Math Essentials

[momofabcd]

This question is for Carrie or anyone who has used Math Essentials. I'm considering this for my dd 11 and am wondering if it can be used as a stand alone math program or only as a supplement to another math program. We're finishing up the last couple light units of CLE 5 right now and I'm looking at other options.
Thanks,
Deena

[momofabcd]

Nobody? I thought this was the program Carrie used with her older son?

[Marcee]

Here is some information I found. I hope it helps:
Math Essentials

According to this policy "we ask that you do not post links to other companies or other boards, promote other boards or groups, reference posts or threads from other boards, or post for the purpose of promoting a product that is not scheduled within the HOD guides. We also ask that you do not post for the purpose of buying, swapping, or selling items or curriculum or to suggest that our customers shop elsewhere" I surmise it is ok to post this link.

[mom2fiveboysnc]

i ordered this and we started it last week. probably too soon to tell. i will let you know how it goes. the only thing i can tell you right now is he doesn't like the dvd. he Does like the timed drills. i have told him he doesn't have to watch the lesson right now if he doesn't want to. i got mine off amazon (free shipping). the book itself is like $13 but i got the dvd set which is $26. hope this helps! Cheryl

[momofabcd]

The reason I posted this question is because I thought it was the program Carrie used for her oldest son. Otherwise, I wouldn't have posted. For us right now, Singapore is out of the question because my dd is used to a different way of doing math and there would be too large of a learning curve right now. I'm tired of how long our other math is taking and thought this Math Essentials, if it's the same one Carrie used, could be an option. I wasn't clear from the website whether it was only used to supplement or a stand alone program. Thanks for your responses. I guess I'll have to browse the website more. BTW, my dd 5 is loving the Singapore Earlybird, and I'm planning to continue with Singapore as scheduled per HOD with her. We are just late in the game for dd 11.

[Carrie]

Deena,

I've been off the board the last few days finalizing my older son's high school year of plans for this year, so I didn't get to your question until now. Since I'm the only one who can answer you that leaves you waiting! I apologize for that and appreciate your patience.

We actually are thinking we may carry Math Essentials as a follow-up option for Singapore Math 6A/6B. Our intention in possibly carrying this program is to allow for 3 possible options. One option is for students who are needing some firming on their math skills prior to heading into pre-algebra to go through the elementary level of math essentials to shore up their needed skills first. The Math Essentials lessons are divided into 20 minute sessions or less, so we had my oldest son simply set the timer for 45 minutes of math each day and watch the DVD, then complete the follow-up lesson, then watch the next DVD, and so on to complete as many lessons as fit into the 45 minute period. He went through the book quickly this way and moved into pre-algebra right after it. While the DVD is not flashy in any way, it is essential to understanding the material. The presentation is solid and the skills are definitely progressively and thoroughly taught.This option will also work well for students who are on the young side and are finishing up Singapore 6A/6B but aren't likely mature enough to head right into pre-algebra and algebra.

The second option will be for students who are strong in math and mature enough to think algebraically when they finish 6A/6B. They will have the option of heading right into the Math Essentials Pre-Algebra (which is a short solid introduction to algebra).Then, they'll move directly into an Algebra I program.

The third option is either for those students who are older (but need some additional work on math skills prior to Algebra) or for those who are younger who are very strong in math, but could use a bit of growing up or review prior to pre-algebra. For these students, we would instead advise the middle school/high school course of Math Essentials first before pre-algebra.

Anyway, we find these programs to be a great value and to really "teach" methodically through the concepts providing a great review or a solid introduction. If you are looking for something flashy, these are not it. However, if you are looking for solid teaching, at a great price, with a proven track record for increasing understanding and test scores, this program is a great one year (or less) bridge to Algebra.

Blessings,
Carrie

[momofabcd]

Carrie, thanks for your response. So, would you say my 6th grade dd would be the right age to do the elementary program? Generally, following your lessons, that age would be doing Singapore 6A/6B, right? Then you would suggest math essentials after that. I don't care about flashy at all. I want something solid. Our other program was taking an hour + each day, and I really want to cut that down to fit your timeline. We're loving CTC, BTW. Are the Elementary and Middle school programs too similar to do back to back? Is the pre-algebra course enough to last a year? I want to buy time before Algebra because, although she does well with math, she's not mathy so I don't want to hit Algebra before she reaches 8th grade. One last thing, are there other math options you are considering for future guides, as well?