Singapore Math Users

[langfam]

Is using the textbook and workbook sufficient ? Do you use the intensive practice workbooks as well?

[dirty ethel rackham]

We have typically only used the textbook and the workbook. My oldest used Singapore from Primary 2B. My middle child has used it from 1B. My oldest is in 8th grade and is on NEM book 2. His standardized test scores in math (ITBS and SAT) have been excellent. My middle child is doing quite well with it: his ITBS math score was very good.

We had purchased a couple intensive practice workbooks because I felt guilty that I wasn't doing more (after reading on the boards), but never really used them much. We did do outside practice for math fact memorization. My 11yos will be finishing 6B this week. We don't want to start NEM yet so he will do a review book for the next 3 months to brush up on skills.

[Linda...inOwasso]

Yes, Text & Workbook would be sufficient. My dd7 uses the PM workbook, intensive practice & challenging word problems, but I'm paranoid when it comes to math and I'm sure I go overboard.

[KAR120C]

The text and workbooks are the main part of the series, and stand alone very well.

I never used the Intensive Practice books with DS (didn't know about them until we were almost done with the series!) But what I did add, and highly recommend, were the Challenging Word Problems books. They don't add a ton of extra work, just a lot of heavy thinking. So it's an easy thing to add schedule-wise but also packs a lot of "bang" for the buck, as it were.

[LisaNY]

We used the textbook, workbook, and CWP. Even though they were a challenge, their benefits were measurable, IMO. My dd can solve many kinds of word problems, and I think it has broadened her ability to think algebraically. As a matter of fact, we're giving an algebra text a trial run this week, and she told me that she used the Singapore "bar" method to figure it out.

[elegantlion]

We started with Singapore this year. We are currently only using the text and workbooks. Next year I plan to add the CWP. I love their word problems, ds might not, but I think they're great.

[Closeacademy]

The text and workbook are fine for most students. I think that the Challenging Word Problems would be a great addition starting with level 3.

[Novafan]

So far we are just using the text and work books. I MAY add the intensive practice book in at a later time.

[PariSarah]

You do something once and move on. If math is not your children's strong suit, you may want some extra practice.

We used to use the CWP--I was really pleased with how they made ds think, not just plug in an algorithm. I'm not entirely sure why we stopped using it, come to think of it.

But we've been using just the text and the workbook for the last three levels, and we've been fine with that.

[langfam]

When you use CWP, do you go one grade level down?

[mcconnellboys]

I would with a child who I think needs extra practice. I did this with my older son. My younger son does not need this extra practice at this point.

Regena

[nmoira]

We use IP in lieu of the workbook. It is more challenging and has less repetition. I would recommend it for all math adept kids (those for whom the workbook is not at all challenging). IMHO, IP would not be appropriate for struggling kids needing extra practice, that's what the Extra Practice books are for. CWP I'd recommend for all children. On level for those strong in math, perhaps a level or so behind for others.

[WendyK]

We use the intensive practice books. I love them for the word and challenge problems.

[AudreyTN]

Is using the textbook and workbook sufficient ?

For Ds6, yes. He pretty much teaches himself anyway.

For Dd7, no way! I tried Intensive Practice and it was... well, too intensive. So we're working with Extra Practice and she's doing great.

[PariSarah]

When you use CWP, do you go one grade level down?

But, yes, it sort of morphed into that.

We ended up doing CWP occasionally, not every week. Or maybe do three problems here, and then do your regular lesson; two problems the next day, what have you. So it ended up that by fourth grade, he was still doing third grade CWP. And then we just never ended up buying fourth grade CWP.

[Jackie in AR]

Is using the textbook and workbook sufficient ? Do you use the intensive practice workbooks as well?

My boys are in NEM 1 now, and they used just the textbook and workbook from PM 1a through PM 6b. I did buy an intensive practice once and they worked a handful of pages, but then we let it slide.

Dd 10 is in 5B and she has only ever used the textbook and workbook up to this point; however, I recently bought the Level 5 Extra Practice book for her to do a little more work in a couple of areas.

So, we've never found the IP books to be necessary.

[Suzanne in ABQ]

Just the textbook and workbook is usually sufficient for us. I have used the Extra Practice book in the past, but haven't added anything in the last couple years. Sometimes, I have to make up some problems (recently did this for ds's multi-digit multiplacation) just to give my dc a little extra practice. This is rare, though.

[AngieW in Texas]

My oldest did every problem in the workbook and in the textbook as well as books 1 and 2 in Key to Fractions, Key to Decimals, and Key to Percents.

My middle did every problem in the workbook. She never touched the textbook. She also didn't need any supplementation.

My youngest is doing Singapore again. Right now, we're using just the textbook. I am supplementing with Daily Math Practice.