diaperjoys Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 This is for a kiddo really struggling with upper math facts (9+4, 13-5, 12-6, etc). I've heard MUS is good to get kids past the need to rely on fingers, but I don't know about MM. Which would you prefer, and why?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexi Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 I have both and I'd think that MUS might be better for that. However, we just switched to Right Start and I'm seeing such a huge improvement right now. I'm loving RS. But we liked MUS too and might go back in the upper levels. I'll probably use MM for reinforcement-more like a supplement. But RS has been great for helping me to teach and has been awesome for mental math and retention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boscopup Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 What about just sticking with the current math program and adding in an abacus? I don't know of anything in MM that would particularly prevent counting with fingers. It doesn't involve manipulatives unless you add them in. ETA: You can teach adding across 10's... 9+4 = 10+3 = 13. Just make 10's and then add in an easy manner. That is something that MM does teach, but you can teach it yourself also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zenjenn Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 I just introduced c-rods into my daughter's regular curriculum along with some extra addition/subtraction practice problems. She was permitted to use the rods as much as she wanted, but not fingers. Worked great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 RightStart really helps with that I think. Maybe the Activities for the AlAbacus along with the abacus would be enough to incorporate their mental math and abacus methods with your current program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alison in KY Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 We use MUS and my daughter still struggles with these facts. I think it just takes time and patience for some kids. I use MUS online facts, and factsheets to help. I don't think it's the program's fault, I think the child just isn't getting it and it will just take awhile. Over time, we've improved, but it's been a slow, uphill climb. Alison Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehogs4 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 MUS and drill, drill, drill. I think I have made the mistake of thinking that the curriculum was going to teach my child math and have skimped on drilling. Some people cannot "see" math facts go together in their mind, they just have to memorize them. I use a combination of MUS and drilling (flash cards, online drills, and skip counting songs) to drive home the math facts. I have some ground to make up with my son (10) and am hoping to circumvent that with my dd (6). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parias1126 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 We have gone through Alpha and Beta TWICE! My DD was no fingers and is now back to using them again. Ugh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TengoFive Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I've used both. I like how Math Mammoth goes more into mental math. I think that helps a lot with not counting on the fingers. I know when I was a kid I used something I came up with myself. It's now taught as "Touch Math." It's really not any better than counting on fingers, but it certainly doesn't look as bad LOL. I only used it up to the number 5 though. Basically you touch points on the numbers themselves to count. So, the number 2 has two places you touch with your pencil. The number 5 has five, and so on. The literature on it says it gives them a more concrete picture, rather than an abstract symbol for the number. That being said, you could certainly add Cuisenaire rods to your current math and help cement the facts. You can outlaw fingers and only allow rod use or mental math to reach an answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GingerPoppy Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I've used both. I like how Math Mammoth goes more into mental math. I think that helps a lot with not counting on the fingers. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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