What is an inexpensive math program for 1st?

[mo2]

We have been having some financial issues lately that are causing me to have to reassess my 1st grade plans. I really, really want MUS but, to put it bluntly, I need something cheap. We hated Singapore, so what else is there? Thanks for any help!

[samba]

Rod and Staff and CLE are both very inexpensive programs. Abeka is inexpensive if you don't feel you need all the extras. Those are ones I know a little about. I'm sure someone else will be able to share more.

[Frontier Mom]

You probably don't need TG, just workbook. Solid and cost effective.

[Lisa in the UP of MI]

MEP is online for free. http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm
I think Ray's Arithmetic is available online for free too. I haven't used either of these though.

[5sons]

Miquon? You could get the orange (the first book) for $5-$6. You might want the next book as well. You can look at samples on SL's websight. Imho you really don't need any teacher's book to go with it. It is pretty self explanatory.

Hope you find something you like?

Kristen

[Calming Tea]

most people don't use the TM in K, but you can ask whether you need the TM for first. In K, everyone told me, just not to forget to teach skip counting and that was enough. I have the TM and still I never use it.

First may be similar.

[Kari C in SC]

A Bob Jones workbook is about $15 at Rainbow Resource. You really don't need the TM at that age.

[Mary in NJ]

I have used Rod and Staff and have been very pleased with the price of the curriculum. To top everything off, my children are very solid with their basic math facts. It is hands down my favorite.

Joyfully,
Mary

[nestof3]

This website is great for manipulatives. FREE

http://nlvm.usu.edu/

I would also use online math games as well. I posted a whole bunch a while back. The library or the internet have great ideas for games to play just using a deck of numbered cards, dominoes, dice and other things you probably have around the house already.

Expensive counting bears are not needed either -- just use beans or paperclips.

There are also so many downloadable lesson plans and worksheets as well. I'll see if I can find any I have used.

You could use a state objective website, like our VA SOLs and just mark off the objectives as you teach them:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/go/Sols/math1.pdf

[nestof3]

This looks like a great site:

http://www.tlsbooks.com/firstgradeworksheets.htm

Another:

http://www.homeschoolmath.net/worksheets/grade_1.php

This is a good article as well:
http://www.homeschooltoday.com/articles/articles/28_ways_to_teach_math.php

Loreen Leedy also has GREAT math books which really explain things like graphing. Check your library.

[Bee]

Dare I say it?What about using math workbooks that you can get at places like Walmart,Sam's Club,even at bookstores.I have the $30+ Scott Foresman math workbook for first grade and one called Total Math that I paid $6 for at the store and the cheaper one covers the same subjects as the more expensive one.

[Ann in IA]

How about the Spectrum books? They are about $8 and "meet national standards" whatever that means ;) I do like the Spectrum books alot and you can add in some games or extra on-line worksheets if you think your child needs it.

[TracyR]

Christian Light math is pretty inexpensive .
Rod and Staff
Miquon
You could even purchase workbooks at a bookstore/Walmart for this age
MCP math

[Asma_08]

Spectrum Math is pretty good for first grade and I also second MEP. I just started using it to supplement Singapore and I love it. It would be good to use in combination with Spectrum Math.

[Jenny in Atl]

We love Singapore and it's cheap. I've used it with both of my dd's.

[Gretchen in NJ]

I have used School Zone Math Basics. They cost around $3 for the year and sometimes I supplement with free worksheets from KidZone.ws and SuperKids.com.

I love School Zone workbooks and so do my girls. The are based on the NCTM Guidelines.

Gretchen

[iquilt]

I saw someone else mention Horizons - we are currently using Horizons for 1st grade and you could do very well with just their workbooks (no TM necessary). I bought the whole program but I really do not use the teaching ideas in the TM, and the manipulatives that you would use can all be found around the house (coins, cheerios for counting groups, etc.). I also love Spectrum workbooks and plan to use the K math workbook for next year with dd#2.

[Mandamom]

which I bought from Barnes and Nobles for about $8 or so. I really like it.

I like their reading comprehension books, too.