From Horizons Math to Singapore...?

[butterfly113]

Has anyone switched from Horizons Math to Singapore? If so did you or your dc like the switch???

Also, how did you find the transition and placement? Did they go to the same level in Singapore, or back half a level or a year??? My ds9 (3rd grade) is excelling in Horizons Math 4. Making 97, 98, 96 on tests... and is mastering the materials. For those of you that have switched, did you child go up, down or stay the same level wise. (I do know I will need to do the placement tests, just curious of your experiences.)



Thanks for any input!

[Carrie]

butterfly,

I'll move this post over to the main board so the ladies will see it. All new posts begin in the main board.

Blessings,
Carrie

[inHistiming]

When I switched my daughter back to Singapore it was from Horizons 2. We had done Horizons because we already had it rather than purchase a new program. She did great with Horizons, but we wanted to have everyone in the same math program, so moved her to Singapore when it was time to purchase a 3rd grade program. My daughter ended up placing in level 2 which I guess is 'behind' although Singapore is supposed to be advanced. I thought Horizons seemed rather advanced, but in different things I guess. Anyway, our experience has been fine, she's done great coming from Horizons to Singapore. Maybe someone else more experienced than me will be along soon to offer suggestions. Hope that was at least a bit helpful.

[StillJulie]

That would be the switch I'd be doing with my oldest this fall... She's a third grader, struggling with horizons 3, though...

I'll be watching to see what others say.

I think I'll wait to order materials for her til this summer, after she's done with math for the year, and see where she places on the singapore placement test. I am considering Rod & Staff math for her instead, though... just having a hard time deciding...

[Carrie]

I'll just pop-in and mention that most likely when coming from Horizons, you'll need to back-up to an earlier level of Singapore (especially as you get into the upper levels of Horizons). This is because Horizons is heavier on computation, but Singapore focuses more on mental math and critical thinking in problem-solving.

It is easier to make a switch earlier to Singapore than it is to switch later (as you won't have to back up as far). Just some food for thought.

Blessings,
Carrie

[StillJulie]

It is easier to make a switch earlier to Singapore than it is to switch later (as you won't have to back up as far). Just some food for thought.

Blessings,
Carrie

What levels would you classify as earlier?

Also, which guides have activities for which levels? Is it LHFHG/earlybird... BLHFHG/level 1... BHFHG/level 2? Are there activities beyond that? Or do you recommend buying the teacher's guide (or is it home educator's guide) for levels beyond 2?

Also, if a 4th grader did level 2, would you step up the pace (I question that with my weak math girl) to get her on target? Having the levels match the grade isn't terribly important to me, but it is to my husband. I'd hate for that to be my deciding factor to use Rod & Staff, though.

[inHistiming]

I do know that the HOD guides have math activities written into the plans to go along with Singapore up through Bigger...I think after that there are no more activities. as far as ordering the teacher's manual, it probably depends on how comfortable you are with your own math skills and ability to help your child if he/she struggles. I have not ordered the teacher's manual so far, but probably will in the higher level guides once it gets into things I am not as good at...percentages, algebra, decimals...

[Carrie]

StillJulie,

InHistiming did a great job of helping you! Thanks inHisTiming! I'd classify the early years of Singapore as prior to 3A/3B.

Activities are included through 2A/2B in our manuals. As mentioned, the Home Instructor's Manuals are not really needed until 5A/5B and 6A/6B. The Teacher's Guides are written for the classroom and are not very useful in the homeschool setting. The Home Instructor's Guides are much better for the home setting.

Blessings,
Carrie

[Mom2Monkeys]

We switched from Horizons 2 in 1st grade to Singapore 2A/B in 2nd grade. I've got the books for Horizons 3 and it matches up in many areas of SM 2A/B. In fact, dd7 picks Horizons 3 up to do some voluntary work in it at times and she doens't need me to teach anything since SM has it covered.