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Hi,
Here's our history w/ schooling: I took my son out of ps last year, he's 10 and boy was he way behind in school work, we are still playing catch up. My ds will be in 5th grade doing Bigger this fall. I'm trying to get my act together and get it all sorted out and ordered by July. The only thing he's on grade level in is reading. I hate to label kids but he more than likely has ADHD, I just refuse to put him through the testing and put him on meds to become a zombie. He constantly fidgets, tapping feet, short attention span, etc. He's also a bit obsessive compulsive. Here's the math situation. He can't tell time on a clock, he insists that a nickel is worth 10cents because it is LARGER than a dime He doesn't understand how 4 quarters can make a dollar because 4 quarters is 4 quarters, not the piece of paper that says one dollar on it. He doesn't understand how that paper money can be different amounts when the paper is the same size, color etc. ( he's very logical with this ) In his defense,we lived in Europe from when he was 2-5, the money is different sized there for the different values. He forgets to carry and borrow etc. He still counts on his fingers for simple addition problems. He says he's "stupid" when it's math time.We've used Ray's math, MCP, Scott Foresman, Miquon, mind sprinting, and Saxon...in the last 14 months or so. I just received Mastering Mathematics (http://www.masterypublications.com )yesterday but I don't have the time right now to figure that program out. My 2 yr old is affectionately called "the baby devil" with good reason! I need something easy to teach so I can still give the baby devil his Mommy time.

Should I put him in Singapore 1a & b for the summer ( using Beyond over the summer) then move him up to 2a & b for Bigger this fall? I gave him the placement test from singapore's site and here's the results. 1. he cheated and looked on the answer key so I made him re do the tests .2. On the 1a test he missed 14 out of 46 problems. On the 2a test he missed 23 out of 51, he couldn't even complete the 2b test. He missed roughly a third or more problems on each test. We could do the 1a & b books over the summer to catch him up. I thought if I did 1a & b then used the Mastering Mathematics for the games and drills that might work out well, then put him in 2b or re test him this fall. He needs to build his confidence.

My other question is has anyone used singapore grammar, word study or sentences to paragraphs? R & S just isn't quite jelling for us and until now we've only done the basic noun,verbs,punctuation etc for grammar & writing. FYI, he hates to write, says it makes his hand hurt. I bought a kinder pencil and he said it's " a little better" but will still only write one or two sentences then stops because his hand hurts.

I'm sorry that I wrote a novel! I wanted everyone to have a complete picture of the math problems. I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks a bunch!
Kim
PS We LOVE Beyond. Especially Bible time, doing sit ups etc etc. He always asks to do more!

Kim,

Thanks for sharing about your son. I'm so glad that he's getting a chance to enjoy Beyond. We pray you'll enjoy Bigger Hearts as well.

The Singapore placement tests are very accurate, so if your son did not pass the 1A test, then I would start there. However, since he is struggling so much in math, I wouldn't rush through Singapore and sacrifice understanding but would instead take the time to do the activities in Beyond and to make sure your son gets what he is doing in math. Secondly, I would suggest staying with whatever math program you choose to do for at least a year. Consistency will go a long way toward helping your son understand his math and progress in that area.

Next, I would place your son in Rod and Staff 2 or 3 for grammar and systematically go through it. The lessons in 2 or 3 are very short and when done mostly orally are very painless with very solid grammar instruction. If your son dislikes writing, I would make sure to do most of the lesson orally or on a white board, assigning one small portion to be done on paper.

Blessings,
Carrie

Carrie,
Thanks for the great advice! I'll be working on getting my order together. Sometimes, I just need another person to look at the situation and say , yes, that's the way to go.
Thank you for writing such great programs, our home school is now what it should have always been, a Godly ,loving, learning environment.
Blessings,
Kim

Welcome to the Board, Kim, and I'm so glad you are enjoying Beyond with your ds! It's a great idea to start with where your ds placed and take the time to teach from that. We were off 1 semester in Singapore at the beginning of the year, and I backed it up 1 semester, and my ds did great then. Wherever they place after the test is the best place to start out, and I think you'll find your ds coming around very nicely. R & S 2 or 3 would be a good fit as well - either one would work. R & S 3 starts simple diagramming, if that makes a difference in what you choose. Anyway, we've loved both Singapore and R & S, so I'm very glad you've chosen those. HOD has been such a blessing in our home - I know it will in yours as well!

In Christ,
Julie

Julie,
Thanks for the advice and encouragement. It looks like I will be adding Singapore to my book order! I have R&S 2...maybe he just isn't ready for it right now.

We are loving Beyond...it's fabulous. When the child begs to do more school, I know I've hit on a good thing!
Thanks again,
Kim