Please help me understand math curriculum. Please?

[*********]

Zee is about to finish up CLE math level 200; we're on the last lightunit. It's been working great for us, but there's lots of extra stuff in it that Zee just doesn't need. Math is his strongest subject, and pretty much the first time I explain a new concept to him, he 'gets' it. In fact, he's figured out a lot of stuff that I've never even taught him. He just understands math, kwim? Gets how it all works.

 

Anyway, we've been doing 2 lessons a day of CLE, because I cross out about half of each lesson. It's a spiral approach, so there's lots of review. He's also supposed to do flash cards and a timed drill every day. I let him drop the timed drill; he just doesn't need the review. He was getting so bored with math when we did all of one lesson a day. Even moving twice as fast, he still has like a 95% grade average (from the tests and quizes). Not that I want him to do poorly. :) Just sayin' that it still seems like it's too easy and/or not moving as fast as he'd like.

 

From what I understand, there's both 'spiral' and 'mastery' math curriculum. I believe I've read that Rod and Staff is 'mastery'. But I've also heard others complain about the amount of problems that are given for each new concept; that there is just too much. Is there anything between 'spiral' and 'mastery'? Or is that a stupid question, LOL!

 

So is there something better that I could be using? I mean, we're happy with our new system, but it seems, I don't know; wasteful? I mean, I just think he'd like to be moving even faster. He LOVES learning new stuff in math, and I feel like the curriculum is holding him back a bit. Does this make any sense, LOL? Can anyone suggest anything? I've never even seen any other homeschool math curriculum IRL. I'm going to my first used homeschool book sale next month (I'm so excited!). Oh, and I don't necessarily need a Christian math curriculum. While it's nice, it's not one of the subjects where I think it really matters, you know?

[Mandamom]

 

Singapore Math would be great for that kind of learner. You can buy it by the semes.ter so if it doesn't work you won't be out much money. I would suggest trying the placement test to get a feel for the program.

[*********]

Singapore Math would be great for that kind of learner. You can buy it by the semes.ter so if it doesn't work you won't be out much money. I would suggest trying the placement test to get a feel for the program.

 

I'm checking out that site right now. So, would 1A and 1B be the first and second semesters of first grade? Also, does each semester have a workbook and a textbook? And lastly, is the teacher's manual necessary?

[Mandamom]

I'm checking out that site right now. So, would 1A and 1B be the first and second semesters of first grade? Also, does each semester have a workbook and a textbook? And lastly, is the teacher's manual necessary?

 

Yes, 1A and 1B would be the first level (approx. for a 7 year old). Yes, each semester has a workbook and work text. Definitely take the placement test to find out which level you'll need.

 

I used Singapore Math through 5A without using the teacher's manual. As a result I learned A LOT because I had to do the problems in order to check them :). But at the time I was buying the program I was looking for something good but inexpensive and this was it and the teacher's manual was something that I wasn't interested in spending money on. There's also a Home Instructor's Guide that someone puts out that might be better than the teacher's guide (hopefully others will chime in).

 

I wish that I had used the Challenging Word Problems (a level down from the level we were working on) even though Singapore Math does do a good job with word probems. So that's the recommendation I would make.

 

I hope that helps.

[*********]

Thanks Janice! I found the CWP books. But for the main curriculum, is it better to use Primary Mathmatics US Edition, or Primary Mathmatics Standard Edition?

[Mandamom]

Thanks Janice! I found the CWP books. But for the main curriculum, is it better to use Primary Mathmatics US Edition, or Primary Mathmatics Standard Edition?

 

 

Standards Edition is the new edition based on California requirements and didn't exist when I used Singapore math several years ago so I really can't comment on the differences.

 

But, I will say that the US edition has worked wonderfully well for a lot of homeschoolers over the years.

[Dana]

I'm finishing up Singapore 1B right now with my 6yo. I teach math at a community college and have been VERY pleased with Singapore.

 

I used the US edition but am switching to the Standards edition for 2A.

My son catches on to things pretty quickly, but he's had some trouble with memorizing the basic arithmetic facts because he understands the idea. Right now he's struggling with borrowing with 2-digit subtraction.

 

I use the textbook and workbook (both are necessary), Challenging Word Problems (at the same level - it works really well for extra practice), Intensive Practice (more difficult than the CWP), and iExcel (the model approach with word problems was helpful - we skipped around a lot in here). All available at Singapore Math site. Even as a teacher, I went ahead and got the home instructor guides. They've given me some useful ideas and I've been happy with them.

 

I also supplement quite a bit with other workbooks. I've used the Spectrum Grade 2 math workbook with Singapore 1A&B this year and got a Kumon Grade 1 Subtraction workbook when there was difficulty with single digit subtraction.

 

Manipulatives (especially base 10 blocks) have been helpful with us in 2-digit number work.

 

I've also used the Challenging problems in the back of the Intensive Practice books and really liked those as extra brain stretches.

 

So for us, for first grade, we've done

1A text, 1A workbook, 1A Intensive Practice, 1B text, 1B workbook, 1B Intensive Practice, Challenging Word Problems 1, iExcel 1. I got the Home Instructor Guides for 1A and 1B. And extensive supplementation on topics where there needs to be extra drill. IP and CWP are only for the US edition, but it'll still be easy enough to mesh them with the Standards edition (which we're going to do next year). The Standards edition gives extra reviews and practice in the text and workbook.

 

(Probably more than you were looking for, but hope some of it helps :001_smile:)

[mom4him]

We are going to use R&S. I don't hesitate to cross out problems when there are too many in a lesson. I don't see the reason to make a child sit and do math until he/she is exausted. I do like the mastery though.

 

Just my opinion: I didn't like Singapore.

[*********]

I'm finishing up Singapore 1B right now with my 6yo. I teach math at a community college and have been VERY pleased with Singapore.

 

I used the US edition but am switching to the Standards edition for 2A.

My son catches on to things pretty quickly, but he's had some trouble with memorizing the basic arithmetic facts because he understands the idea. Right now he's struggling with borrowing with 2-digit subtraction.

 

I use the textbook and workbook (both are necessary), Challenging Word Problems (at the same level - it works really well for extra practice), Intensive Practice (more difficult than the CWP), and iExcel (the model approach with word problems was helpful - we skipped around a lot in here). All available at Singapore Math site. Even as a teacher, I went ahead and got the home instructor guides. They've given me some useful ideas and I've been happy with them.

 

I also supplement quite a bit with other workbooks. I've used the Spectrum Grade 2 math workbook with Singapore 1A&B this year and got a Kumon Grade 1 Subtraction workbook when there was difficulty with single digit subtraction.

 

Manipulatives (especially base 10 blocks) have been helpful with us in 2-digit number work.

 

I've also used the Challenging problems in the back of the Intensive Practice books and really liked those as extra brain stretches.

 

So for us, for first grade, we've done

1A text, 1A workbook, 1A Intensive Practice, 1B text, 1B workbook, 1B Intensive Practice, Challenging Word Problems 1, iExcel 1. I got the Home Instructor Guides for 1A and 1B. And extensive supplementation on topics where there needs to be extra drill. IP and CWP are only for the US edition, but it'll still be easy enough to mesh them with the Standards edition (which we're going to do next year). The Standards edition gives extra reviews and practice in the text and workbook.

 

(Probably more than you were looking for, but hope some of it helps :001_smile:)

 

Quite helpful, thank you. :) I did read a review that said Singapore does not cover money, time, and something else that I forget at this moment. Is that your experience, or did the US edition cover those things? I think the CWP is something Zee would really enjoy, so thanks for the input on that, too.

 

Sorry for all the questions; I LOVE math, as does Zee, so I just want to do the best for him.

[*********]

We are going to use R&S. I don't hesitate to cross out problems when there are too many in a lesson. I don't see the reason to make a child sit and do math until he/she is exausted. I do like the mastery though.

 

Just my opinion: I didn't like Singapore.

 

Thanks for the opinion, Sandy. I see, from reading this forum, that Singapore seems to be quite popular. But I've wondered about R&S as well. Problem is, I've never seen anything other than CLE in real life, and it's hard for me to really get a feel for things by looking at samples on the web. And I really hate the idea of ordering three different math curriculums, knowing that I'll most likely only use one. :glare: Is that what other people do? I mean, I guess I could resell the ones I don't use. But I'm afraid it may raise my dh's blood pressure. :) I'm hoping that, at the local used curriculum sale next month, I'll get to see a lot of new things in person, and get a better feel for what we like. Zee is even excited about going!

[Jen500]

Quite helpful, thank you. :) I did read a review that said Singapore does not cover money, time, and something else that I forget at this moment. Is that your experience, or did the US edition cover those things? I think the CWP is something Zee would really enjoy, so thanks for the input on that, too.

 

Sorry for all the questions; I LOVE math, as does Zee, so I just want to do the best for him.

 

We've used Singapore 2A-4B (U.S. Edition) so far and we did cover money and time. I highly recommend at least the CWP book. The IP book is a good alternative, as it also includes some challenging word problems. We use the text, workbook, IP, and CWP (and I use the HIG), but we don't do all the exercises in any of those.

[Dana]

I did read a review that said Singapore does not cover money, time, and something else that I forget at this moment. Is that your experience, or did the US edition cover those things?

 

 

Money is covered in 1B. We're going to start it later this week :)

Time was also in 1B - to the hour and half hour.

 

They're repeated in later books as well.

 

I felt that in some cases (basic addition/subtraction and measurement) that there wasn't enough practice in the US edition (text and workbook). Intensive Practice helps with that (and has some really neat challenges testing conceptual understanding), but you may want to supplement with other workbooks for extra drill. I think the Standards edition has more practice. I think I won't need to supplement as much in Grade 2 - and I may even cut out some problems!

 

I've liked the "Ready, Set, Go" books by Teacher Created Resources. There are sticker rewards and a track for completing the book.

 

I think the money/time may have been an issue with the Singapore versions of the text. Just be sure you get either the US or the Standards edition and you'll be fine.

[katilac]

The U.S. editions will cover time and money.

 

As he is a quick learner, you might consider continuing with CLE and adding in Singapore. My dh is big on the idea of different approaches for math; we have always used Singapore with something else mixed in (most often Saxon, although we were never ones to do the whole meeting, etc), along with fun stuff here and there.

 

My dd is adept at math, but certainly not gifted like some of the students on this board. She is 5th grade by age, and, using 2 programs, she will finish up Saxon 7/6 by May and Singapore 6 over the summer.

 

I don't feel she will be developmentally ready for algebra in 7th, so the current plan is to take two years to complete Saxon Algebra 1/2 alongside Rightsart geometry, with some other fun projects thrown in.

 

imo, the spiral approach in Saxon is much more annoying in the early years, and much more helpful in later years when the concepts are a tad more difficult.

 

I think it's super helpful to see curricula in person - - I'm always telling people that, if they have to drive 3 hours to get to a home school store, go ahead and do it. It's well worth it.

[MommyJo]

We used Singapore for awhile until my son wanted to switch...not because it was a bad program, in fact we loved it. He has sensory processing disorder though and was too distracted by the clumps of VERY colorful images everywhere. When I did use it we used the Home Instructors Manual which you can buy at a discount from christianbook.com and I really LOVED it. It cut my planning time in half and that was the biggest benefit. It has TONS of flashcards that go to games, drills, etc. but in a very fun sort of way. The Home Instructors Manual really helped me to incorporate tons of extra hands on learning and my son loved it. I would definately recommend the home teachers edition if you want to make it fun and alive. It's very hard to come up on your own with some of the games, etc. that they have. The best thing is that it's not the exception in the lessons. Every lesson has PLENTY to do. Therefore, if your child does have problems with some concepts there is plenty of "gravy" so that he will be able to get it. I highly suggest buying the whole thing. It was WELL worth the money.