Do you think R&S is on level for math?

[Karen in CO]

If you use it do you also use the blackline masters to make extra drill sheets? Do you use the teachers guide? I can see that it does a good job of teaching facts (I am looking at some lower grade samples) does it help with mathematical thinking and problem solving also?

[chiguirre]

We use R&S 1. You absolutely need the TM, it has all the activities you have to present to your dc for them to learn a concept, without it you wouldn't have a complete math course. The blackline masters are helpful if your dc needs reinforcement. For about $14 you get a ream of worksheets-literally. For us, it was well worth it, but if you have a math whiz, you could skip them. In fact, if you have a math whiz, you might be happier with a more conceptual, higher order thinking course (like Singapore).

R&S is not below grade level, but it emphasizes rote math skills. Your dc will KNOW their addition and subtraction facts, counting money, telling time, measuring, etc., but they won't be thinking algebraically in first grade. This works better for some kids and IMHO is a better approach for guaranteeing mathematical competence, but YMMV. By 8th grade, R&S is on level. I compared R&S and BJU's scope and sequence when there was so much controversy a couple of months ago. They were almost identical. My personal conclusion is that R&S teaches arithmetic systematically and thoroughly. If you follow it, you won't need to add anything in, no drill, no second programs (unless you really want to).

[4pillars]

I agree the with the above poster. I switched to Rod and Staff math 3, 5 and 6 from Saxon this year and have seen amazing results. Rod and Staff is all about getting those basics down. I think that if you get those basics down it will set your child up for success in the upper maths!
Jen

[Serendipity]

I'm chiming in to say I agree about R&S math being thorough and systematic and just plain easy to use. Without stressing about it, I taught our daughter money and telling time and place value (among many other things) via R&S. It was so gentle and easy to do, too. I am not at all concerned about my daughters being behind because of R&S math. :)

[Ellie]

If you use it do you also use the blackline masters to make extra drill sheets?

The blackline masters are not just drills; they're *practice* in concepts, which isn't always just drills. The blackline masters are optional, but they can be useful.


Do you use the teachers guide?
The first three books assume that you are using the oral "classtime" in the teacher manuals. That's where the instruction actually takes place; IOW, it is expected that you will actually teach and *then* assign the seatwork, which will reinforce what you have already taught. This would be as opposed to giving your dc the worksheet page and teaching him how to do the page.

I can see that it does a good job of teaching facts (I am looking at some lower grade samples) does it help with mathematical thinking and problem solving also?

Yes.:)

[Wendy in ME]

We are using 4 and 6 and love it. The TM are great for giving you great oral review and it tell you exactly how to explain the concepts. My 4th grader was doing poorly with spiral program because he never got the basics down pat. This has definately been a great math year for us.

Wendy

[Karen in CO]

I have looked at the grade 1-3 samples for 3 days now and compared them with the failed math books I have at home and with the scope and sequence of other books that I could find online and with the ps books I could find referenced online. I have been really convinced that facts are what needs to happen first. I also really like the way that it teaches carrying and borrowing. I thought if anything it was ahead of the ps books. It is very hard to compare it with books that use a more spiral approach.

I have realized that my dd likes to learn something then more on to something more difficult. She doesn't like or need to "spiral". I also realized that I prefer a mastery approach to elementary math. I think this will suit both of us better.

Thanks again for your reassurances.