Two questions for R&S art and math users...

[stephanie]

I was hoping to start art with my dc next year, and I was considering R&S. My dc have never done any art and they are not good drawers. I have ds13, ds9, dd7, and dd6. Do I need to buy individual grades or can I kind of pick in the middle so that I can combine them all together? I really need something that I can do with all of them; otherwise, it may not get done!
Also, how does R&S math compare to MUS? I understand how MUS works b/c I use it on ds13k, and I know it's a mastery approach. Is R&S as repetitive as MUS? I've looked and noticed it is repetitive, but I wanted to know first hand from someone who has used it. I just didn't know if it was AS repetitive as MUS. I was considering a switch from Saxon for my younger 3, and couldn't decide which program would be better. I love the mastery approach of MUS, but I think the repetition may drive my others a little nutty. OTOH, they really need the mastery. I was hoping that R&S maybe kind of met in the middle. KWIM? Thanks so much!

[Beth in Central TX]

I don't think R&S Artpacs is what you're looking for if you want to combine an art program for all of your kids. It's really a graded program that the student does independently (except the younger ones). R&S Artpac 8 is the highest level. Your oldest could start at Artpac 6 or 7; however, your younger ones could not start that high and would probably do best around Artpac 1 or 2. The program slowly builds upon itself, and I think a higher level would require too much from the younger students while your oldest would not be challenged enough with the younger levels.

I personally think you would have more success with a program like Drawing for Children with Sherri's schedule: http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/dwclp.htm.

I've never seen MUS so I can't compare the two programs, but R&S Math does have built-in daily review in the teaching notes and in the lesson. I'm not sure if it's more or less than MUS. Review may not always be pleasant, but I think it's necessary in a math program to build a strong foundation for future levels of higher math. FWIW...