Singapore vs. Right Start Math

[Linda]

I'd greatly appreciate a compare/contrast of these two programs for early elementary. I'm familiar with RS so I'm specifically wondering how Singapore is different. Better? Worse?

Thanks!

[Closeacademy]

I've used both.

RS is scripted, has regular review, plain worksheets, works on one main concept per year.

Singapore is visual, has review at the end of sections, works on a variety of topics each year and the next time you encounter that topic it will be harder. For example in 1a/b you learn about basic addition and subtraction, in 2a you learn about regrouping, in 3a you use rods to solve addition and subtraction problems.

I like Singapore more because:

1. Both my oldest dd and I hate scripted programs.

2. With Singapore we can really see where we are going.

3. Singapore is very visual and the workbook pages have puzzles (fun)

4. I like the way they teach things in singapore

5. I can easily add in activities to round out Singapore without overloading us on math (fun drill, exploration, picture books and math stories).

With RS there were times I just felt muddled and like I was being left out of the big picture. I like the big picture. But this is a personal thing and I believe that RS is a great program and I love the manipulatives but it just wasn't for us.:)

[Mama Lynx]

I disagree with Christy's statement that Right Start focuses on one main concept a year. In a year, we cover many concepts with Right Start.

I use Right Start because I love the unique way it teaches concepts. I also like its painless multiplication drill method. The abacus and manipulatives are excellent and useful. We don't play many of the games. Hardly any, actually. It is fantabulous at teaching mental math.

It is a scripted program, but I just ignore the script and teach the lesson.

I use Singapore because it does such a good job at teaching critical thinking and problem-solving.

Both programs are excellent.

[Sarah CB]

Singapore is more straight forward, has less of a games/parent interaction element and emphasizes problem solving skills.

Right Start is a solid program, but one of my kids was tired of the "talk, talk, talk" of RS and just wanted to do "real" math (ie. Singapore). My third child really enjoys the time with me doing RS.

Singapore does a fantastic job of teaching kids how to think mathematically and apply what they've learned to really difficult situations through their word problems. RS doesn't have an equivalent to that. It's one area that I feel RS is lacking in. Plus, I like having the independent aspect of Singapore. Yes, we sit down together and go through the text book, use manipulatives to demonstrate the concept and work through some practice quesions together but then ds can take his book and go off and do his work. In the early years, RS has very little of that - and I guess that could be seen as a plus or a negative depending on your child.

I have used Singapore from EB to NEM 1 and plan to have all of my children go through it. I've also dabbled in RS. I have one student who I think will stick with RS; we're working through level B right now. But, he also does Singapore. I plan to phase RS out over the next few years until we're just doing Singapore. I have one more child coming up and plan to use RS A with him for preschool and then RS B for K and slowly add more Singapore in and use less RS as he progresses.