Scoring Singapore P-ment test

[Patience]

I have a math question that will probably reveal that I'm not qualified to teach math When scoring my daughter's 2B placement test, do I count the whole problem wrong if she has missed only a part of the problem (say she misses "4.a." but not " 4. b, c,and d) or when figuring the percentage she got, do I basically "re-number" the test assigning whole numbers to all the parts? Does this make sense? Any help is appreciated. We're just finishing up our Bob Jones book and I'm prayerfully considering whether or not it's time to make the switch to Singapore. I am weakest in math. Do any of you have any advice for me? If my kids are enjoying Bob Jones, should I continue with this? Or will Singapore make up for my weakness...I'm concerned it will be difficult for me to teach.

[Patience]

Oh, never mind. I figured out that she got an 85% even if I counted the whole problem wrong (even though she got some of it's parts correct). So I think that tells me we can start on that level....even though she probably could move up to 2B, I want her to have a positive beginning with Singapore if I do it, because my kids are not really wanting to switch.

[Kathleen]

Patience - I did what you said, and basically renumbered the test by counting each problem as one thing on the test. One thing you may want to look for is to see if your child missed a lot of problems all from one unit on the test. (If you look under the problems there is a number in parentheses, I believe.) If your child misses a lot in a chunk like that you may find gaps later, and it may be to your advantage to do that level. My son did this with the 2A test last year. He scored over 80%, so we could have gone on, but there was a missing chunk on the test that I knew we hadn't covered. We started with 2A, and it was perfect! For us, Singapore had a new way of wording problems. (The program we came from did them quite predictably.) So, the new thinking without the new operations was a good fit for us. We skipped a bit of the book that we had covered well, but for the most part we just went right through it and we're loving it!

If your dd places in 2B (I couldn't tell if you said she was past that level or ready for it ), the hands-on activities in the Bigger guide are wonderful!! You'll have no problem teaching it with them. I'm on 2B right now and we're thoroughly enjoying it!

Best of luck finding your "fits"!
Kathleen

[Patience]

Oops, I made a mistake when I wrote that. I had my daughter take the 2A test. She has already had alot of this material, and even done some from the 2A workbook, but if I decide to make the switch, I'm thinking this might be a helpful introduction. My son had trouble with the 2A test, so I had him take the `1B test and he also did really well with that, so likewise, I might start him with that so that it is not immediately very difficult for him. Kathleen, your experience with it is so helpful. Thanks! Do you know if mom's who are not strong in math find Singapore difficult?

[Kathleen]

Patience, I know that you'll be able to teach Singapore confidently with 1B and 2A using the hands-on activities in the guides. (1B is in Beyond, and 2A is in Bigger) I'm not much help for your question down the road though as I'm only in 2B right now, and math was always my favorite subject. I'm sure someone will be able to help though. Carrie and Julie for sure have talked to lots of moms at book fairs, so I'm sure they could tell you more. And, I know that down the road...like before pre-algebra, Carrie is really researching the best reccommendations for us. And, most programs at this level have some kind of tutorial on DVD or computer. So, you won't have to "know-it-all".

If you're wanting some "fun" help for your kids learning multiplication, Carrie had said she used this skip-count CD with her boys. I ordered it, and all my kids LOVE listening to it. Even my little 2 yo loves to go around singing, "Woo-ooo count by 2's...2-4-6, 8-10-12, 14, 16, 18!" http://www.skipcountkid.com/ I know that doesn't answer a question you asked, but thought I'd share anyway because we think it's fun! It's helped my 8 yo out with multiplying in 2A and 2B.

Kathleen