travelbug Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Hi, Can anyone tell me about the difference b/w these two curriculum. Any pros / cons? wanting to make the right decision before investing... thanks any advice gratefully received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bayt ul-Hikmah Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Well, as a trained Montessori teacher, I was initially drawn to Schiller Math because it describes itself as Montessori-based program. However, upon closer inspection, I wasn't convinced. Montessori math is manipulative-based and follows an incredibly specific progression involving many (MANY) manipulatives. Not only did Schiller materials seem incredibly incomplete, the quality of the was just not there (from the looks of them, anyway; I never held them in hand). Furthermore, a true Montessori math program begins in the 3-6 class, usually around age 3-4. I wasn't interested in a formal program at that young age. By 5, the child has passed what Montessori called the "sensitive period" for the early materials, meaning that the kids just aren't too interested in them. I grew up in Montessori education and had a great math foundation. What was most beneficial for me was the clear introduction to the decimal system (base 10). I have seen this in MUS (no experience with the program though), but RightStart really blew me away with how well it builds a complete foundation. I have a math-oriented mind (if you know what I mean, math has always been second nature to me, easy), but RightStart is able to teach non-mathy kids that math way of thinking. I LOVE it. I've only taught level A, but the whole program looks great. One reason I chose RS over MUS is I love the way RS does not rely on rods (or beads like Montessori does). It is incredibly logical, avoids counting, and teaches strategies. I love it. I think it takes the best of Montessori but improves it and makes it homeschool-friendly. All the best, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4summergirls Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 I've used both. I bought Shiller for dd when she was in first grade and I was new to homeschooling. The materials are colorful, but the contents jump around alot, and not in a logical spiral type way in my opinion. We only used it for about 3 months when I realized she wasn't retaining anything and I dumped it. During my time with Shiller I discovered RS and taught same dd from beginning of level B thru half of level E. They way it presents strategies in level A and B is wonderful, provides a great foundation. My dd is not "mathy" but she did very well with it and scored 99%ile on her standardized tests (that's important for some hs parents). More importantly, she has a great basic understanding of concepts - fractions were a breeze, which give alot of kids trouble. The negative for us was I didn't play the games enough (no time or desire, frankly) so I supplemented with Evan-Moore daily math practice for some spiral review, Calculadders for facts drill, and Singapore CWP for word problem practice. I also felt like levels D and E weren't as strong as the lower levels, maybe becuase my kids didn't use manipulatives much at that point and were ready for a more traditional program. In any case, I love it for the early levels, and if you have a child that's hands on, you can't go wrong. Good luck on your math journey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in VA Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 I couldn't stand Right Start. My kids didn't like the games and if you don't play them you miss a great deal of the program. Shiller has been great for my girls, especially my youngest. My older two went to Montessori school and was happy with the math approach. This is working just as well. Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamamoon Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 i felt like shiller did not have much practice after learning a concept, and it sort of felt choppy to me~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelbug Posted February 5, 2009 Author Share Posted February 5, 2009 big thanks to all who replied. Your comments were really useful. travelbug, UK. mum to dd(6), ds (4) and dd(2.5) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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