New Here -Help w/ Choosing Math for Twins

[Binalina]

I would appreciate any advice on this...We have been using Abeka this year (Kinder). I chose Abeka because it was familiar to all of us but now I see that I have two girls with very different learning styles and at the same time am seeing that there is a better way to do math. One of my girls can visualize math very easily and whip through math pages like nothing(in fact she loves them) while the other really cannot visialize at all and is still counting on her fingers or needs to use some manipulative to see it. The second dd struggles to keep up with her twin and this rushing causes her (I think) to make alot of mistakes (which by the way crushes her).:( I've told them till I'm blue in the face that it's not a competition but we always end up in the same boat (usually tears if dd1 finishes before dd2). So we can see that this is clearly not working for her. DD1 has pushed us right through math to the end of our K workbook (in Jan) and exhibits ability to understand her older sister's 2nd grade math. So I understand this to mean that she is not being challenged at the right level. Since I ran out of math for them to do and haven't made a decision on what to do next we started playing with Cuisinaire Rods. Well, DD1 says that they are boring and too easy while DD2 LOVES them and finally likes math. UGH! and YIPEEE! at the same time.... I have condsidered doing two different math ciricula for them but that would actually mean three since I also have a 2nd grader (I just don't know if I'm up for that)So finally to my questions... Does anyone think that RS would work for both of my twins? And why.What about the games and competition between the two? I'm concerned that dd1 will win most of the time and this whole cycle will continue. How do I help dd1 reach her potential in math while still preserving the self esteem of dd2?
Thanks for your input,
Sincerely,
Angie
DD 8
DD 6
DD 6
DS 3

[Vanna]

I don't know about Rod and Staff or Right Start (which one is RS? hee, hee). I've only tried Rod and Staff's English and that was a bit too challenging for my dc at the time (and didn't suit his learning style which is auditory).

Have you considered Shiller Math? I've been using it for my dc who are close in age. Other folks here have liked Math U See and I mention it only because I've heard others recommend it.

HTH!

PS - I wrote about our experience with Shiller Math Kits 1 and 2 on my blog, if you are interested (do a CTRL - F to find it).

[Unicorn]

I have 9 yo twins and am considering using 2 diff. programs next year as well. It will be harder on you, having to teach 3 math levels/programs. You could look at it as great practice for when your littlest one is doing school too though! :0)

Your descriptons of learning styles are just like my dd's. I don't think you should hold one dd back if she is that advanced. Have you considered using singapore for her?

Good luck, it's not an easy decision.

[Karin]

I don't have twins, but I do have 3 kids in different things. My younger 2 are doing 2 programs each (the same ones, but not the same level) and my eldest is in Algebra. I'd highly recommend doing two different programs, but I mean one for each child!!!, in this case if you can.

While MUS can be very helpful for some kids, my two who are doing it are both visual thinkers. However, your dd would have to learn a new set of rods and the colours are different for almost every number value. However, MUS isn't graded but uses Greek letters so that could help reduce competition if one had letters and another numbers.

[OhElizabeth]

Angie, I don't have twins, but I have used RightStart. I think your idea to put the struggling twin into something like RightStart, with its manipulatives and interactive lessons, is a GREAT idea. It doesn't even have to be RS, even though I like RS a lot. If she likes the rods, maybe continue using them or find a program that uses them. (Don't fix it when it's working?) For the other twin, who sounds rather self-motivated on math, I'd look at Horizons or Singapore, something that she can pick up and proceed with herself. That way they're not competing. And indeed, they can enjoy playing the RS games together, etc. I just don't think they'd enjoy RS lessons together, not given that the one would fly through where the other needs to take her time.

[Michelle in TX]

First time posting, but I had to share my experience. My twin sons are 8 (2nd graders) and we have been using MUS since K. I have noticed that one ds is more dependent on the manipulatives and takes a little longer to learn new concepts. My other ds stopped using the manipulatives sooner than his brother and I didn't force him to use them if he was understanding the material. I think the videos (which we watch together) are so wonderful and the way MUS is written the concepts are easily grasped. I cannot compare other math programs since I've only used MUS. I like how MUS has only 30 lessons, so if we need to spend longer than a week to make sure math facts are solid then we can. I have heard from another mother of twins that she did use different programs because of the competition factor. But both of mine using MUS has worked for us! I hope this helps you make your decision.:)
Blessings,
Michelle

[kaylk in tx]

while their learning styles aren't so dramatically different that I've had to go to different programs, i totally get the competitive thing. my solution was to do their math at different times so they can't see how fast/slow each other is.

[kaylk in tx]

kids emerge from the concrete stage at different times. sounds like you have one who is already heading into the symbolic while the other is still concrete. nothing wrong with that. it's totally normal for some kids to need the manipulatives longer than others. (and what are fingers but manipulatives you always have with you :D) you'll know he doesn't need them anymore when he stops using them.

[Cadam]

I would split them into different math programs. They are different kids. I would bet money the one who needs help visualizing would love math-u-see (mathusee.com). I personally would put the one with math aptitude into Singapore or whatever program is working for your older kid so you don't have to learn a 3rd method.

One of the great things about MUS is that it is so different and the books are not grade levels so the will have a very tough time comparing themselves.

MUS is a mastery program. Alpha is all single digit addition and subtraction. - that's it. It builds one tiny concept upon another and is very multi sensory. Mr. Demme's mantra is "Build it, write it, say it".

Beta - multi-digit addition and subtraction
Gamma - Multiplication
Delta - Division
Epsilon - Fractions
Zeta - Decimals and percents

At this point you move to pre-algebra just like every other program. Go to the site and order the free demo video. I think this is just what your non-visualizing kid needs.

[Binalina]

Even though I didn't mention it in the post I have been also considering MUS for my one who needs more help. It was interesting to see how many of you all recommended it for her and I will look into that more. I have never looked into Singapore so I will have to do that also. Thank you all for your input.

My only concern with MUS is that she will get bored and I've heard that some kids don't seem to really get it with MUS. I guess I won't really know that until we try it.

Gotta run! kids escaping house unsupervised!!!!

Thanks so much!

Angie

[Ferdie]

I have three adopted children, with three different learning styles and RightStart math has worked great with all of them. Right now I have one in level C, one in D and my oldest finished E last year, (he is working on his own in BJU now).

I'm not sure how it would be to have two on the same level though. RS is time consuming for the teacher but I don't regret the time I have spend with my children on math.