6th Grade Math for Kids with Little Retention

[umsami]

DS2 has very little retention in math.  I would say three-four weeks maximum for something we've covered a few times, if that.  We've used Math Mammoth in the path, but I need something with more review.  What are your recommendations?

[sbgrace]

CLE has a great spiral for retention in my experience here.

I add conceptual when needed, which has been far less often than I expected before I began.

[Emba]

My daughter was having retention problems with Math Mammoth, too. we switched to Rod and Staff. Haven't been using it long, but there is a lot more review, and less difficult jumps in explanation. There are also a lot of optional drills for problem topics. So far I like it.

[OneStepAtATime]

CLE.  Lots and lots of review.  My only caveat is that sometimes a child needs more mastery incorporated, too.  In other words, when the new material is introduced, you might give it some time but if he is struggling a bit with understanding it, then do several additional practice problems with him on a dry erase board before setting him loose on the review problems in the rest of the lesson.  Give the placement test, though.  Don't just leap in at grade level.

[sbgrace]

If you decide to try CLE, I agree with making sure you do the placement tests first so you pick the right level. The first book of every grade/level in their math is just review of the previous level and not a good representation of the program as a whole. So if you try one unit, pick 402/302/whatever level, not the 1st book in the level.

 

I forgot to mention that CLE benefits from supplemental word problem work. I really like Singapore FAN math books for that.

 

 

[umsami]

Thanks everybody. We almost switched to CLE math last year, but I decided to stick with Math Mammoth.  I think I'll give him the placement test and see where he is.

[cmarthur]

We were in a similar situation and switched to CLE from Singapore. The continuous review of CLE is helping. I am struggling with the way it jumps around, but have found that by reading ahead, I can pull different lessons together to make it less spiral and more mastery while keeping the review value of the program. I have the teachers guide but haven't found that it adds much. I was accustomed to Singapore's HIG which provides a lot of background and help in teaching the concepts. Since you were using MM without a teacher manual, that may not be a concern for you. We also are supplementing with Singapore's Challenging Word Problems.

[hollyhock]

I'm switching my guys to TT from MM this upcoming year for the exact same reasons. I'm a long time MM user but they need a lot more review.

[mommymonster]

CLE fan girl here, as well. The built in review has been amazing for DS10.

[sdobis]

CLE fan here! I used it with my son for many years. My daughter is struggling with retention, so we switched to CLE. We started it 2 weeks ago. I really like the fact focus each day.

[SnMomof7]

CLE gave my spiral needing kids a big boost.