To Leave MUS or combine? Please help me decide

[lyonsden5]

I'm debating whether to jump ship with MUS, which we have been moderately successfull with so far. Both boys, going into 4th & 7th have used MUS since Alpha. ds1 (12.5) has finished Zeta and has done "ok" so far. Has still has to look back a lot for rules when dividing & simplifying fractions, area of a triangle, etc., so retention doesn't seem so great. But I know this anyway - as his times tables are still far from cemented. He usually comes up with the right answer, but it takes a while for him to think about it. He has never really used/liked the manipulatives, which my ds 2 (age 9) loves. So, I don't feel like he's super strong in math at this point. It's time for pre-algebra, and I'm wondering about switching - possibly to Thinkwell. ds1 loves the idea of it being on the computer.

 

I have really liked the DVD instruction method of MUS - and so has ds1. It's been rather independent and this is good thing for me, as I work outside the home 2 days a week, then work from home on others, and have a toddler. So - simplification is really important, if that's possible to find with another math program.

 

So, does anyone have experience with Thinkwell? Anyone left MUS at pre-algebra for something in an independent format? Should I stick with MUS or combine in with Thinkwell?

 

As for ds2 (9), he's almost finished with Gamma - definitely does not have tables down, but neither did his brother. Do I go on to Delta with him, (which I won't have to spend any $ on and things are tight), or maybe combine with Math Mammoth, or just Math Mammoth alone for him (I think he will like the visual aspect of it)? He doesn't seem to get so much from the DVD instruction. I usually have to really work with him on it myself. I hear that Math Mammoth isn't as independent as it says, but for him, MUS isn't really, anyway.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions would be so much appreciated.

[Night Elf]

My first thought is what level would you put him into with a new program? It sounds like he's not as consistent and grounded in the math concepts as you would like him to be. So I can understand not wanting to move him into the next MUS level. However, you need to consider that for the next program as well. If he doesn't know something with MUS, he won't know it for the other program as well. I've also heard people say that MUS covers topic out of sequence when compared to other programs. That might play a part in your decision as well. Does Thinkwell have a placement test?

 

I'm always in awe of people who schedule 2 math programs. You say your time is limited. Will adding in an additional program be workable for you?

[lyonsden5]

probably not, realistically. I've never even thought of doing two before, but it seemed so common on these boards, I thought maybe I was missing something:)

[lyonsden5]

I don't have it yet - I was looking at the deal on Homebuyers Co-op. Looks like I would get the CD for grades 1-6. I'm not sure whether to get the Blue or Light Blue package. Does anyone have advice on that? The Blue is a bit less expenive. Thanks again for your input!

[lisak]

Your post was speaking about pre-algebra...With MUS it seems that pre-algebra is tougher than the previous level. It seemed that my daughter had to focus more with pre-algebra and take more time working through the lessons. That is something to consider with your son.

 

I used MM a bit with my younger daughter last year. She did well with it. She was coming from Horizons. We used a couple of blue sets, purchased from currclick. She liked it in that the lessons were short with maybe 15-20 problems; she was used to 40-50 it seemed. The light blue is the complete curriculum. I think I purchased one of those as well, but we never got to it. It has a bit more instruction with it.

 

You might try fitting your son to those concepts he needs more work with using the blue purchases.

 

I have heard other people talk about Key To... being a good curriculum for mastering a concept as well. Just a thought.

 

Good Luck to you.

[EKS]

My opinion is to move to a solid prealgebra program (other than MUS) for the 12yo. I have no experience with Thinkwell, though I've looked at the online samples extensively and it looks interesting. If you were happy with MUS for your 9yo, I would say to stick with it through Zeta, but since you don't seem to be, then maybe a switch is in order. Again, no experience with MM here, but it is well liked by folks on here whose math opinions I respect.

[lyonsden5]

Do you have a personal favorite for a solid Pre-Algebra program? I looked at Saxon today at a friend's house, and it looked "busier" to my son than MUS and he seemed a little overwhelmed by it. Of course, this was a 5 minute glance over, so I'm not drawing any big conclusions. She said that Saxon really helped her 12 year old son remember how to do operations, from all the repetition. I find that my son is constantly referring back in his MUS book to remember how to do fractions, decimals, etc. Is this normal or does it mean he hasn't had enough practice? Thanks!

[lyonsden5]

Lisa,

 

I think your info has helped me decide that the Blue, rather than Light Blue MM, would be a better fit for us.

Also, did your ds get a lot from MUS pre-algebra? Would you recommend it or not? Thanks!

[Guest ME-Mommy]

As a mom who has used every MUS "level" from Primer - Geometry, (and soon Algebra 2) I would caution against moving on with MUS or switching programs until they have their facts mastered. Use games, etc. to really "cement" those facts -- don't kill them with more worksheets but find ways to make learning the facts fun.

 

They won't be successful with any math program until they have their facts mastered. And learning a set of steps to solve a problem won't work either...they have to grasp the concept behind the steps.

 

Are they teaching you the lesson -- EACH AND EVERY lesson?? That's really the "key" to mastery learning. They can't teach back what they haven't mastered themselves.

[lyonsden5]

Good question. I would have to say that no, they are not teaching me every lesson, and I do realize that's an essential part of the MUS program, so I guess I really haven't used it to the fullest extent.