After Singapore 6?

[CAROLinON]

Looking for ideas of a math programme to use after a child has finished Singapore 6A&B(grade 6), we won't be continuing on with higher level Singapore Maths. I am looking at Teaching Textbooks, but am not sure about their placement tests. We did the placement test for grade 7 and it was VERY easy, she could do it all, right now she is in Singapore 5(grade 5). How accurate are these placement tests do you think? Wondering if I'd go with the 7 because she would be in grade 7 or move into the Algebra?

Thanks

[AngieW in Texas]

My oldest went to ps after she finished 6B and did prealgebra there.

My middle finished 6B at the end of 6th grade. I had her do a one-month free trial of aleks pre-algebra (she didn't like it) and then work through Math Smart Junior.

Now she's working through both Kinetic Books Algebra and Jacobs Algebra. Both are complete programs, but they seemed intimidating to my dd after Singapore. She likes to switch from one program to the other at the end of each chapter.

If your dd didn't have problems with 6B, then she's probably ready for TT Algebra.

[StephanieZ]

My then 10yo dd finished 6B abt 6 mos ago. We tried NEM1 and it went fine until Algebra started in ch4. Then we hit a wall. I think she just didn't have the maturity to be accurate enough to work the more complicated problems -- integrating many different techniques, etc into each problem and if one mistake is made. . . She can get any concept fast and is a hard worker but the higher level accuracy and thinking needed for algebra was still too much for her, even as math-smart as she is.

So, we stepped away from NEM for a while to build the foundation a bit more before algebra.

We are doing Key To Algebra series now which is very simple for her. Totally self teaching and confidence building. It is nice in that it breaks everything down into simple steps and really allows her to nail each concept/technique alone. As it is mostly all review, this makes it especially nice in that concepts that seemed hard before are now easy.

We're also using the Joy of Mathematics DVDs and doing exploratory work based off those lectures (primes, patterns, cool stuff, etc.) to keep the excitement and challenge of math alive.

We're also using the 6A & 6B Intensive Practice books to keep the SM stuff fresh in mind.

In 3-9 mos, we'll have gotten as much as we can out of Key To Algebra and the IP books and will try "real" Algebra again, expecting that a year of nailing the pre-algebra stuff and maturing will allow dd to be ready for the accuracy required for real algebra. We'll be using NEM again. If it bombs again, we'll be starting the quest over. . . I don't like to think about that.

I'll be watching the posts here to make mental notes of alternative paths if NEM still doesn't work for us.

[Jenny in Atl]

If it helps, I was worried about continuing on with Singapore past 6. My dd12 is well into NEM1 and doing great (just about done with Section 4). Nothing so far has been very hard, if anything, it's easier that 5 or 6. Maybe it's trying to set us up for later sections :confused:
Otherwise, I agree to at least TT pre-Algebra if not Algebra.

[Suzanne in ABQ]

My dd is doing 6B. I plan on using Video Text Algebra next. The first module is actually pre-algebra, and is meant to help cement the basic concepts that will be used in Algebra. It incorporates DVD lessons, a textbook that re-iterates the lesson from the video, practice problems, and daily quizzes. It is self-directed, though they recommend that the parent/teacher sit in on the DVD lessons so they'll be able to help as needed. The child watches the 10 minutes lesson, reviews it in the text book, then does half the practice problems (odds or evens). The next day, they start with a quiz. If they do well, they go on to the next DVD lesson. If they need more work, they review the previous lesson, do the other half of the problems, and take a second quiz. If they still need help, there are more practice problems available on the website, and there is tutor-type help available.

The publishers (and the vendor I talked to last year) say that it fits very well after Singapore 6B. And, Jay Wile (the author of Apologia Science books) recommends it.

You can check it out at www.videotext.com

[Lorna]

We are doing NEM 1 too here. I do really like it and we haven't had many problems. The final questions in each section (marked *) are generally very challenging and so we attempt them reassuring dd that they are just an extra challenge.
I have actually found we don't need the solutions manual we bought because the book is very complete and has the answers to all the exercises. There is another manual for solutions to the class activities.
NEM looks intimidating at first and it takes a little while to get used to not having a workbook. I still try to read over each chapter with my daughter before she attempts it.
We are near the end of the algebra section but it has gone fine. Like Jenny says, the previous Singpores have prepared her well for this section.
Like Stephanie says, the 'Key To series' is the perfect companion if the concepts aren't understood, or to be sure that your child is starting with extra confidence. They take things in logical steps. We did a few of these before we started with NEM: fractions and algebra.

[karensk]

6th grade

SM Primary Mathematics 6A & 6B
Chalkdust Basic Math 6: mainly for review and for ds to learn how to learn from a lecture format; not to be coordinated w/PM-6 topics


7th grade
[LIST]
Chalkdust Pre-algebra: will be our main program; some of it will be review of stuff we've done in PM, so we may cover those things lightly
for math enrichment/explorations: NEM-1 (select chapters), RightStart Geometry (~1/3 of the program, tentatively)
[LIST]

8th grade
[LIST]
Chalkdust Algebra I
for math enrichment/explorations: NEM-1 (select chapters), RightStart Geometry (~1/4 to 1/3 of it, tentatively)
[LIST]

I think Chalkdust will meet our needs in several ways. CD's video lessons will help ds10 learn how to take notes in a lecture-format (he's had one-on-one math lessons his whole life). CD also has tons of practice problems for each topic; I'd like ds to get better at doing a greater quantity of problems each day for homework. Importance is placed on showing your work and not doing everything in your head. CD uses a traditional textbook, too.

http://www.chalkdust.com/

HTH!

[CAROLinON]

Thanks all for the replies...Carol

[Heather in VA]

I am very happy with VideoText Algebra. It's working well for us.

Heather

[mcconnellboys]

I like the look of TT, Chalkdust and VideoText all. We used VT, but I think any of them should work just fine for you. After you finish up level 6, I'd test her and put her into the pre-algebra or algebra if she seems ready for it.

Regena