Math question

[mo2]

(Dd is 7). We started math with Singapore, but either it moved too quickly or she wasn't ready. We then switched to MUS Alpha. We had good success with it for awhile, but eventually we ditched the blocks and DVD and are just using the workbook. It seemed like there were too many "extras" with the program. She seems to do better with it if we just sit down and work the problems. The blocks and DVD were more of a distraction than anything.

So now I'm debating on what to use for 2nd grade, which we will start July/August. I am not going to shell out the money for MUS again only to not use the whole program. The things I am mainly considering right now are going back to Singapore or trying out Ray's Arithmetic, but I am open to other suggestions as well. Any suggestions?

[SnowWhite]

I like BJU, but it's also expensive (not sure exactly HOW expensive compared with MUS). The structure is mastery like Singapore, and it comes with a great Teacher's manual. You get to choose which hands-on activities you do depending on how quickly your dd catches on. They are *there* when you feel the need to slow down and use them, but you can also go ahead with the program without using them also. This has been our first very satisfied year of math, and we've tried MCP, CLE, and Singapore.

[Aurelia]

Could you do Singapore with the extra practice books? That might slow it down enough for her to be comfortable. You could also look at Math Mammoth. It's a workbook/text all in one.

[siloam]

My oldest did the same with Singapore. There is a point in the 1A book where they stop providing the visual manipulatives. She had no experience using real manipulatives and wasn't interested in them, but couldn't do the work without the picture manipulatives. After about 6 months she was able to move on, but now I just wait till the beginning of 2nd grade to start Singapore.

If you want to go back to Singapore I think you would find she does well now.

But I know MUS covers things in a mastery approach, so you might prefer another mastery program. I think both Mammon Math and BJU (though BJU I am not positive about) are also mastery.

By mastery I mean they cover all of addition, then all of subtraction. Where Singapore will cover several areas in a year, the review them with more depth the next year, ect...

Heather

[SnowWhite]

Actually, BJU and Singapore are identical in structure. I have heard it called a "wide spiral", but only when compared to MUS. Compared to Saxon, Abeka, Horizons and CLE they're both mastery.

[siloam]

Jen,

Thanks, now let's hope I remember it, LOL!

Heather

[joannqn]

I think Math-U-See without the blocks or DVD are just fine. The DVD is technically for the teacher to view and get an understanding of how to present the material anyway. The blocks are useful for those who need it but not essential to the program.

We don't use the blocks and rarely use the DVD. You could consider getting just the student book and just teaching it on your own. That would make it cost only $20 a year. I like having the teacher's manual to make grading go faster since my kids work independently...but I never use it for the lessons.