How do you know if you should switch curr. for a subject?

[gandpsmommy]

I haven't been a curr. jumper so far. This is only our second year hsing, and dd is only in first grade, but so far I have researched extensively beforehand and used what I chose. We have been using Miquon and Singapore math these two years, and dd is doing fine. She understands addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, time, money, etc. And she is memorizing her addition facts pretty solidly, but somehow I just feel as if we could maybe do better with another curriculum. It's hard to pinpoint a specific problem, but I just wonder if there is something better out there. I am not planning on using Singapore with ds when he does K5 next year because I don't think it would work well with his personality and learning style. Right now I'm thinking about using Rightstart math for him. I just don't know what to do about dd. Any suggestions?

[Testimony]

Why do you need to switch curricula?

Karen
www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimony

[Vanna]

...in dc's learning. For example, when ds (1st gr at the time) was floundering in Math and not having enough repetition, it was time to move on. When this same child (3rd gr at the time) could hardly remember the simplest of multiplication facts and tested poorly in Math (using IOWA) I knew it was time to find something else. Two years later, this same child would cry over doing Math, I picked up the phone and ordered something else (oh, I should mention this wasn't just a one-day crying event).

Now, I think you're feeling that your child is not being challenged enough or needs "something else" -- you said you weren't sure and I'm just guessing. How about going to curriculum fair so you can see in-person what's being offered out there? Or, you can do a poll here and ask everybody what they're using and what they like about it?

HTH!

[Sue G in PA]

:D but I'm trying to quit! There is just so much out there to choose from! Really though, I wouldn't switch unless you are seeing something "wrong" w/ what she's using. I contemplated a switch from Saxon w/ my ds9 but this board full of wisdom told me stick it out and they were right. Ds9 was doing well w/ it...just not putting forth the effort for daily lessons, KWIM? We stuck it out and he's doing much better. My ds6, on the other hand, sort of "gave up" with Saxon 1. He was okay for a while, but then he would run away whenever I pulled out his notebook for math. So, I'm trying MUS b/c it is so different it just might work! Haven't gotten the materials yet, but my hope is that Mr. Demme will be able to teach my son since he won't learn from me.

If it is YOU that is having the problem w/ the spec. curriculum (you think it's not thorough enough, challenging enough, "meaty" enough, etc.) then perhaps a switch would be in order OR better yet, find something you can use as a supplement. I supplement Saxon with Singapore's CWP b/c I think Saxon is light on real life applications/word problems. I will also find a way to supplement MUS w/ Saxon for ds6 once he has adjusted to the new curriculum.

[HiddenJewel]

I switch when I continually see my dc not learning the concepts. This tells me the way it is approached or put into practice is not right. I switched math when I realized my dd could get the right answers but didn't understand what she was doing.

By your description, I would not switch. Whatever you are doing is working. Especially in math, if what you are using is working, stick with it.

[5wolfcubs]

I've switched curriculum too many times. I'm going to blog a list of all I've used and I know it's going to be loooooooong. If Miquon & Singapore are working...meaning she's learning and doesn't "hate it" AND you're seeing progression and don't hate it...then I recommend not switching, for her. Especially in math, because, generally speaking, every publisher is a little bit different in their sequence and each time you switch you take a small step back to fit into their sequence. There are times to switch, of course. Tears, hiding, complaining, deer-in-the-headlights, drudgery, mind-numbing boredom...

Now, something different for a different child, that is different. And one of the reasons I homeschool. So, I suggest getting RS for your son and continuing your combo for dd.

[nmoira]

somehow I just feel as if we could maybe do better with another curriculum. It's hard to pinpoint a specific problem, but I just wonder if there is something better out there. I am not planning on using Singapore with ds when he does K5 next year because I don't think it would work well with his personality and learning style. Right now I'm thinking about using Rightstart math for him. I just don't know what to do about dd. Any suggestions?What does "do better" mean? Are you talking conceptually? Is she not challenged enough? Is there not enough practice? There are options within Singapore to address these concerns. IMHO, you get no added benefit from RightStart compared to Singapore after the first year. They are similar programs, the biggest difference is the use of the alabacus to help the student learn math facts and basic concepts. Since your daughter is already learning those, I see no need to switch.

[Lorna]

I would certainly stick with your curriculum, your daughter is doing so well and Singapore is an excellent choice. Perhaps you are simply needing something to brighten up your studies. Some days spent doing math games etc can be fun and have the knock on effect of stimulating interest and establishing higher-level thinking.
Times tales colouring book (http://www.amazon.com/Multiplication-Tables-Colouring-Pictures-Fundamentals/dp/0906212855/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204716469&sr=1-6)
Make mathematical shapes (http://www.amazon.com/Make-Shapes-No-Tarquin-Mathematical/dp/0906212006/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204716469&sr=1-8)
Playing Yatzee
Playing with Tangrams (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/103-0440053-4039062?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=tangrams&x=12&y=21)

[Closeacademy]

When there are tears, lots of resistence, or dumb looks like everything just whooshed on by them with nothing landing in the brain.

Then I look at adapting first to see if there is another way I can use the curriculum to fit our needs.

Dropping if we've got the nothing landing in the brain thing because obviously the child isn't ready for what we are doing and we need to go back and do more review until some brain growth has taken place.

And last of all we switch when everyone really hates the curriculum and we are not getting anything out of it except confusion.

Ask yourself some questions like this:

What do you feel that Singapore/Miquon is missing?

If it is the manipulatives you can easily buy those things and use them with these programs.

Is it drill work? There are tons of worksheets you can make or download for free online to work on things like this.

Are you wanting a script to teach from like Rightstart? Then I would get the Home Instructor's guides. They have information on how to teach the topics, games to play, answers, schedules and mental math pages.

Sometimes, the grass does seem greener. I thought so and tried Rightstart. It is a great program but we went right back to Singapore because it is really the best for us, much less expensive and very adaptable.

Hope this helps.:)

[OhElizabeth]

Terri, I understand the curriculum hopping concern, but your dd is only 1st grade. You seem like a very serious person (not being flighty), so I'd do some serious soul-searching about what your gut is telling you. Sometimes it takes a friend to help me sort out what my gut is telling me that I can't read myself. And sometimes it means I need some time by myself, a nice long hot SHOWER, a girls' night out, some time to relax and let things come. These things don't usually become clear while I'm unloading the dishwasher and cooking supper, lol!

I would have NO problem switching at the point you're at. You've given her a strong foundation with a conceptual approach. I'm just going to toss out some things that could be bugging you:

-non-standard sequence. Are you concerned about her covering all the topics on the state standards or how she'll test?
-teachability-Are you concerned about your ability to continue to teach it as you get in the higher levels?
-lack of certain things you expect in a curriculum--Does it bug you that it doesn't build in drill or other things?
-don't like combining-Do you find it impractical to combine two curricula and want everything in one good curriculum?

Any of these would be perfectly reasonable things to indicate a change IF your gut is saying they're an issue and IF you apply the following principles:

-You are committed to the need for a change, not just wondering.
-You have looked at all the options and are willing to STICK with whatever you chose, no looking back.
-You're thinking long-term, and looking for a curriculum that will be a good fit till say 6th or 7th gr, when most people start pre-algebra and switch to a different curriculum.

It's ok to even buy some things (buy a BJU student worktext, buy a RS abacus, buy a horizons workbook) and see what suits you. But get those things, spend a week and say you're going to try some things, see what works. Watch how she interacts with them. See if they resolve the problems you saw. But then pick something and stick to it.

I used RightStart from K to the end of 2nd, three years. I loved it at first and then started to have little things that bugged me here and there. I did as I described to you, trying Singapore, Horizons, CLE, etc., for short periods of time, but none of them really felt right, seemed to click with her, or resolved my issues. I kept going back to RS, because as you say, it's better to stick with something and make it work than to jump around. Well when I finally did decide to jump, I drew my line in the sand (those change criteria I outlined to you). I decided there was no going back, that I HAD to change, that the time had come. Then I spent months, tons of time, looking at every single thing I could find. At that point I realized there was no perfect curriculum and that what I needed was the one that best fit my list of things I was looking for. I realized I wanted everything in one curriculum, no combining. I wanted some conceptual, some spiral, some fact drill, and most importantly, challenging application problems. And I needed COLOR for my dominantly visual learner. So I picked something and it's worked out well for us. Yes you can change, but you need to be introspective enough to know why, take the time to determine your list of what's important, and be committed to it as a long-term, stable change. It's even ok to buy some things and dabble for a week or two, but call it math dabbling week and don't get into the habit of it. At the end, pick something and make it a long-term change that you're committed to. It will be fine! :)