using two math programs (Singapore and Saxon)

[Denisemomof4]

Ok, I just looked at the online samples of Singapore and I LOVE IT. Now for those of you who use two programs, WHY and how do you use the two together? Would the daily drill of Saxon's speed drills be the main part of what's used? How long do you use two programs?

Thanks,
Denise

[Melissa B]

We just do them both independent of each other.

We use two programs so the kids can learn to approach math from more than one angle. I want them to be able to apply what they learn.

We use Singapore for its math theory, logic, challenging curriculum and more non-traditional ways of teaching arithmetic and pre-algebra.

We use Saxon for its continuous repetition, daily facts practice and more traditional approach.

[Denisemomof4]

nt

[Melissa B]

Oh, I am much more cruel than that. :) :)


For Saxon 1-3 they do all of the meeting book exercises, both sides of each page and all of the facts practice. For 5/4 and 6/5 they do everything in the box - fast facts, mental math, review and word problems. They do the practice sections with me and then all of the problems in every exercise. For 5/4 and up they do every lesson, all of the tests and any supplemental exercises in the back that I feel they might need. We use the older books so they must write out all of the problems - neatly. And they must correct every lesson and test to 100%.

For Singapore they do all of the practices and reviews in the textbook, all of the problems in the workbook, all of the problems in the intensive practice book and all of the problems in the challenging word problems book. And everything must be corrected to 100%.


I'm sure most people consider this major overkill! :D

However, things I have found regarding my children:

They are getting very fast in math. I will not allow them to do less, so they have simply learned to work faster.

They really understand what they are learning. They can apply it, they can explain it and they can approach a problem from multiple angles.

When they look back, they are proud of their accomplishments and their skill. Most days they actually enjoy math.

AND we do much less than most in many other areas. We take math, Latin and language arts seriously. Every other subject is really just for fun!

[RoughCollie]

My kids (well, one kid this year) do both Saxon and Singapore. They no longer need the facts practice. They do everything in the Singapore workbook and textbook. In Saxon, they do the practices and the problem sets.

I use the reviews in the Singapore workbook as tests, and I use the Saxon tests, too. If anyone gets 85% or less on a test, they have to do a lot of review and retake the test until their grade comes up to par.