eesmom Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 Hello everyone, I am in search of a good math program for my DD who is 5. She has not had any formal math teaching (I just pulled her out of K a week ago!). I have done some simple stuff but nothing program driven. I am a bit nervous about teaching math because it is just so different from teaching other subjects, at least, it seems to me! From my observation of her, she is easily distracted, very verbal, and visually oriented. For example, today we were doing some simple grouping of items on a sheet of paper, she circled the correct number of objects and then proceeded to tell me that the line that she drew around the objects resembled a "key". She didn't even care that she did it correctly, but that the line that was drawn looked like a key. And holy moly, it did! I would have never caught that but she is really visually quick like that. So, what sort of program would be good for her? I would love to have a solid, concept base program but also one that she will "click" with as well. Any advice or recommendation would be appreciated!!:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 I highly recommend RightStart for that age and from what you said about her, it sounds like it might be a good match. It is a very solid program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeswa Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 I really like Math Mammoth because I feel it is a solid program. I can't really say if would it be a good fit for your daughter. I thought I would offer the program so you could check it out. Another good program is MEP math and can be found at http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm plus it's free. Good luck in your search, Jes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momling Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 If I were to do it over, I'd use Right Start. I've used Miquon and Math Mammoth. I've found Miquon to be confusing to teach... And while Math Mammoth is working just fine for my daughter, it's a worktext. It is solid and good and convenient... but it isn't very inspiring. I think Right Start seems more kid-friendly and fun and hands on. I'd use Right Start for a few years and then switch to MM or Singapore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 I've heard great things about Kitchen Table Math... I'm planning to get that to use along side some other workbook type things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eesmom Posted January 8, 2011 Author Share Posted January 8, 2011 I have been thinking very seriously about RightStart. . . and I am glad that I am getting confirmation that it is a good fit for my DD. I would love to hear other thoughts and if I could get even more of a consensus for RS, that would be great! Thanks, Sylvia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 (edited) . Edited June 7 by SilverMoon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenmamma Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 We didn't start off when our kids were this little, but I like the look of the rod and staff curriculum...not too much fluff. I will have to keep this in mind if we have more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinyhappypeople Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 McRuffy color math is very good for visual learners. Most lessons use lots of manipulatives and there are many activities that emphasize visual memory, patterning and logic. It's a more traditional approach then Right Start, the lessons are short (takes us 10-15 min or less usually), the workbook pages are relatively brief, and the TM is very easy to use. My flighty, artsy, princess girl loves it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2Tess&Gus Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 RIghtStart! My DS (6) is over half way through B and my DD (9) has been doing Teaching Textbooks and watching her little bro have fun with RS. She begged and begged to ADD RS (she's still doing TT) to her schedule. We are almost done doing the transition lessons and she will start level E in February. FWIW, my DS is "mathy" and my DD is not...she is artsy and hands-on. They both like RS. (Oddly enough, he wants to do TT as a supplement as well...I'm going broke buying math curriculum!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom0012 Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 Another vote for Rightstart for K. Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RENEEinVA Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 Singapore math worked very well for my children when they were young. They enjoyed it and it gave them a great foundation for higher level maths. Worked for us.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siloam Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 Another vote for Rightstart for K. Lisa And another here. Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 My daughter sounds similar to yours and RightStart was a perfect fit for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eesmom Posted January 8, 2011 Author Share Posted January 8, 2011 Thank you, thank you for all of your thoughts and advice! It really is a "curriculum jungle" out there and for a newbie like myself, it is truly overwhelming! I will definitely check out some of the suggestions that were posted! Thanks again ladies! Sylvia:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aly9712 Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 I would suggest ShillerMath. It's Montessori "prepackaged". It is costly but covers 3 years. Good luck with your decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 I'm a big Saxon K-3 fan-- I mention Saxon because you say you are nervous about teaching it. I loved Right Start, and agree it's a good choice, but I will say that I didn't use it because I didn't feel confident I could teach it. I didn't want to have to learn how to use the abacus or do the games myself so I could teach them. Just lazy, I guess! Saxon comes with a script, it's hands-on (lots of playing store, using stuffies to show first/second/third, using manipulatives of the standard kind like pattern blocks and bear counters, etc), and it gives a solid foundation. I'd check into it iiwy! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 Mathematics Made Meaningful. It uses Cusinenaire rods and task cards to help dc learn all sorts of math concepts. For a bright, creative little person, it would be lots of fun, even though it might make you crazy following her tangents, lol. Tangents are fine for kidlets like her. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariston Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 So, what sort of program would be good for her? I would love to have a solid, concept base program but also one that she will "click" with as well. We have been very happy with MEP as a comprehensive, conceptual program: http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm I like that the focus is on creative thinking and problem solving, but there is still enough practice built in to memorize math facts. It is rather teacher intensive but the lessons are laid out clearly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatmansWife Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 I'd definitely second McRuffy Color Math. Have her check out the samples with you and see what she thinks. Seems like a lot of RightStart users here. I had it and didn't like it at all (I'm still trying to sell my level B set). Maybe I'm in the minority here. :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelBee Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 My son actually really enjoys Math U See. :) Good luck in you decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MangoMama Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 We have been very happy with MEP as a comprehensive, conceptual program: http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm I like that the focus is on creative thinking and problem solving, but there is still enough practice built in to memorize math facts. It is rather teacher intensive but the lessons are laid out clearly. :iagree: Plus, it's free! :001_smile: There have been lots of discussion here on MEP, so you can do a search and you'll get quite a few hits. There's also a great blog post that explains what MEP is and how to get started: http://ohpeacefulday.blogspot.com/2009/06/mep-101.html It's great for visual spatial learners, which sounds like your daughter. Good luck with your decision! I know how very hard it can be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tamberly Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 BJU math is very colorful and super easy to use for newbies. It is the fourth program we've tried and the first that has been a hit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corbie Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 We have used MUS, Horizons and MM. I use what I learned from MUS to teach Horizons. Although, I think MM teaches the concepts, facts and word problems really well. My K-er is doing MM1A right now. I throw in some Horizons K because I have it. My dd likes both. If I had to give up one, it would be Horizons. However, I love throwing in the spiral for review. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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