If you use, and are happy with RS math...

[Lisa in SC]

What program would you pick as a secondary program? I am almost sure I will be ordering LoF, but that would be as a fun thing, not really as a secondary program. Oh, this is for my rising second grader, so by "secondary," I simply mean complementary, I suppose. I own Miquon, but we didn't touch it this year. So, I could add in Miquon, or Singapore, or Math Mammoth...or...? Would you suggest I use one or more of what I've listed, or something else entirely?

 

Ds loves RS, so I'll keep that, but I feel as if I want to hit things differently by using another program as well. Do any of y'all have comments or suggestions, or would you discourage me from this idea entirely?

[Abeilles]

We are finishing up 2nd grade - we used Miquon books (LOVE THIS PROGRAM) - it is absolutely amazing what my children have learned and put together about math. It's a math discovery/math lab oriented program. 1st-3rd grade, but I stared my 2nd grade son at 1st grade and worked more quickly through the books. We also used RS Math B this year and plan on continuing and LofFred for reading at night. We tried MM and MEP to supplement but it was too workbooky for my kids. We like the hands on, discovery, and lots of games approach. It has worked really well for my children and will continue for 3rd grade.

[Lisa in SC]

Thanks for sharing your experience. We love the hands on, discovery aspect of RS too. Maybe I'll just bring out Miquon now. I still wonder if adding Singapore next year would make for a stronger student. That's my insecurity talking. Thanks again for replying.

[RoundAbout]

Not sure what level you are on. We've used RS since A and are half way through C. I agree that something like MM or Singapore would be way too much. Is there a reason you think you a secondary program? It might give people a better idea of what to suggest. For instance I think RS is weak on word problems so I supplement with Zaccaro. I use CSMP just to introduce fun/weird topics because both DS and I are mathy. I pull out c-rods occasionally if I need another way to present something.

 

I think the way RS teaches the basics is excellent however and would not want to confuse things by bringing in another full program. Many of the games are brilliant so whenever I get the urge to do add another math program I flip through the games book first. Our time is usually better spent practicing things through the RS games than finding another program.

[Critterfixer]

We are using Rod and Staff and MEP together. I like the solid fact drill with R and S. I love the theory and playfulness and exploration of MEP. They work together pretty well, but it does mean for a longer math session. R and S takes us about 30 minutes, MEP about an hour. Works OK for us, but back when R and S took longer at the first of the year we couldn't do two at once. I don't regret spending more time on R and S in the beginning. Being more solid with facts has made MEP a lot more fun and less work.

[kateingr]

I agree with Roundabout about the lack of word problems. My son just finished RS B, and so I'm having him work through Evan Moor daily word problems(grade 2) and do some Zaccaro before we move on to level c.

[Missouri Okie]

My son is in RS C and uses Dreambox, an online math program, and CWP as a supplement.

 

Dreambox can be obtained with a significant discount at HSBC.

[kirstenhill]

I've been looking for a secondary or complementary program to use with Right Start as well for DD. I like Right Start and how many of the concepts are approached but it is not a 100 percent fit for my DD's learning style. She seems to learn best when she can read for herself or read along with what I am trying to teach. We have used Math Mammoth 3b along with RS D this spring, and it's okay but I am not satisfied yet with the meshing of the two programs. I am leaning toward using level E next year, but I think it will work out much better if I can figure out the right program to go along with it that would have more explanations for her to read.

[Lisa in SC]

We are just beginning B. I know this is behind the recommendations, but I can be a bit of a box checker, so I didn't want to "miss" anything. We do certain subjects, including math, year round, so I don't think it will end up being a problem. Overall, I'm happy with what I have seen with RS, and ds loves it. I agree with some of you that it seems light on word problems. Having never used RS with another child, I want to make sure I'm not missing a weakness in the program. I'll check into Evan Moor Daily Word Problems and Zaccarro. Thanks!

[skeeterbug]

My son is in RS C and uses Dreambox, an online math program, and CWP as a supplement.

 

Dreambox can be obtained with a significant discount at HSBC.

 

 

This is exactly what we do. We just added these to RS C this year. I started DS8 with the grade one book of Singapore Challenging Word Problems, he is flying through but it is still challenging. I imagine we'll slow down a bit with the next book. I just purchased Dreambox subscriptions for him and DS5 who is in RS A. Unfortunately the HSBC deal just ended.

 

Eta: And we read LOF, but that's just for fun!

[Lisa in SC]

My girls did Singapore when they were homeschooled, and I think that Challenging Word Problems would be an excellent solution to my fear that RS doesn't provide enough in the way of word problems. I'm unfamiliar with both Zaccarro and Dreambox, so I still need to explore these. It's been a hectic time with fil so sick and other family obligations, so I still haven't had an opportunity to do so. Thank you all for your suggestions. I'm taking each one into consideration.