Moving from SM to R&S -- what do you think?

[profmom]

We have used SM from the beginning, although I did supplement with R &S for extra math fact practice early on with my oldest (so I have some familiarity). My 2nd dc (3rd grader) is having a hard time with the 2-step word problems in 3A and doesn't care for math in general. He does understand the bar graphs for the single-step problems and can do these on his own. Very often, though, it seems he misses more than he should on the exercises, but he gets them correct when we work through them together -- even if I'm not actually helping, just there. (Part of this is that he just needs to do his work more carefully -- also working on that.)

I'm wondering if R&S would be a better fit for him. I really love SM's bar diagrams, but maybe I could still add them with CWP when he seems ready for each type (?). I'd keep my older dd in SM since it continues to work well for her.

What do you think?

[Beth in Central TX]

I think it would be a good move. We used Singapore with Saxon when we first started homeschooling, so I do have some experience with Singapore. My middle son did not do very well with Singapore or Saxon. He needed more lesson practice, more review, and more oral drill. R&S math provides all of these aspects. My middle son has done R&S 3, 4, and 5 now. He's not my strongest in math, but he'll tell you that math is his favorite subject, and that he's good at it. I've seen a big change in his math confidence and ability with the change in programs. I switched all of my boys to R&S Math, and I don't regret that decision one bit.

I've heard that R&S math may not be as advanced as some other programs; however, my middle son works on grade level, and he has always scored very well in math on his standardized achievement testing.

[Narrow Gate Academy]

If he's just having problems with the 2 step word problems, I would consider just backing up a bit and reviewing before I switched programs. We've had to stop and back up with both of my girls at times when they didn't really get a section the first time through. My oldest has been struggling with CWP 3 over the last couple of weeks. I think we ended up working through the first section three times and the second section twice. She now seems to be getting the hang of the bar diagrams and has done two sections this week so far.

If he has been struggling with the book all year, then I would consider switching him over.

HTH

[profmom]

He needed more lesson practice, more review, and more oral drill. R&S math provides all of these aspects. My middle son has done R&S 3, 4, and 5 now. He's not my strongest in math, but he'll tell you that math is his favorite subject, and that he's good at it. I've seen a big change in his math confidence and ability with the change in programs. I switched all of my boys to R&S Math, and I don't regret that decision one bit.

Thanks! This sounds like ds too. It's good to hear that your ds' confidence is back and that he's doing well. A change in programs might do my ds some good.


I've heard that R&S math may not be as advanced as some other programs; however, my middle son works on grade level, and he has always scored very well in math on his standardized achievement testing.

I've wondered about this. I'm glad to hear it's working well!

Deanna, I'm not sure how to quote two people in a post, but part of this answers your question. I'm still trying to understand the situation. :confused: Today we had a good math lesson together (without SM). We reviewed several past math topics (thinking about the Stanford in a couple of weeks) -- some of which I had gone over with him out of a test prep. booklet a few weeks ago. I was pleasantly surprised at what he remembered. We have been moving through SM slowly because he's been missing too many on some of the exercises to go forward -- we'd go over the lesson again and then have him redo those problems, sometimes together and sometimes on his own. It's strange because he's correct more often than not when I'm there watching. I did notice that some of the problem is that he tries to do too much in his head -- more than he can do correctly, so I've been having him write out the problems. (Such as when SM presents the problems horizontally -- he misses too many unless he re-writes them vertically.)

He also seems to thrive on one-on-one positive attention. I try to give this to him as we do our math lessons, but when I'm discouraged or worried about his progress (such as just after checking his assignment and finding so many incorrect), I'm sure he senses it. I'm not always as patient and relaxed as I was today. I've been a little stressed trying to finish the book, or at least cover some of the more important topics, before the SAT in a couple of weeks.

So, do I work harder at my teaching approach and continue with SM, or would it be better to switch (because R & S could be a better fit for him) -- and still work on tailoring my teaching? (I'm still trying to sort this out myself, but you're certainly welcome to comment. :) ) I'm torn because I really like SM, but I do feel more peaceful now that I've ordered R & S4. Does what I've described sound like it's time to switch?? (It sounds like Beth thinks yes?)

Thanks for your help Beth & Deanna!