Singapore math in combination with...

[visitor]

Hello all,

 

After many reading on this forum I have found out that many homeschool parents use singapore math with an other math program. Could you tell me which other math program you use and why do you use this program in particular , do you feel that there something is missing on singapore math ?

 

I always thought that singapore math would be more then enough, I am really curieus to your answers. For now miquon math sounds interesting to me.

 

Hope to benefit from your answers..

 

Thanks,

Visitor Homeschool mommy of 2 dear boys

[nandmsmom]

It depends on your child. I have always used just the program with the Extra Practice books occasionally and the Challenging Word Problems daily for my son. My daughter just doesn't fit with Singapore, so we sadly moved onto another program. I think Singapore is a fabulous program on it's own though.

[boscopup]

Singapore is our math program. We also do Life of Fred for fun, but it's not necessary. You may need to practice math facts via games, drill, or whatever works for your child. I throw in a bit of Ray's Arithmetic (free on google books) for my 5 year old, orally. But really, he's learned his facts from Singapore with C-rods added in.

 

My oldest knew his facts before starting Singapore, so I can't say if it would have been enough or not.

 

Both my kids are ahead in math, so anything I add in is usually more to slow us down a tiny bit (not that that actually works, but it always sounds good at first). I haven't found anything to be missing from Singapore.

[Crimson Wife]

DS is using Singapore textbook + IP + Beast Academy. He is "mathy" and grasps concepts easily so he doesn't need a ton of practice with straightforward problems. BA has some great puzzle type problems.

 

Oldest DD is doing Singapore Discovering Math 1 plus Horizons Pre-Algebra. I want to make sure that she is 100% totally rock-solid on pre-algebra before moving on to higher math. The spiral aspect of Horizons is a good match for Singapore.

[Satori]

We use Singapore math and don't feel the absolute need to supplement it. We have the HIG, Textbook, workbook, tests, IP and CWP. But for a math-lover as myself, I find other math supplements irresistable. I suspect many math-focused families are the same. We're using Life of Fred Elementary, Dreambox computer learning, and other workbooks from Singaporemath.com. I just ordered Beast Academy.

[J9Mommy]

I have enjoyed the Singapore/Miquon combo.

[alisoncooks]

We do just Singapore alone and I think it's enough.

 

I did buy the RightStart Math games kit, but honestly haven't found time to do anything from it. I signed up for drills on XtraMath.com, but again....haven't done it.

 

At the beginning of the year, I purchased Miquon but it made no sense to me so I returned it. Recently, I purchased Rod & Staff's Grade 1 Math to use as a supplement, but quickly sold it. There's just no way I can swing 2 math programs.

 

Until I find otherwise, I will just continue telling myself that Singapore is sufficient. :)

[Dory]

For my oldest I use LOF because he tends to be able to memorize steps without really understanding what he's doing. LOF engages him enough that concepts are better learned. For my daughter I sometimes will add some MM because she once in awhile needs to look at things in a didiffetey format for them to sink in. I don't use it often with her though. For my youngest I haven't supplemented with anything thus far.

[KristenR]

I am using Miquon and Singapore and talk a little about why I felt the need to supplement here.

[MrsBanjoClown]

We use Singapore by itself. I have the HIGs and use them most of the time for the hands-on component. My ds8 uses the textbook, workbook, extra practice book, challenging word problems, and the tests. Ds5 uses the textbook, workbook, and tests. I have also ordered the intensive practice books because ds5 is flying through. With all of that, they get a lot of practice!

[Barb_]

We've been using SM as a stand alone since my oldest was in elementary. Well, we've also used challenging word problems (although I'm still using the version called topical problems sums, but I'm digressing..). That's it. No other supplements. My high schoolers have been well prepared for higher math.

[Farrar]

I think it's important to understand that people on this board are often using two or more math programs and that it's not in any way a comment on the completeness of the program. Rather, it's because there's so many good math programs out there. Also, because sometimes a different approach can be helpful for some topics and it's nice to just have that on hand already without suddenly needing to look for it. However, Singapore, Right Start, Miquon, CLE, etc. etc. etc. are all complete programs on their own and it's fine if your style or schedule doesn't lead to using lots of things.

[Barb_]

I think it's important to understand that people on this board are often using two or more math programs and that it's not in any way a comment on the completeness of the program. Rather, it's because there's so many good math programs out there. Also, because sometimes a different approach can be helpful for some topics and it's nice to just have that on hand already without suddenly needing to look for it. However, Singapore, Right Start, Miquon, CLE, etc. etc. etc. are all complete programs on their own and it's fine if your style or schedule doesn't lead to using lots of things.

 

Agreed. Also, SM is often used for kids with a natural math inclination who don't need a lot of incremental building to grasp and master the concepts. If you use SM every day, mastering a lesson or even two each day, the curriculum isn't going to last the entire school year. A lot of us use supplements to slow our kids down. I learned the hard way that even though a child may fly through elementary math through pre-algebra, there is a necessary developmental level a child much reach, unrelated to intelligence or motivation, before he or she is going to be capable of mastering a really solid Algebra course. My 2nd child went all the way to halfway through Dolciani by the time she was 9.5 Then she bogged down and had to fill in with supplemental stuff for about 18 months before she was ready to give it another go.

[NittanyJen]

My younger (just turned 9) has been adding in LoF elementary, because it adds in an enormous body of material that is simply not covered in Singapore, and even the material that is covered is covered differently (usually deeper, the way we read it together-- he is super bright, so there is no way we will breeze through a LoF book; there s too much material there!). He loves playing with Hands on Equations, Dragonbox, amend Khan Academy as well, and sometimes we'll toss in some MM. We will be covering Penrose the Mathematical Cat this year as well. With that, he will easily finish levels 4 and 5 of Singapore this year, in all likelihood.

 

With a more average student I would neither move that fast nor add in as much extra stuff, but as a PP pointed out, it is more valuable to keep them interested and engaged (and very well grounded in what they learn, seeing it from multiple perspectives) than to zip through, sometimes, when they move this fast. Today he covered an entire chapter in one sitting, skipped the workbook, and got all of the problems in the IP book correct on the first try without breaking a sweat-- but he is a kid who will get locked into seeing things "the Singapore Way" if not exposed to multiple presentations; then he would have trouble unlocking word problems from elsewhere. For him, this is a language issue, not a math issue.

 

I tell myself I would rather go deep than wide-- nobody is handing out medals for being first through algebra, so as long as he is not bored, the variety suits him well and is not confusing him.

 

I don't think it's the right approach for all-- it is custom-designed just for him.

[acablue]

We don't use another full math program with Singapore. We do use CWP and bits and pieces of IP.

 

Beast Academy might change that next year, but for now Singapore is definitely enough.

[sgo95]

Agreed. Also, SM is often used for kids with a natural math inclination who don't need a lot of incremental building to grasp and master the concepts. If you use SM every day, mastering a lesson or even two each day, the curriculum isn't going to last the entire school year. A lot of us use supplements to slow our kids down. I learned the hard way that even though a child may fly through elementary math through pre-algebra, there is a necessary developmental level a child much reach, unrelated to intelligence or motivation, before he or she is going to be capable of mastering a really solid Algebra course. My 2nd child went all the way to halfway through Dolciani by the time she was 9.5 Then she bogged down and had to fill in with supplemental stuff for about 18 months before she was ready to give it another go.

 

:iagree: My kids complete 2-3 pages of the workbook a day. At that pace it takes them 6 months or less to complete a grade level. I try to slow them down because at some point, they do hit a developmental wall and get frustrated with new material.

 

Also, every program covers topics in a slightly different order and with slightly different approaches.

 

BTW, we use Miquon with SM and then MM with SM.

[Spy Car]

We have used many supplements to Primary Mathematics. Not (with limited qualifications I will discuss later) because PM is a "deficient" program, but–as other have noted–there are so many good math programs available, each with their own strengths, and Singapore is pretty efficient time-wise.

 

The one area where Primary Mathematic is lacking is in the degree of integration of "concrete" learning, especially in the early years. For that, and a playful "discovery" approach that builds autonomy and competence Miquon Math Lab fills a huge hole. And for parents there is a wealth of math re-education in the Miquon teachers books.

 

MEP is an exciting supplement because of the consistency of *thinking* and reasoning in the puzzle-like problems.

 

RS has great games and that programs emphasis on place value lessons early make sense to me.

 

And (as of now starting in Third Grade) the Beast Academy materials are fun and add a depth of problem solving.

 

We have also enjoyed Ed Zaccaro's books, like Primary Grade Challenge Math.

 

All these make math fun and comprehensible, so my child (at least) is game to do more. And we do more because Primary Mathematics builds a solid base, not because it is anything but a very strong program.

 

Bill

[visitor]

Thanks all for sharing your experiences with me it is really a great blessing for me

[Alessandra]

It depends on your child.

 

:iagree:

 

I am using Miquon and Singapore and talk a little about why I felt the need to supplement here.

 

Great blog post!

 

I used Singapore without any supplements with my mathy child. He wanted to skip the workbooks and went straight to the workbooks and intensive practice. He is now doing AoPS.

 

With other child, for whom math is truly difficult, Singapore worked well in the beginning. I used the instructor guides and made all the manipulatives/games that were suggested. But as the program progressed, I realized that dc needed more reinforcement -- actually more reinforcement is not the right phrase -- I should say deeper conceptual understanding.

 

Miquon has been an excellent match for us. Dd can explore at her own pace. I like that children are encouraged to explore. Just tearing the pages (perforated) out of the book makes dd feel that this is her program, her pace. Even when she knows an answer by rote, I will encourage her to use the rods, so that she can see the answer.

 

Miquon also moves from addition & subtraction to multiplication, fractions and division. Some problems quite early on will use all the operations, so kids have to think, not just respond.

 

My only regret is that I did not start Miquon sooner. When I first read about it, I thought dd was "too old" for it, but Miquon has turned math from a scary subject into a much loved subject.

 

Back to Singapore. One thing I like about it are the word problems. Once you learn how to use the bar method for solving them, they are solvable. I think it is good to have a non-algebraic way to tackle word problems.

 

As pp said, it depends on the child....

[Chelli]

We use a Singapore-type program (Math in Focus) along with MEP. I also add in Singapore's CWP and IP books.

 

It's a perfect combo for us so far.

[fractalgal]

I'm combining Singapore with MEP (and Beast Academy) for my 5th and 2nd grade sons, and Singapore with MEP Reception and Miquon for my 4 year old. There are aspects of all these programs that I like - some of which you can read about in the links.

 

But I don't think you need to supplement Singapore if you use the HIG (I'm referring to the Standards since that's what I use), Text, Workbook, and some of the supplementary materials (IP or CWP - my favorite parts of the program). For more review you can also add in the Extra Practice or Tests.

[Storm Bay]

Bearing in mind that my youngest is 12, and therefore all of this is before certain curricula was available or before I head about it.

 

We used SM with MUS for my middle one. This is because we started with Saxon (recommended in first edition of WTM) & ditched it in favour of MUS. However, MUS just wasn't pithy enough, so we added SM. Sm became our main math, bt MUS was helpful for several reasons, and not the least of which was because Mr. Demme was always patient (she watched the videos/DVDs) and there were a few times when she refused to do certain things (eg regrouping) until Mr. Demme taught it to her. This wasn't because I couldn't explain it in different ways (I do that naturally when dc don't understand things), but because she just didn't want to when I taught it to her. She isn't even extremely stubborn (I have a dc like that), but stubbornness is relative :).

 

For ds, we tried Miquon first, but it wasn't a good fit for him. We did MUS for a while, then added SM. He didn't do nearly as many levels of MUS as dd did. We did things like MEP one summer, etc. In the end we did LOF Fractions with it. I didn't find the very best fit for ds, but SM was one of the best things he used at those levels. He did CWP as well once we finally bought them and I saw how wonderful they are.

[SnegurochkaL]

 

The one area where Primary Mathematic is lacking is in the degree of integration of "concrete" learning, especially in the early years.

 

MEP is an exciting supplement because of the consistency of *thinking* and reasoning in the puzzle-like problems.

 

RS has great games and that programs emphasis on place value lessons early make sense to me.

 

And (as of now starting in Third Grade) the Beast Academy materials are fun and add a depth of problem solving.

 

Bill

 

I agree with Bill.

I started my almost 4 years old daughter with RS, then switched to SM + MEP. Later we used SM (textbook, IP and CWP), MEP, Russian math ( peterson math, which is considered to be the challenging elementary math program in Russia) and MEP. Right now we are doing different books related to SM(PM textbooks, IP, CWP, Olympiad problems, mental math) , Russian math and RS Geometry and ready to move on AOPS Prealgebra/ Intro to Algebra combination.

 

With my son, who just turned 6, we are using 2nd grade Russian math textbook, RS math, SM (textbook, IP, CWP) and will be adding Beast Academy materials this coming winter.

Edited November 8, 2012 by SneguochkaL

[NASDAQ]

FWIW, using Singapore alone would be uncommon in Singapore. Almost all children there receive supplemental drill in math through cram school.

 

I use it with supplemental drill and Miquon.

[Storm Bay]

I agree with Bill.

I started my almost 4 years old daughter with RS, then switched to SM + MEP. Later we used SM (textbook, IP and CWP), MEP, Russian math ( peterson math, which is considered to be the challenging elementary math program in Russia) and MEP. Right now we are doing different books related to SM(PM textbooks, IP, CWP, Olympiad problems, mental math) , Russian math and RS Geometry and ready to move on AOPS Prealgebra/ Intro to Algebra combination.

 

With my son, who just turned 6, we are using 2nd grade Russian math textbook, RS math, SM (textbook, IP, CWP) and will be adding Beast Academy materials this coming winter.

 

Right, MEP alone isn't enough, but I don't think any math program is at that level. You can use it with SM as we did, or supplement it with CWP now that there is another series of that out. My younger two did Russian Math after SM 6, and it had some word problems unlike those in any other math curricula we've used, although not all of them were that unique. However, the one we used, the only one we knew of at that time, was the Nurk & Telgmaa one which is also excellent, and is an award winning text from Russia. I haven't seen the Peterson, so can't compare and don't know if I'd choose one over the other.

[KrissiK]

For my oldest boy we combined Singapore with Teaching Textbooks. The reason is completely lame. I went with TT for my youngest boy, and I knew oldest would blow a gasket if youngest boy got to do computer math and he didn't. But, I didn't want to take him off Singapore because Singapore challenges him and he needs it. So, we do both. I figure, a little extra math won't hurt him. And then youngest wanted extra math (strange because he hates math) so he does TT and I give him MCP worksheets, too. And DD is doing A Beka 1st grade math. So, between 3 kids we have 5 math curriculi going on.

[besroma]

I think it's important to understand that people on this board are often using two or more math programs and that it's not in any way a comment on the completeness of the program. Rather, it's because there's so many good math programs out there. Also, because sometimes a different approach can be helpful for some topics and it's nice to just have that on hand already without suddenly needing to look for it. However, Singapore, Right Start, Miquon, CLE, etc. etc. etc. are all complete programs on their own and it's fine if your style or schedule doesn't lead to using lots of things.

 

:iagree:

 

We have used many supplements to Primary Mathematics. Not (with limited qualifications I will discuss later) because PM is a "deficient" program, but–as other have noted–there are so many good math programs available, each with their own strengths, and Singapore is pretty efficient time-wise.

 

The one area where Primary Mathematic is lacking is in the degree of integration of "concrete" learning, especially in the early years. For that, and a playful "discovery" approach that builds autonomy and competence Miquon Math Lab fills a huge hole. And for parents there is a wealth of math re-education in the Miquon teachers books.

 

MEP is an exciting supplement because of the consistency of *thinking* and reasoning in the puzzle-like problems.

 

RS has great games and that programs emphasis on place value lessons early make sense to me.

 

We have also enjoyed Ed Zaccaro's books, like Primary Grade Challenge Math.

 

All these make math fun and comprehensible, so my child (at least) is game to do more. And we do more because Primary Mathematics builds a solid base, not because it is anything but a very strong program.

 

Bill

 

In complete agreement with Bill.

 

We love math in our family and enjoy different programs. We also start our children with Miquon, RS, and MEP. It is not necessary, but it is very enjoyable. I also love seeing how one program cements an idea into one child's mind, whereas for another child, it is a totally different program that makes it click for them.

[Storm Bay]

For my oldest boy we combined Singapore with Teaching Textbooks. The reason is completely lame. I went with TT for my youngest boy, and I knew oldest would blow a gasket if youngest boy got to do computer math and he didn't. But, I didn't want to take him off Singapore because Singapore challenges him and he needs it. So, we do both. I figure, a little extra math won't hurt him. And then youngest wanted extra math (strange because he hates math) so he does TT and I give him MCP worksheets, too. And DD is doing A Beka 1st grade math. So, between 3 kids we have 5 math curriculi going on.

 

You'd have fit right in here when all my dc were still at home! Somewhat different combos, but one year we had at six math curricula going for 3 kids.