Jump to content

Menu

Talk to me about Singapore's Discovering Mathematics series please...


Sue G in PA
 Share

Recommended Posts

Ds will be finishing the elementary math series by the end of the summer. I want to place an order for his Pre-Algebra/Algebra book/s when I order my other curriculum (like today!). Is there any reason why he shouldn't stick with Singapore for 7a/b and 8a/b? What do I need to order? I have heard that the textbook and teacher guide are the only books necessary (the workbook is not necessary). Is this true? What are my other options after using SM 6B for a student who probably needs another year before starting Algebra? Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was put off by the broad scope of SM past level 6 so I have jumped ship after five years of SM to pre-algebra in the form of an old Dolciani pre-algebra text for my older son. I was also not thrilled with the lack of explicit instruction in level 6 of SM so I do not plan on using it with my students coming up behind my oldest homeschooled student. My younger son will likely use AoPS pre-algebra next year, though that is not decided, rather than SM level 6. My older student needs another year of pre-algebra before tackling algebra, as well. Hope that helps.

 

If you search, you will find helpful pre-algebra threads which I have stalked like a crazed lunatic to determine what my options were. Very helpful. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Singapore 6 A/B doesn't really cover that much in the way of new material because apparently that year in Singaporean schools is mostly review/test prep for the big placement exam that students take at the end of primary school to determine which secondary track they will take.

 

DM 7 covers quite a bit of new material. I do plan on continuing on to DM 8, but it's looking like my DD isn't quite as rock-solid on her pre-algebra as I'd like her to be before continuing on to higher level math. So right now I'm seriously leaning towards doing a quick run-through of some of the harder Dolciani Pre-Algebra problems before starting DM 8A. I may well be erring on the side of caution but she's young and I'd rather spend some additional time shoring up her grasp of middle-school math rather than have her run into trouble down the road in algebra 1 or 2.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Although the workbooks are not absolutely necessary, they do add to the program. It's kind of like having the IP books to go along with the Primary Maths core books. I do like having them. There is a wide variety of problems in the workbooks, from basic practice to super challenging problems, so you can pick and choose what you like for each chapter. And if you do get the workbooks, I recommend also getting the solutions manuals that are sold separately.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, if one were NOT to continue on with Singapore...which Pre-Alg. would you choose and why? I'm not thrilled with spending over $100 for math at this level. I started a new thread asking about Saxon 8/7 as Pre-Alg. (only b/c I already have the text). There is also MEP...but where should I start? I also realized that ds is only finishing up 6A and not 6B as I had previously though (ugh). I'm thinking about not buying 6b and just picking topics from Saxon 8/7 that he hasn't covered. OR starting MEP. Any advice?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...