Pondering math changes

[Teresa in MO]

Okay, I have been using Abeka math for grades K-6. I am ready to make a change. I will have a 1st gr, 4th, and 6th grader. I have been all set to use Horizon (which I have bought used for all grades), but am now pondering what I want to do. These are the choices I am considering:

1. Use Horizon by itself.

2. Supplement Horizon with Math Mammoth.

3. Supplement Horizon with Singapore.

4. Use Singapore and supplement with Horizon.

5. Forget Horizon and use Singapore with Math Mammoth.

Opinions please from those who have used Horizon, Singapore or Math Mammoth. Thanks

[Wendy in ME]

What are some of your reasons for wanting to change programs? What is and isn't working for you now and what are the things that appeal to you about the curriculum options you are thinking about? For example, we left Abeka 2 years ago because my 2nd ds did not do well with the spiraling so we are now using Singapore for its mastery approach.

[Teresa in MO]

There are a couple of reasons that I am looking to switch from A Beka. One, for my 4th grader, there is too big a leap from the 3rd to the 4th grade Math. They progress too quickly in multiplication and division problems. They do not really wait for mastery of the facts before they use multi-digit multipliers and divisors. Also, in 6th grade, one thing I do not like is a 3 digit divisor. Really, when do you divide in real life my 3 digits. At that point, wouldn't you use a calculator. I am really looking for a combination of mastery and spiral.

[Wendy in ME]

I am not a math expert but the reasons you just listed for switching from Abeka are the same reasons we switched and in the same grades no less. The only program that you are considering that I have experience with is Singapore. We started it this year after a year of RightStart for my ds that needs more mastery. I am not supplementing it with another program. I do have the Home Instructor's Guide and use it for review and game ideas. Ds said it is the best math we have done yet. Hopefully one of the mathier moms will chime in.

[Teresa in MO]

thanks Wendy, anyone else?

[LuvnMySvn]

We used Singapore by itself and it was OK, however with my next set of kids coming through I will supplement with Horizons as a daily practice. Singapore is fabolous for mastery and I love the bar-method taught, however I felt that the lack of daily review was not good. I'm finding the same thing now with Chalkdust PreAlgebra - great for mastery, not so great on the review. We love Horizons and I think it would work very well with Singapore.

[Teresa in MO]

I am planning on using Chalkdust Pre-Algebra with my 7th grader next year. I noticed that you said it was short on review. Do you supplement it and will you use CD for Algebra 1?

[LuvnMySvn]

I am planning on using Chalkdust Pre-Algebra with my 7th grader next year. I noticed that you said it was short on review. Do you supplement it and will you use CD for Algebra 1? I did not supplement it and regret it now. I found a Math Skills book today at Barnes & Noble that is great review and will use that over the summer, probably use it w/CD with the next "set" of dc coming through. As for Algebra, I don't know yet if we will stick with CD. If I decide to use it again I will definitely supplement, even if I have to make my own review pages.