simply must remain in our curricula. However, the daily review of concepts in CLE is also essential for our son, and MM doesn't do that. Together, I think the two programs will give our son what he needs in math.

This year it will be a supplement for our 2nd grader. Next year...who knows? Probably supplement, but possibly core. It kind of depends on what the younger siblings do best with; our oldest needs spiral at the core, and I can't say yet about the next 3 siblings...

Which do you prefer, and why?? I'm trying to decide which to order...

Or any sales?? I'm trying to time our curriculum purchases with the free shipping offers/sale months. But I'm clueless about these two companies. Anyone know?? Thanks!

Thanks for all the help! I finally had him take the diagnostic test. And, while he did pass (barely), it was pretty difficult for him to do, and it took him ages to finish. He answered most of the addition problems correctly, even the three column addition, which surprised me. However, he had to make little dots and dashes all over his sheet to figure out the right answers. He understands the concept, but doesn't yet have them memorized. I think I'll place him at about LU 105 and let him get a run at it so he doesn't get too bogged down and frustrated.

I had planned to do CLE2 as our spine next year, with MM as a supplement. Now I'm wondering if CLE would move too fast for him. Maybe we should do R&S as our spine instead? I was trying to pair a spiral program with MM, but maybe the drill of R&S is more important at this stage. Opinions, please?? What would you pick in this situation? My son really "gets" MM explanations, but math is a weak subject, and we're opting to go with 2 programs - spine (to be used on a regular school schedule) + supplement (which will be gently used year round).

I know CLE emphasizes math fact memory in grade 1. So, we're thinking of jumping into CLE in grade 2, and my son isn't fast at his math facts yet. He can do his +0's, +1's, and is working on his +2's. Anything beyond that is not yet mastered. Does CLE grade 2 assume prior mastery of the facts?

We've been using 1st grade, and it requires a good deal of guidance (not that that is a bad thing for that age). My 6yo needs me to sit down with him at every lesson, and we go over the lesson, practice the new concepts, make sure he knows what spelling words the picture is trying to get him to write, etc. What grade does CLE become more independent for the student?

I'm going to be the stick-in-the-mud here. We bought Artistic Pursuits with high hopes last year...and it is not currently working for us. For us there isn't enough how in the program. We look at a picture together, and that is fine. But then, the instructions go something like..."and now make up something of your own to draw, and use the techniques illustrated by the picture we just looked at". My son can't make that jump - he doesn't know how to draw, and has no idea how to use a pencil to achieve anything like the the picture we studied. This program frustrates him to tears, which isn't a problem I see with any other curriculum we use. We've shelved it for now and we use Mark Kistler's online drawing lessons, which he loves - Mark shows him how to draw, and he thinks it is great fun. I really like the program...but I think it is best used after kids have had some other instruction so they have an idea where to start.

I'm looking for something spiral to use alongside our mastery program. What is your favorite??

Or should I get a set for each child? My 1st and 2nd graders will be using CLE next year. We already have a set of generic flash cards, but it sounds like it will be worth it to use the CLE set, because of the way it is keyed to the lessons. Should I get two sets for two kids? Or can they share without too much trouble??

thank you!

this month at the Homeschool Buyers Coop!

For what it's worth, where we are the schools (public & also the private school where my husband works) count half days & early releases as a school day. Sounds to me like you had a "half day" today. It counts. :)

My plan exactly! I'm purchasing 2nd grade materials for my rising 2nd grader, and I'm excited that their phonics will review & reinforce what we've done so far. For our rising first grader, he's doing ETC & thriving, so I'll leave well enough alone for now, and plan on having him do R&S 2nd grade reading/phonics after that.

Is it really teacher intensive? I have the sample pages, but I still don't have a good feel for how all the parts come together. My 2nd grader will be using the reading/phonics next year (I think), and I was considering using it for my 1st grader too. But maybe it would be just as well to continue with the ETC books that he's currently using. Anyway - if you've used R&S 1st grade, I'd love it if you could tell me what you think of it! Thanks!

Huge help! Thanks! Sounds like WWE is the way to go for at least another year.

Have you used it? Pros/cons? I'm considering it for my upcoming 2nd grader. Also, what about placement? We're doing CLE LA this year, but it covers things in a different order. Maybe we should quickly go through GWG 1st grade, and then go into second??

Can anyone tell me about their experience with CW Primer? Would it be better to keep going with WWE for another year? This year we're doing WWE1 (6.5yo, 1st grade), and it has been terrific for teaching my son to answer in complete sentences. He's mastered that now, and I'm not sure I see the point of finishing the rest of the book (we're on week 20). He copies accurately, easily answers the questions, understands capitals, periods, pronouns, etc. I had fully intended to continue with WWE2, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe CW Primer would be better for him for 2nd grade??

Can someone compare and contrast these two programs for me? Thanks!

I hear great reviews of their English, but not so much about their Phonics. I'm thinking of using their Phonics because it seems to pair nicely with their Spelling. Seems like they would reinforce each other well. I've seen their samples, but I'd love to hear anyone's real life experience!