mystika1 Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Hi, I am trying to decide how to handle my dd's need for a more spiral math program. Today I took a look at MEP. It seems to me that it is similar to SM but instead of doing one topic at a time it appears to have more variety. My dd likes variety. What are your thoughts? Penny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mystika1 Posted May 4, 2011 Author Share Posted May 4, 2011 :auto: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladydusk Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 I don't know anything about Singapore math, but my kids all seem to like MEP ... we're in Year 1 close to end, Year 1 middle, and Reception levels though. So, I'll give you a Bump! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 Yes, the topics are mixed together, even while there is some main progression. For example, after addition and subtraction are learned, they are incorporated into measurements. From their website -- http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mepres/primary/default.htm Mapping MEP Primary onto current National Numeracy Strategy Strands Mapping National Numeracy Strategy Strands onto current MEP Primary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 I can't say if it's "as good" - but it's certainly similarly conceptual and spiral and it's a good program. We used it for a little while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoo Keeper Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 We have used a MEP/ all of Singapore (texts, workbooks, IP, EP, and CWP)/Miquon combo for the past two years; next year it is just MEP/Miquon/ and Singapore's CWP. I think that MEP has enough "meat" so that I don't need to continue adding in so much Singapore. The MEP worksheets do seem to have a little bit more variety than Singapore, and I work better with MEP's teacher's notes. Is MEP better? I'm beginning to think it might be better for me and mine; ask me again after next year. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Already Gone Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 Bumping. 'Cause even though I love MEP, I sometimes get Singapore Anxiety. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NilaGroveSchool Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 My dd (5 1/2 year old) and I like math alot (I have a degree in mechanical engineering). We are almost through with year 1 of MEP, and were never bored. We have looked at and and tried sample pages of Singapore, but so far have thought that MEP was a better fir for us personally. We complete all the Lessons Plans as they prescribe (the worksheets are great, but so are the additional activities, don't skip these, they are some of the best parts IMO). My daughter loves the variety, and the pretend shopping and so on... We are not opposed to spending money on a product if we think it is worth it, however, so far, MEP is offering us more. DD is stronger in Wiggly Willie, Sociable Sue traits and weaker in Competent Carl, and Perfect Paula traits, so far... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 I think both programs are good, but in a different way from each other. My DS did MEP Reception and most of 1A this year before showing major interest in his big sister's Singapore book. So I picked up a copy of just the 1A and 1B textbooks. He's flying through 1A. I think we'll do some more MEP after he finishes Singapore 1A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindyz Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 We completed all of Singapore 1A and 1B and have about 15 lessons left for MEP 1b (finished 1A as well). We like both programs but they are different. If I had to choose one, it would be Singapore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 I've used Right Start and Singapore with my eldest and started out with Miquon and MEP with my youngest. We dropped Miquon about halfway through MEP Y1, and are continuing with MEP only. With the addition of the CWP BOOKS it's everything I want in a K6 math program, and it is fun to teach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 I think MEP's Year 1 semester A is extremely good. I switched to MEP and started at the beginning and I'm glad I did. I felt Y1 semester B was not quite as good (very repetitive), but I definitely felt it provided a really solid understanding of arithmetic for numbers < 10. It is incredibly clever. I recently bought a Singapore intensive practice book and was surprised at how similar many of the problems are to MEP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 I recently bought a Singapore intensive practice book and was surprised at how similar many of the problems are to MEP.:iagree: The big difference is that IP is designed to be done post-mastery, giving the brightest kids a chance to stretch. I find the core Singapore materials to be solid conceptually, but in a clearly defined and fully-laid-out this-is-how-it's-done way. Little is required in the way of imagination or creativity in the core program. MEP is far from a free-for-all, but the student is occasionally expected to at least attempt to think their way through some problems they haven't yet explicitly been given a method of solving. It's exciting when this happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kama Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 I have been trying to decide between Singapore kindergarten essentials, MEP or MM. This thread is pretty helpful but I am still sort of where I started, which is thinking they are cheap enough to just buy singapore and mm and look all 3 over and then decide. I have read a few posts that say they all work well with each other so I am having a hard to deciding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Reviving an old thread. I have a question about switching from SM to MEP. Where would you place a kid who finished SM 2B in MEP? Also, where would you place a kid who finished SM 4B and BA (whatever already came out) into MEP? I am seriously considering giving up SM for MEP and keeping only CWPs. I can't figure out how to transition. I don't mind going back and redoing sections if I knew what to redo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3Blessings Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 I have done both with dd7. I love MEP and the questions they ask- the depth they provide. Dd, however, loves the mastery approach. She has a hard time keeping interested with spiral approaches. I plan to get back to MEP when we finish 2A and 2B. We just started 2A and she is flying through it- I think thanks to MEP! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMD Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Too many great Math programs :nopity: ... can I make my kids do 4? :svengo: I loved MEP Reception, and DD has done bits of MEP years 2&3 which were excellent. I can't decide if I like MEP, Miquon, Singapore or Beast Academy best. So I have to pick a spine and glean gems from the others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 I have done both with dd7. I love MEP and the questions they ask- the depth they provide. Dd, however, loves the mastery approach. She has a hard time keeping interested with spiral approaches. I plan to get back to MEP when we finish 2A and 2B. We just started 2A and she is flying through it- I think thanks to MEP! So after finishing SM 2B, do you plan on going to MEP 3A? or do you plan on placing into 2B again (just in case something has been missed)? I guess I am trying to figure out how closely those levels correlate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nart Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 Reviving an old thread. I have a question about switching from SM to MEP. Where would you place a kid who finished SM 2B in MEP? Also, where would you place a kid who finished SM 4B and BA (whatever already came out) into MEP? I am seriously considering giving up SM for MEP and keeping only CWPs. I can't figure out how to transition. I don't mind going back and redoing sections if I knew what to redo. I am curious why you are interested in switching. My son is in the middle of SM1B (he finished Japanese Math 1A and B and we are also supplementing with Miquon), so I try to look ahead to see why others liked or didn't like a program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariston Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 So after finishing SM 2B, do you plan on going to MEP 3A? or do you plan on placing into 2B again (just in case something has been missed)? I guess I am trying to figure out how closely those levels correlate. SOrry I can't answer your question, but have you looked at MEP's scope and sequence? It might help answer your question. The topics bounce all over the place week to week, so you might want to go through Year 2 and pick and choose a few of the topics you need to cover and then move into Year 3 (or whatever level is new stuff.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3Blessings Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 So after finishing SM 2B, do you plan on going to MEP 3A? or do you plan on placing into 2B again (just in case something has been missed)? I guess I am trying to figure out how closely those levels correlate. I plan to look through year 2 and hit anything that I feel she needs more work with. I specifically like the challenging questions in MEP. I might use some of those in year 2. At that point, I will move to SM 3A. I would like to go back and forth between the different approaches . . . but the best laid plans, you know?? I think MEP and SM can work together. They seem to correlate well, but the approach is different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kagmypts Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 I plan to look through year 2 and hit anything that I feel she needs more work with. I specifically like the challenging questions in MEP. I might use some of those in year 2. At that point, I will move to SM 3A. I would like to go back and forth between the different approaches . . . but the best laid plans, you know?? I think MEP and SM can work together. They seem to correlate well, but the approach is different. Where are the CWP in MEP? Are they broken out, or would I have to search each lesson plan for them? I plan to use SM CWP for my DD to supplement Rod & Staff, but if I could get the same type of problems from MEP, I will happily do that! Thank you in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 I am curious why you are interested in switching. My son is in the middle of SM1B (he finished Japanese Math 1A and B and we are also supplementing with Miquon), so I try to look ahead to see why others liked or didn't like a program. SM is a fantastic program. I couldn't say enough of good things about it. Frankly I really would like my kids to get an exposure to a different approach. They are both couple years ahead in math and I am in no hurry. I have time to kill until 5th grade when we attempt pre-algebra. I feel like my kids "cracked SM code", SM way of asking questions. I am attempting to jazz it up a bit. I love challenging problems I see in MEP. I have been reading through some activities and they are impressive, very thoughtful. For us BA will be a primary program and we will keep the best aspect of SM - CWP. I even have IPs laying around, so I can do challenging problems if I have time. Short answer - I am not switching because I think MEP is superior. They are different, but appar equally strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 I am curious why you are interested in switching. My son is in the middle of SM1B (he finished Japanese Math 1A and B and we are also supplementing with Miquon), so I try to look ahead to see why others liked or didn't like a program. SM is a fantastic program. I couldn't say enough of good things about it. Frankly I really would like my kids to get an exposure to a different approach. They are both couple years ahead in math and I am in no hurry. I have time to kill until 5th grade when we attempt pre-algebra. I feel like my kids "cracked SM code", SM way of asking questions. I am attempting to jazz it up a bit. I love challenging problems I see in MEP. I have been reading through some activities and they are impressive, very thoughtful. For us BA will be a primary program and we will keep the best aspect of SM - CWP. I even have IPs laying around, so I can do challenging problems if I have time. Short answer - I am not switching because I think MEP is superior. They are different, but appar equally strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoo Keeper Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 Looking at these sample problems (and the solutions) from Year Three may give you an idea of what is in that year's work. There is also a Facts to Know for each year, which is very helpful. This links I gave are all for Year Three--this student is expected to be able to understand this material by the END of Year Three. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 So after finishing SM 2B, do you plan on going to MEP 3A? or do you plan on placing into 2B again (just in case something has been missed)? I guess I am trying to figure out how closely those levels correlate. I'd go from Singapore 3A to MEP 3A. Most children are expected to have their multiplication facts mastered by then end of MEP 2B. IIRC, Singapore doesn't finish introducing the facts until 3A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoo Keeper Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 Where are the CWP in MEP? Are they broken out, or would I have to search each lesson plan for them? I plan to use SM CWP for my DD to supplement Rod & Staff, but if I could get the same type of problems from MEP, I will happily do that! Thank you in advance! There are some word problems in the student books (the practice books), but most of the word problems (and the step by step solutions that you are to talk through with the student) are in the Teacher's Notes--not in a seperate part like the CWP books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 I'd go from Singapore 3A to MEP 3A. Most children are expected to have their multiplication facts mastered by then end of MEP 2B. IIRC, Singapore doesn't finish introducing the facts until 3A. He knows the entire multiplication table. Should we still do SM 3A before MEP 3A? Zoo Keeper. Thanks for the link to "fact to know.' Very helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 He knows the entire multiplication table. Should we still do SM 3A before MEP 3A? No. There will be enough review in MEP Y3a to get a feel for how MEP works. Heads up: there are no pencil and paper algorithms introduced until Y3b, at which point the mental math is continued with estimating. There will be some concepts introduced that he's already familiar with, but MEP sneaks in new nuggets here and there, so careful what you skip. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 No. There will be enough review in MEP Y3a to get a feel for how MEP works. Heads up: there are no pencil and paper algorithms introduced until Y3b, at which point the mental math is continued with estimating. There will be some concepts introduced that he's already familiar with, but MEP sneaks in new nuggets here and there, so careful what you skip. :) I see that! I just discovered factoring in MEP2 so now I am pouring through every page of year 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anabelneri Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Also, where would you place a kid who finished SM 4B and BA (whatever already came out) into MEP? Sweetie is more than halfway done with MEP Year 4, and looking at the Singapore placement tests I would probably look at MEP Year 5 first, to see if it's a good fit. There are some things that are introduced at different times in MEP... they do tend to go slowly in some areas and quite quickly in others, so it won't be a perfect transition. But maybe a good one given what you're looking for. But I don't think you'll need to look back into MEP4. (Sweetie strongly disliked BA, so I can't comment on that part of it) Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kagmypts Posted January 20, 2013 Share Posted January 20, 2013 There are some word problems in the student books (the practice books), but most of the word problems (and the step by step solutions that you are to talk through with the student) are in the Teacher's Notes--not in a seperate part like the CWP books. Thank you for letting m know. I may just stick with Singapore so I don't have to dig though MEP. Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3Blessings Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 Where are the CWP in MEP? Are they broken out, or would I have to search each lesson plan for them? I plan to use SM CWP for my DD to supplement Rod & Staff, but if I could get the same type of problems from MEP, I will happily do that! Thank you in advance! Sorry to see this so late ... the questions are within the lessons themselves. I find that some of them are quite challenging, but they don't call it that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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