Singapore Math ???

[playschool]

For those of you who use Singapore, do you feel it is necessary to purchase the Singapore Instructors guide for the lower levels?
I am using Level 2, but am following Preparing's schedule in the back using the Textbook and Workbook. It seems to be doing the job quite nicely, but I do not know if I am missing out on something if I do not use the IG for Singapore. I know that Carrie has teacher's instructions in the Bigger manual but right now I really did not want to have to buy that if it was not necessary. Also, I know on the WTM forums they talk about using Singapore's Challenging Word Problem book or the Intensive Practice books. Do you think they are necessary? Right now, I know it is the beginning of the year, but Math is only taking us 30 minutes tops. That is so nice. Last year Math took us at least 45-an hour. I am just wondering if I am doing enough. We are using flashcards as well in that 30 minute time span to drill his math facts that he learned last year in Abeka Math 2.

[sharonb]

I bought the Singapore guides but then decided I don't really need them at this point (we are in 1B right now; my oldest will start 2A soon). I'm still getting used to how quickly we finish math these days (we used Rod & Staff last year).

The only thing I'm adding to math is flashcards. Sometimes they seem like they need a refresher on the basic facts!

[my3sons]

We've used Singapore through 3B and not found any need for the extra home instructor's guide. If you want hands on activities for 2A/2B, you could get the Bigger Hearts guide for those. But, it sounds like things are going well already, so I'd celebrate that and keep on going.

In Christ,
Julie

[3sweeties]

I also bought the Singapore HIG for 1B and really have hardly used it so far (we are about 4 weeks in). I did pull it out the other day to make sure I was explaining a new way of doing addition facts correctly to DS. I am NOT a math person! Other than that, I haven't needed it. I can't tell you about 2A yet, since we are not there (we will be around January), but I don't think I will buy the HIG until we are further in 2A and only if I really see that I need it. I have to say that I LOVE Carrie's hands-on suggestions for 1B in Beyond and bought Beyond just for those. The Singapore HIG has some hands-on suggestions too, but I don't think they are quite as simple/easy to implement as in the HOD guides. My DS has not complained about math once so far and that is a HUGE change from last year! HTH!