heartofdakota.com

Hello, everyone!
I am so excited to have found this curriculum and this board. I have a question and I think I can count on all of you for some help.

I only have one school-aged child. (He's 8, almost 9). We will begin PHFHG next year. I have heard a lot about the R&S English here but I couldn't find any posts mentioning R&S math. We have used R&S math since kindergarten. We've had our ups and downs with it but it seems like we have finally found our stride and my son is feeling pretty comfortable with it. I think we've finally gotten past the tears! (I'm feeling pretty comfortable with it too and btw, I am NOT a math person) Since Hod suggests using Singapore I decided to check it out. I have read many reviews on it and am a little intimidated by it since I'm not very "mathy". I have always felt that I didn't do well in school with a spiral method so I haven't wanted to teach it. However, I have reached a point where I must say to myself, "let's not cheat him out of something good because you don't feel YOU'd like it"...

I also checked the reviews on R&S Math. I was a little discouraged to find out that some people thought R&S Math might not be a good foundation for higher level math. The reviewer said that one would probably need to switch out of it by 6th grade and go to something more intense. R&S only goes to the 8th grade anyway but I want to avoid any future problems and give him a good start in something that is going to adequately prepare him...and truthfully, I would like to get myself comfortable and prepared for higher levels as well. However, since we are finally doing well with R&S, I'm hesitant to change things up if I don't need to...So, my questions are..."has anyone used R&S math and if so, have you felt that it adequately prepared your child for higher level math?" and if I do decide to switch to Singapore, "is it likely that my son will have problems switching to Singapore?"...(he's in R&S Grade 3 now.....is it too late?) Thanks in advance for any help!

Jody

We haven't used either programs and are trying to learn about both. One thing I read on this board was Rod and Staff has more review before moving on to new concept. If your son is doing so well, I wouldn't change programs.
Maybe adding in Math Essentials to supplement R&S? I don't remember what concepts Essentials covers; but hasn't Carrie used it with her boys?

Thank u stampalot for the reply and for the encouragement! I am looking into math essentials as a supplement...it looks like it starts out at 4th grade so it might be a good thing! Yes, there is plenty o'review in r&s math...we use it if we need it and if we don't we work even or odd rows. It is very easy to teach though and that's what I need! Maybe the math essentials would be good to do on the days we don't feel the need to review so much. I feel the lessons are really pretty short (in r&s) which was why I was surprised that no one else here seems to be talking about it...that's when I started hoping it wasn't because it is a weak curriculum. Thanks again!
Jody

Hi Jody, and welcome to the HOD Board! All of us have things we don't feel we do as well with or know as well, but that's o.k. as everybody does. I just want to encourage you that there are many moms who say math is not their thing, and they are still happily homeschooling all the way through high school. If R & S Math is going well, I'd say stick with it. There are many good math programs out there, but the best program is always the one that gets done - and gets done right. So, if you're comfortable with it, and your ds is comfortable with it, that's probably worth continuing. We do use Singapore and like it very much, but that doesn't mean it will be for everyone. I know Carrie used Math Essentials with her oldest ds, and she could probably tell you more about that. Whatever math you end up with, I do think you will love PHFHG! It's such a wonderful one year sweep of history and sets the tone for all the guides to come after it. Wait until you read "Grandpa's Box" - that remains an all-time favorite of ours!

In Christ,
Julie

Jody,

I agree with Julie. If R&S is going well for you with math, you can just keep right on going. I'm sure that it's not talked about on this board because it's not one of the things HOD reccommends to use with its programs not because it's a weak program. There are many moms that use HOD and use something else for math, and it still works great! Math can be one of those, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it," things. When I switched my oldest to HOD in 3rd grade, we did switch to Singapore for math because we weren't happy with our math program. We were using something that was too time-consuming...and throwing off the balance in our day. And, I do love Singapore!! But, if you're happy with what you're already doing, stick with it.

You're going to have a GREAT year with Preparing! Grant and I have loved it...and only have 2 units left. While we're very excited for jumping into our days working outside at the farm, in the garden, etc., we have made wonderful memories this school year. We have many new favorite books - with Raiders from the Sea & Grandpa's Box being at the top of our list.

Kathleen

Thanks so much to Julie and Kathleen for the sweets posts and the encouragement. I feel loads better and so looking forward to getting started. My son can hardly wait either after having seen the books. I think it's true...we shouldn't try to fix what is not broken! Thanks for the help!
Jody