newlifemom Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Would you care to explain [in small words so the rest of us can understand :tongue_smilie:] just what the code is in your sig line. Please know, I studied history in college and actually went back to the community college where my "you must be an idiot to not know this math" course was completed b/c I couldn't pass the math test to the state college. Thank you very much. BTW, when you are done explaining would you also mind moving up to Oregon to do all my kid's higher level math?:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 (edited) Would you care to explain [in small words so the rest of us can understand :tongue_smilie:] just what the code is in your sig line. Please know, I studied history in college and actually went back to the community college where my "you must be an idiot to not know this math" course was completed b/c I couldn't pass the math test to the state college. Thank you very much. BTW, when you are done explaining would you also mind moving up to Oregon to do all my kid's higher level math?:D OK, I've been "cagey" long enough. The code in the sig is a "mini-computer", and is component of the Comprehensive School Mathematics Program. The mini-computer was developed by a Belgian mathematician Georges Papy in the 1950's Here's a link to the wiki article on CSMP. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comprehensive_School_Mathematics_Program'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comprehensive_School_Mathematics_Program'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comprehensive_School_Mathematics_Program'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comprehensive_School_Mathematics_Program The CSMP program is now maintained by volunteers. The full curriculum is available online of free download. Being the nut that I am, and enjoying throwing new things at the wee one for him to gobble up greedily, I've been "stealing" some fun ideas from CSMP. Because the "colors" of the code match rods Cuisenaire rods by son (4.8) got the concept straight away. I's not so hard once you understand the values (but incomprehensible other-wise). Here's a link to the full programs http://ceure.buffalostate.edu/~csmp/CSMP%20Program/index.html Here's a link to a book on how to use the mini-computer of games and lessons as a stand alone. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comprehensive_School_Mathematics_Program Bill Edited April 27, 2009 by Spy Car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlifemom Posted April 27, 2009 Author Share Posted April 27, 2009 Thanks. You didn't answer my last question though. Don't worry, dd is only 10, you still have a year or two to think about it. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Glad you asked Pam. Surprisingly enough, I have seen this before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Ooooh, interesting. Can also just say how much I appreciate that you (Bill) are aesthetically compulsive enough to coordinate the background of your avatar to your colorful signatures? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 (edited) Because the "colors" of the code match rods Cuisenaire rods by son (4.8) got the concept straight away. Cuisinaire rods! I don't have any of those, but I knew I must have been overthinking it. :lol: Just last night I was looking at this again, and asked my computer geek son what it was (and if the colors could have had anything to do with it because I did notice they were in a pattern). He didn't know--just that it couldn't be binary. ETA: Thanks for the link to that math program. I've got a mathy 5 yo here and it pains me to think of putting him through a traditional approach. I'm using Singapore with him now but this is looking pretty cool. Edited April 27, 2009 by darlasowders Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haiku Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Bill, I just have to say that I really miss your old pic, with the frowny and smiley faces. I always got such a lift when I saw it. Tara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 (edited) Okay, I'm sitting here with the Cuisenaire rods, and I still don't get it. It's okay, though. My poor kids.... eta: my dd just explained it. Geez. Janet Edited April 27, 2009 by Ishki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Ok, the minicomputer lessons are cool. I'm now about to go order Cuisenaire rods! Just double checking to make sure I get this: Is it 97 > 79? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I don't understand why you said it isn't binary. It strikes me as at least binary-inspired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 It's sort of binary-esque in the positioning of the dots. Check out this lesson booklet (if you haven't seen it already). It is usable even without the rest of the program: http://ceure.buffalostate.edu/~csmp/CSMP%20Program/String%20Games%20and%20MiniComputer/Minicomputer.pdf I just ordered Cuisenaire rods. never gave them much of a passing thought as I always associated them with Miquon--and I don't get Miquon. This, I get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Ooooh, interesting. Can also just say how much I appreciate that you (Bill) are aesthetically compulsive enough to coordinate the background of your avatar to your colorful signatures? :D Thank you Angela :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I used the CSMP program w/ my dd in K & 1st. We had a blast using it. It's a great program (esp. for free). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Cuisinaire rods! I don't have any of those, but I knew I must have been overthinking it. :lol: Just last night I was looking at this again, and asked my computer geek son what it was (and if the colors could have had anything to do with it because I did notice they were in a pattern). He didn't know--just that it couldn't be binary. ETA: Thanks for the link to that math program. I've got a mathy 5 yo here and it pains me to think of putting him through a traditional approach. I'm using Singapore with him now but this is looking pretty cool. Of all the things I've ever done introducing Cuisinaire rods to my son when he was young, and letting him find number value relationships via Miquon and Miquon-like activities of my own creation, stands (in my mind) as one of the best decisions I've ever made. I truly don't know if "mathy" children are born or "made", but I do think the expose to interesting math approaches from the git-go (Cuisinaire rods prime among them) set the stage for a life-time of math being a "native language". If you have not seen (or heard of) the The Mathematics Enhancement Programme (MEP) I'd urge you to take a look. It is a highly interesting program based on the Hungarian math model, that promotes a critical thinking approach to math that I can't say enough positive things about. I intend to use MEP in conjunction with Singapore, as I'm finding them complimentary, but different enough to keep a young ones mind really churning. All the feed-back form the growing number of MEP users here on WTM is that their children really like it, althought it can cause them to say: my brain hurts. :lol: http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm Incidentally, there is no charge to down-load the full program: workbooks, lesson plans, and additional teacher aids. But the no cost/low cost aspect of MEP is not where the value of this program lies. It is simply something very special for a parent and child who want to go far beyond a "traditional approach". Take a look, I have a feeling you will love this :001_smile: Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Bill, I just have to say that I really miss your old pic, with the frowny and smiley faces. I always got such a lift when I saw it. Tara Someone suggested the "inequalities" symbol looked like a smilie on its side. Maybe if you look at it that way it could get you "over the hump" :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runninmommy Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 (edited) colorful, yes but I just have to say that the brown with the purple bugs me. I think it would look so much better if it were red/purple, orange/purple or even green/purple. But brown..I just don't know. :tongue_smilie: Edited April 27, 2009 by runninmommy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I don't understand why you said it isn't binary. It strikes me as at least binary-inspired. Binary would be two parts, on or off, one or zero. Base-2. The mini-computer is base-10. :lol: Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 colorful, yes but I just have to say that the brown with the purple bugs me. I think it would look so much better if it were red/purple, orange/purple or even green/purple. But brown..I just don't know. :tongue_smilie: Blame the Belgians :tongue_smilie: I'm not sure that I don't agree with you :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSNative Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Methinks Bill is missing out on a business opp here. Perhaps you should become a Cuisenaire sales consultant. With just one post you made at least three sales. FYI - I second MEP. We heard about it a few month ago and love it. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Blame the Belgians :tongue_smilie: brown... the Belgians... I'm thinking chocolate! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jg_puppy Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Of all the things I've ever done introducing Cuisinaire rods to my son when he was young, and letting him find number value relationships via Miquon and Miquon-like activities of my own creation, stands (in my mind) as one of the best decisions I've ever made. If you have not seen (or heard of) the The Mathematics Enhancement Programme (MEP) I'd urge you to take a look. It is a highly interesting program based on the Hungarian math model, that promotes a critical thinking approach to math that I can't say enough positive things about. I intend to use MEP in conjunction with Singapore, as I'm finding them complimentary, but different enough to keep a young ones mind really churning. All the feed-back form the growing number of MEP users here on WTM is that their children really like it, althought it can cause them to say: my brain hurts. :lol: Bill So you recommend MEP over this program and Miquon for a mathy kid. My son is 6 and he has been playing around with Cuisinaire rods since he was probably 4. He really gets numbers. I am amazed at things that he figures out on his own. I keep going back and forth trying to figure out what math program to use with him. So far Singapore, Miquon, and MEP are at the top of the list. The one mentioned in this thread looks interesting as well. Jan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 (edited) I mentioned this in another thread, so at the risk of repeating myself, I was refereed to CSMP by "Kathy in Richmond" and spent a long night up down-loading and reading the CSMP materials. The next morning over coffee, I started drawing a mini-computer block. My son got intrigued, and my wife and mother-in-law (who'd come for a sleep over) were giving me that quizzical look to which I've become increasingly accustomed :D When I was done, I put down a coin on the purple square and asked my son: What's that? Without a moments hesitation, he said Four! Even I was a little surprised he got it but there was glee in my heart as two two ladies started looking at each other out of the corners of their eyes :D Then, Red?: Two! White? One Brown? Eight Red, White and Purple? Seven By this point jaws had hit the table, and to say the wife and MIL were bewildered would be a supreme understatement. Then the not yet 5 year oln patiently explained it too them. It was too funny :lol: Bill Edited April 27, 2009 by Spy Car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Binary would be two parts, on or off, one or zero. Base-2. The mini-computer is base-10. :lol: Bill Really? Isn't each small square a binary component? On = has a dot; off = no dot. And the configuration: lower right => 2^0 lower left => 2^1 upper right => 2^2 upper left => 2^3 And what makes it base ten, anyway, since if you have a dot in each square, you'd have....2^3+2^2+2^1+2^0 = 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 16 , all in one space. I've never seen that in base 10. Sounds like some weird combination of hexadecimal and decimal to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Academy of Jedi Arts Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 brown... the Belgians... I'm thinking chocolate! :D I'm thinking BEER! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Really? Isn't each small square a binary component? On = has a dot; off = no dot. And the configuration: lower right => 2^0 lower left => 2^1 upper right => 2^2 upper left => 2^3 And what makes it base ten, anyway, since if you have a dot in each square, you'd have....2^3+2^2+2^1+2^0 = 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 16 , all in one space. I've never seen that in base 10. Sounds like some weird combination of hexadecimal and decimal to me. Full props for a better analysis than my own :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 So you recommend MEP over this program and Miquon for a mathy kid. My son is 6 and he has been playing around with Cuisinaire rods since he was probably 4. He really gets numbers. I am amazed at things that he figures out on his own. I keep going back and forth trying to figure out what math program to use with him. So far Singapore, Miquon, and MEP are at the top of the list. The one mentioned in this thread looks interesting as well. Jan I'm out the door, we'll get back to this later. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Full props for a better analysis than my own :D On second thought, I'm not even sure it involves decimal at all. I'm going to have to give this another "thunk." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I'm thinking BEER! :DMmmm... a nice Belgian tripel... No, I must back to school stuff, 'cause we're only halfway done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Yes, I'm chucking out the "decimal" completely, and I am now rooting for hexadecimal expressed visually as binary. And, on second thought, 8+4+2+1 = 15, not 16. Sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Academy of Jedi Arts Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Mmmm... a nice Belgian tripel... No, I must back to school stuff, 'cause we're only halfway done. Oh no! Not one of those super long days! I hate those! You need a quadrupel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Of all the things I've ever done introducing Cuisinaire rods to my son when he was young, and letting him find number value relationships via Miquon and Miquon-like activities of my own creation, stands (in my mind) as one of the best decisions I've ever made. I truly don't know if "mathy" children are born or "made", but I do think the expose to interesting math approaches from the git-go (Cuisinaire rods prime among them) set the stage for a life-time of math being a "native language". If you have not seen (or heard of) the The Mathematics Enhancement Programme (MEP) I'd urge you to take a look. It is a highly interesting program based on the Hungarian math model, that promotes a critical thinking approach to math that I can't say enough positive things about. I intend to use MEP in conjunction with Singapore, as I'm finding them complimentary, but different enough to keep a young ones mind really churning. All the feed-back form the growing number of MEP users here on WTM is that their children really like it, althought it can cause them to say: my brain hurts. :lol: http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm Incidentally, there is no charge to down-load the full program: workbooks, lesson plans, and additional teacher aids. But the no cost/low cost aspect of MEP is not where the value of this program lies. It is simply something very special for a parent and child who want to go far beyond a "traditional approach". Take a look, I have a feeling you will love this :001_smile: Bill Thank you for this. I myself am a severely handicapped person mathematically speaking and this is the one area of homeschooling where I doubt my abilities to teach the subject effectively. Is there a point where it becomes too late for a person to develop mathematical thinking?? Am I a lost cause? Or is there some way that I can learn and become a better math teacher for my daughter's sake? My daughter also, not surprisingly, is not a very mathy kid. I use Singapore with her hoping that it will help her in this respect, but is there something that you know of that an older child (11) can use to develop mathematical thinking?? Is there some sort of manipulative or something like that that will help to drive more abstract mathematical concepts home?? I will wait eagerly for your reply. :) Thank you. Oh and PS, totally ot, but your avatar. The little man in it, would that be from the comic Spy vs. Spy from Mad Magazine?? Thx. :) Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 Oh no! Not one of those super long days! I hate those! You need a quadrupel! I might need a quadrupel ;) but it's only 2:30 here and we're about to head out to Aikido. Almost everything done, so not too bad in the end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 I'm out the door, we'll get back to this later. Bill When you return and commence to waxing poetic about MEP once more, would you be so kind to tell us how one goes about getting the passwords? (I feel like a terrible impostor emailing for such things when their language is very schooly) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hathersage Posted April 27, 2009 Share Posted April 27, 2009 When you return and commence to waxing poetic about MEP once more, would you be so kind to tell us how one goes about getting the passwords? (I feel like a terrible impostor emailing for such things when their language is very schooly) You can join the yahoo group to get the password. It is in the files section. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mep-homeschoolers/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Ooh, thanks! (Interestingly, I clicked on one of the "b" student books that indicate they need a password, and it opened right up. What's up with that?:confused:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 On second thought, I'm not even sure it involves decimal at all. I'm going to have to give this another "thunk." Once again you have topped me ;) :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Ooh, thanks! (Interestingly, I clicked on one of the "b" student books that indicate they need a password, and it opened right up. What's up with that?:confused:) There is one set of books that says a password is needed (when it isn't) but there are some that do. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 So you recommend MEP over this program and Miquon for a mathy kid. My son is 6 and he has been playing around with Cuisinaire rods since he was probably 4. He really gets numbers. I am amazed at things that he figures out on his own. I keep going back and forth trying to figure out what math program to use with him. So far Singapore, Miquon, and MEP are at the top of the list. The one mentioned in this thread looks interesting as well. Jan Jan, I have just loved what the Miquon, Singapore, and MEP progression has done for my son. And how, as you've experienced with your boy, the Cuisenaire Rods help children this age understand numbers and values. It is far too soon for me to evaluate the merits (or de-merits) of CSMP. I can say it has some really interesting things that are right up my alley in terms of the way I like to approach math with my son. But I'm also nearing a threshold of what I juggle. The teachers book for the first level runs something like 400 pages :lol: So we will see how many concepts I can steal with out burning myself out. The little man I never over-burden, and he's happy as a clam to have something totally new every day. He thrives on it as a matter of fact. There are some interesting films on the CSMP site. In addition to the mimi-computer they do a lot of interesting things with sets (they call "string game") and another activity called "arrow roads". Very interesting things. So I throw out idea for those as nutty as myself :tongue_smilie: Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlifemom Posted April 28, 2009 Author Share Posted April 28, 2009 So where do I get these rods. Would my local homeschool bookstore carry them? Hmmm, please don't make me change my approach to math next year. I am already turning my world upside down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in CA Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Bill, I just have to say that I really miss your old pic, with the frowny and smiley faces. I always got such a lift when I saw it. Tara :iagree: It never failed to make me smile. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Quick update: we spent last evening doing a slew of exercises from level 1 of CSMP, and it was awesome! Oh dear, oh dear. :D Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Okay, I'm sitting here with the Cuisenaire rods, and I still don't get it. It's okay, though. My poor kids.... eta: my dd just explained it. Geez. Janet Hey Janet, take an Orange Rod (ordinarily a "ten" value) and lay it horizontally the on top of it stack "other ways" to make 10. Any combo you want/can think up. Then take the rods and line up one of each color vertically from least to greatest (this is called "stairs"). Then greatest to least. The kids will get this straight away, and eventually you'll get it too :D Bill (same boat :tongue_smilie:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 So where do I get these rods. Would my local homeschool bookstore carry them? Hmmm, please don't make me change my approach to math next year. I am already turning my world upside down. What approach are you using Pam? The rods I have are the plastic non-connecting 155 set made by Learning Resources. I like these a lot. Better than the wooden ones (surprisingly) as they are more regular, washable, and almost indestructible. Here is a link to the set I recommend, they can be found less expensively on other sites (this is the manufacturer). Don't get the "connecting" version. There are also "base-10 flats" (blue 10 x 10 x1 cm squares) that represent 100 units that are helpful for teaching (and making "concrete") number values in the 100's in combination with the rods. http://www.learningresources.com/product/cuisenaire--174-+rods+small+group+set-+plastic+rods.do?search=basic&keyword=LER7513&sortby=best&asc=true&page=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Thank you for this. I myself am a severely handicapped person mathematically speaking and this is the one area of homeschooling where I doubt my abilities to teach the subject effectively. Is there a point where it becomes too late for a person to develop mathematical thinking?? Am I a lost cause? Or is there some way that I can learn and become a better math teacher for my daughter's sake? My daughter also, not surprisingly, is not a very mathy kid. I use Singapore with her hoping that it will help her in this respect, but is there something that you know of that an older child (11) can use to develop mathematical thinking?? Is there some sort of manipulative or something like that that will help to drive more abstract mathematical concepts home?? I will wait eagerly for your reply. :) Thank you. Oh and PS, totally ot, but your avatar. The little man in it, would that be from the comic Spy vs. Spy from Mad Magazine?? Thx. :) Jen I don't think it's ever too late. I'm certainly surprised how much I'm enjoying teaching my son math because math was always what I considered my "weakest" spot. And a big part of that I believe is the way "math" was taught. Making it dull and uninteresting (to me). Quite often in school I'd sit with a book or novel propped inside my math-book and "pretend" to be paying attention to the lessons, but actually reading something that interested me instead. So part of the thing is to make learning fun, challenging and exciting. I'm getting a good handle on how to do that with a 5 year old. With an 11 year old I'd be speculating. One thing I've thought of for that age is starting "The Life of Fred" series. Are you familiar with this one? It introduces math concepts with-in the context of an ongoing story and by all repots is outstanding. There is also a book/course called "Russian Math 6" that interests me for that age. You've seen us mention MEP I'm sure, and this (free for the down-loading) program really seems to appeal to kids. It's an interesting approach that seems to fold in nicely with Singapore. And coming in May, Singapore Math will be releasing the book "The Singapore Model Method". This looks like an intriguing work to me. I hope this helps a little. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellycbr Posted April 28, 2009 Share Posted April 28, 2009 Bill, I'm curious if you've ever looked at RightStart, and what your opinion might be of this curriculum. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted April 29, 2009 Share Posted April 29, 2009 (edited) Bill, I'm curious if you've ever looked at RightStart, and what your opinion might be of this curriculum. Kelly I have the book "Activities for Al Abacus" that was (from my understanding) Dr. Cotter's initial program before significantly expanding it into the full Right Start program. And also her Math Card Games book, the Al Abacus, place value cards, base-10 cards and math game cards. All her materials are highly useful and (based on what I have) are really great for "buttoning up" concepts. I strongly considered RS. But at the end of the day I felt like I wanted to be kind of "eclectic" in my approach and I felt (rightly or wrongly) that Dr. Cotter had a model for teaching (a good one) that I wouldn't have felt as comfortable "messing with" as I have with Miquon, Singapore and MEP. This my have been a wrong impression on my part. It also seemed RS was pretty scripted, not a big plus for me (but I can see how it would be for some) and sometimes I strain with Dr. Cotter's explanations of things when it gets down to "instructions". She seems to think like an "engineer" and I don't. The fault is likely my own but, at time, there is a "barrier" for me. On the other hand her philosophy of teaching to me is spot on. Also we started with Cuisenaire Rods, rather than the abacus and my son is very at home with these. The rods lack a bit of "calculator" functionality the abacus has, but for teaching relative values in a concrete way the rods have some advantage. This is a long answer for what is an ultimately less-than-fully-informed opinion on my part. From all I know Right Start is one of the very best programs for young kids. It does seem to excel at teaching an orderly way of dealing with math and place value. Really making things clear. And re-enforcing math facts though games in a fun ways, rather than drill. I think a child would have a very highly functional (maybe the most highly functional) math skills on a practical level of any program I'm aware of, and it has been hugely popular with parents on this board whose opinions I most trust. But if there is a down-side I'm not sure that RS provokes the same deep critical thinking aspects that MEP ,and Miquon (and Singapore as you advance) do. At least not based on the materials I have. So you get exceedingly good explanations of concepts done in a "progressive" fashion, but is there an intangible missing? The thing that makes their young brains hurt? I don't know for sure. But it's the small area I have doubts about, and I value the development of those deep thinking skills as much, or more, than any other aspect of math education at this point. Even if it's a little messy at times. Do take it all this with a grain-of-salt because I'm convinced RS is one of the best math programs available. Peoples priorities, teaching styles, learning styles, all factor in to these decisions. Nothing is ever "perfect". If it were I wouldn't be juggling elements of 4 or 5 different programs at the moment. And it is "dangerous" having too fully formed an opinion on a program you've only had exposure to in a "lite" version. I'm certain many (many) RS users will tell you (rightly) how well it has worked with their kids. So I don't want to seem negative in any way just because I went another way. And I still want the "best of RS" in our mix because it does somethings better than anything else I've seen. Have I been confusing enough? :tongue_smilie: Bill Edited April 29, 2009 by Spy Car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted April 29, 2009 Share Posted April 29, 2009 The rods I have are the plastic non-connecting 155 set made by Learning Resources. I like these a lot. Better than the wooden ones (surprisingly) as they are more regular, washable, and almost indestructible. I have the same set. I can report that they do not stand a chance against the teeth of a determined human child (although I am not sure the dent is best described as destruction, exactly). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlifemom Posted April 29, 2009 Author Share Posted April 29, 2009 What approach are you using Pam? The rods I have are the plastic non-connecting 155 set made by Learning Resources. I like these a lot. Better than the wooden ones (surprisingly) as they are more regular, washable, and almost indestructible. Here is a link to the set I recommend, they can be found less expensively on other sites (this is the manufacturer). Don't get the "connecting" version. There are also "base-10 flats" (blue 10 x 10 x1 cm squares) that represent 100 units that are helpful for teaching (and making "concrete") number values in the 100's in combination with the rods. http://www.learningresources.com/product/cuisenaire--174-+rods+small+group+set-+plastic+rods.do?search=basic&keyword=LER7513&sortby=best&asc=true&page=1 I'm a Saxon girl and before anyone yells, my dh's sister didn't hs her kids iykwim. She used Saxon math for them, or rather they used it for themselves and 2 of them qualified for full scholarships to college as pre-med. That is what sold me. I know nothing about math,(as I confessed before) so I thought that Saxon was the safest way to go. I am also terribly afraid to change, b/c I have heard that jumping around with math can be very dangerous. I am going to look up these rods though as I am intrigued. I have a feeling next year is going to be very interesting. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted May 1, 2009 Share Posted May 1, 2009 (edited) I don't think it's ever too late. I'm certainly surprised how much I'm enjoying teaching my son math because math was always what I considered my "weakest" spot. And a big part of that I believe is the way "math" was taught. Making it dull and uninteresting (to me). Quite often in school I'd sit with a book or novel propped inside my math-book and "pretend" to be paying attention to the lessons, but actually reading something that interested me instead. So part of the thing is to make learning fun, challenging and exciting. I'm getting a good handle on how to do that with a 5 year old. With an 11 year old I'd be speculating. One thing I've thought of for that age is starting "The Life of Fred" series. Are you familiar with this one? It introduces math concepts with-in the context of an ongoing story and by all repots is outstanding. There is also a book/course called "Russian Math 6" that interests me for that age. You've seen us mention MEP I'm sure, and this (free for the down-loading) program really seems to appeal to kids. It's an interesting approach that seems to fold in nicely with Singapore. And coming in May, Singapore Math will be releasing the book "The Singapore Model Method". This looks like an intriguing work to me. I hope this helps a little. Bill Thank you, Bill, for the recommendations. I will start looking into them. :) Incidentally, would those things you mentioned be considered a supplement to her full curriculum or a curriculum in itself? Thanks for your time. :) *edit* I ordered LOF today. I will use it as a supplement to Singapore. thanks for the recommendation. :) Peace. :) Edited May 1, 2009 by Ibbygirl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 I started the first book of LOF today with my daughter and she LOVED IT!! We did the first two chapters and she wanted to keep on going, but I had to start cooking dinner! hehehe She wants to hurry up and eat dinner now so we can do chapter 3 afterwards. Thanks again so much for the recommendation Spy Car. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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