6.5yo Singapore Placement Question

[Mom2Monkeys]

My third child is 6.5yo and i cant decide if we should start SM K Essentials or SM Primary 1a. I have so much going on, so we would be moving slowly. He isnt doing school daily so i am leaning toward 1A but knowing i am in no rush with SM, i feel essentials is a viable option if i am capable of moving rather quickly through A, and probably a little quicker as well through much of B. So, move up and savor slowly or stay back and try to do longer lessons, more frequently?

[Tabitha]

What about doing K Essentials B (bypass A), then move onto Primary 1A?

[Mom2Monkeys]

Ive considered that too and like that option. I noticed essentials b is very similar to primary 1a.... Which is why i thought perhaps 1a is a good start if we know it will be slow going. We have so very much going on including two moves coming up in next three months ( first this month) to help my SIL who is 34 and had major strokes a couple weeks ago, and has three young children. Plus i have two older kids to teach and a yiunger plus my own health issues....so if essentials b and 1a are super similar, maybe startung 1a is wise since gettung behind woukdnt actually be behind. But im still not convinced either way.

[Tabitha]

What is you child's ability math-wise? That might help in knowing where to start.

If the tasks in Essentials would be too easy, I'd think starting with Primary 1a and taking it slow would be good. With all you have going on, I'd worry that Essentials would go slow due to the time of things and before you know it his skills would be way beyond it.

Can you view sample lessons from each online, perhaps at CBD?

[Mom2Monkeys]

I think he's beyond essentials a, and would learn a few things from b. But it may be new to him as far as formal introductions go, but the concepts would be quickly realized. I think it would be easy, but knowing kids in Singapore don't start 1a until age 7, i'm apprehensive. Looking at the take of connects, I think it recovers a lot from essentials b with a little more depth and higher numbers. My concern its less about 1a being too much bc I think it is perfect placement, but more about 1b that might be too much if we were to move more timely through 1a. I've seem enough of Singapore to know I dint want him getting too far too soon. But I suppose finishing just 1a right now Anna going slow in 1b could be wise with all the things going on. I could always add in light drill work or math games online if he started getting to far into it. Or even the intensive practice to keep doing the math without moving on to new topics. He loves doing school so may be a smart move to do that.

[Tabitha]

I think 1A sounds good. If there were any concerns about him getting use to the SM style, then I'd think doing Essentials B might be okay. Something easy for him to fly through, and at the same time get prepared in their math approach (if that makes sense).

You could really go either way. If you aren't worried about any math methods, since he is younger and hasn't been in that many math programs, I'd go for the 1A and move forward in it as you/he are able. Worse case is that you end up ordering Essentials if it seems like he'd be better in that.

If you can't find sample pages online, I'd be glad to shap a few shots of my dd's workbook pages and email them on to you.

For what it's worth, my dd is 7 1/2 (August birthdate) and we just started the 2A. We're in BLHFHG this year (Unit 10).

[Mom2Monkeys]

I actually have essentials, and since I have older kids, I personally am used to Singapore methods so its hour i've led him. Though he hasn't done a formal program yet. my 2nd oldest didn't do a formal program until end of 2nd grade and placed in/above grade level. So i'm okay with all that. I know essentials b would be plenty ready. Id love to see some shots of 1a!

[Tabitha]

Can you pm me your email addy, and then I'll send some pics from my phone. If those don't show well, I can do some with my camera (those would just take me longer to send).

[Mom2Monkeys]

PM with email is sent!

[Tabitha]

I just sent a few pics.