heartofdakota.com

Ladies,

I'm considering using Singapore which is something I thought I wouldn't do. We are using Math Mammoth and very happy with it for our DS8. The youngers aren't doing much math at this point so can go in any direction. I'd always planned to use MM since we own it (it's also a similar style of math to Singapore). Anyhow, I DID purchase the Singapore K math for DD and I'm now considering starting my DS6 with the first grade option. I LOVE Beyond's plans for this.

So, here's the question list (links to threads discussing this would be great!):

1. Can someone explain HOW Singapore works? In reading elsewhere I've become confused. I read that Singapore is "open and go" and I read that Singapore takes time to prepare for teaching. I am used to MM which is a work text. It tells me what/how to teach the concept and I don't need any time to prepare for this. Singapore isn't a worktext and many users have stated that unless I'm "mathy" I may not know how to teach a concept. Is there a teacher's guide that is optional? Are the Beyond plans the teacher's guide for 1A and 1B? If so, then where do we go from there as we get up to Preparing which doesn't contain the hands on stuff? How do I present the lessons?

2. What is the HIG and do I need this? I've read that it's something prepared by Sonlight for use with Singapore. I am NOT intuitive with math and I certainly do not know how to teach math the Singapore way. In reading on other forums about Singapore I have picked up that many Moms consider the HIG integral/necessary for teaching Singapore My math education is deficient so that really does stand out to me . Do some HOD Moms use the HIG and find it is helpful?

3. IF I decided to switch my oldest to Singapore (I'm pretty sure we won't do this but it's tempting . . . I really do love the guide plans.) would I start with a placement test and go from there? Hmmmmmm.

I am pretty sure that HOD has taken all of these issues into consideration and the answers are there! I just can't find them .

Thanks for helping me out! I love this board .

Alrighty, I'm answering my own questions with some persistent searching! Here is a thread that is helping:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7455&p=54669&hilit= ... HIG#p54669

I don't know what it all means yet . . . but it seems to me that starting Singapore from the beginning is a lot easier than jumping in mid-stream . I am also gleaning that Singapore is ahead of the curve OR just such a different way of "doing math" that it's absolutely necessary to place the child properly. I do think there are a lot of similarities between Singapore and MM (which we've been using) and that excites me! Perhaps, if we switch the oldest, the learning curve will be gentler on us both.

I am excited to see hands on math in Bigger too! I didn't realize that until today .

I'll keep reading and searching but would LOVE any links to previous threads. It seems that math can be a bear of a subject for many Moms and their kiddos.

Another helpful thread . . .
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6698&p=48902&hilit= ... HIG#p48902

Thanks for answering my questions IN THE PAST! Woohoo!

I wasn't sure about doing Singapore math either when I started on my homeschooling journey. I had always heard that it was so hard and fast moving. When I saw that HOD recommended this and that it was wwwwaaaayyyy less expensive than other math programs, I started considering it. I even sent Carrie an e-mail asking about why they chose Singapore (this was before there was a board!). She was so positive in her e-mail that I took a risk and I have LOVED Singapore. So have my kiddos. The hands-on activities are clear, concise, fun and my dc retain so much. Sometimes they'll do the activities again for play or with a younger sibling playing "school." It's great!! You don't need any other teacher's guides, as Carrie does an excellent job of this herself. Since the workbooks aren't that expensive, you won't lose much if you Singapore a try. Plus you could gain a lot of fun memories with your kids doing math!!

Thanks for sharing this!! Carrie's hands on activities tied to the text is the driving force behind my desire to switch! I really do think it will resonate with my kiddos . . . Thanks for encouraging me that I can handle it!

Hi Katrina! Here are some past posts that may help...

Singapore Math (why Carrie picked it and my top reasons for using it)
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4271&p=31537#p31537
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=112

Singapore Math – should I get the Home Instructor’s Guides or additional components?
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4896&p=35879#p35879
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6698&p=48902#p48902

I continue to be amazed with Singapore Math. My ds is now in 5A. This week we did double digit x triple digit multiplication, and large number division with and without remainders. He did most of it in his head. Back when I taught in ps, I remember spending literally months on this concept. He took to it like a fish takes to water. I have always enjoyed math and I did well with math in college, but the kind of math student Singapore turns out is almost beyond comprehension in my mind. I will add that I do not believe my dc are "specially gifted" in the area of math. Early on, they progressed at normal rates. But, Singapore just teaches math in a way that is incredibly efficient. The "number sense" it teaches is very different from the "just memorize the steps to get the answer" mentality I had when learning math. HTH!
In Christ,
Julie

Julie,

Thank-you for what you shared and for linking me . Math Mammoth and Singapore are very similar in their approach to math which thrills me. I decided to start my K'er and 1st grader with Singapore a la HOD . I just placed my last HOD order yesterday . . . woo hoo. My oldest will continue with MM since he's well into the 2nd grade program already. Since Singapore and MM are so similar in their approach I feel very comfy with that. Also knowing that after the Bigger Guide the kiddos no longer have a hands on component scheduled I see no reason to change course for him. We're too far down the road and HOD, being so flexible, allows us to stay with MM for him without compromising his guide. I'm really excited to test run Singapore HOD's way and won't be purchasing the HIGs or textbooks. I understand what they are now and don't feel that I need them!!

Thanks for your help ladies! I am getting this sorted out.

my3sons wrote: This week we did double digit x triple digit multiplication, and large number division with and without remainders. He did most of it in his head.

I agree on the shock factor! I constantly lament the sorry state of my education. . . I've asked DH if I can choose a HOD program to do for myself . To this day I cannot imagine doing double/triple digit mult. and long division in my head. Really and truly. Math is not my strong suit but neither am I the dullest knife in the drawer . . . It's amazing what the human mind can accomplish! Praise God for His wondrous works.