If you have used Rod and Staff math for elementary,

[gandpsmommy]

Can you please tell me what you liked and what you didn't like? We have been using Singapore for K5 and first, but I'm looking for something with more help for me as the teacher and more review/practice built in. Whatever we choose, we will continue to supplement it with Miquon because dd loves it and we already have all the books for it.

[Josie]

We have used R & S for grades 1 through 5. It is very, very easy to teach. In the younger grades, 1 - 3, you will have a few felt manipulatives to make and you will need to buy or make a few charts, but after that it is pretty much just pick up the book and teach. It is so well written that I have never had a problem teaching form the manual. Grade 4 and up doesn't use manipulatives, so you don't even have to bother with that. By the way, I suggest buying the charts. However, we didn't use the multiplication chart as it was just as easy to do it my own way.

I can't think of anything that I don't like about R & S math.

They do have LOTS of problems. I have my kiddos do ALL of the problems, but other folk don't, so that is up to you.

I can tell you that R & S really provides a great math foundation. Our oldest has tested 2 grades ahead in math--to pre-algebra. I am either going to skip her to 8th grade R & S next year or just switch publishers and do a pre-alg course. I wish R & S offered advanced math!

[OneRoomHomeSchool]

We used it for first only....for us, we did not care for it. My child just does better with a spiral approach. For him Rod and Staff seem very, very S-L-O-W. ;) He hated it.

I do think that, however, if your child does best with a mastery approach it is one of the better ones!

[gandpsmommy]

Thanks, that helps.

[gandpsmommy]

Thanks for the input!

[Beth in Central TX]

I made this reply in another R&S math post, but I thought you might find it helpful too.

I'm very pleased with R&S Math. I've used grades 3, 4, 5, & 6 with my older sons, and I'm using grade 1 with my younger son this year. I think their math program has prepared my sons well for higher level math. In addition, the older boys score very well in math on their standarized tests. R&S has teacher notes for mental math drill, teaching the lesson, and reviewing past concepts. I also use their speed drills and tests. It's a straight-forward, no frills math program. I find that a pro, but others may see it as a con.

I would recommend calling R&S for their sample curriculum by grade level and a scope & sequence booklet (606-522-4348). It will give you an overview of their math program to help you make the best decision for your homeschool.

[BizyPenguin]

It was too dry and repetitious for our tastes. I also found it too slow moving in the early grades. (We used it in 1st and 2nd grades). I did a comparison review of R&S and CLE math on my blog. You may want to take a look at the R&S portion of the review to get a better idea of what it's like. HTH! (Note: Click on "Curriculum Reviews" in the sidebar to find it.)

[Aletheia Academy]

What factors would cause someone to choose R&S v MUS?