Another Singapore Math ?

[playschool]

Do you think if a child comes into SIngapore Math in 3rd grade it is too late to change their mathematical mindset? My ds is used to the drill and knowing what to do but not exactly why he does certain things in math. He actually does quite well with Abeka Math at the moment, but there have been times when we have both been frustrated and wanted to ditch it. I knew that this year we were going to switch maths for the reason that Abeka really speeds through things in 3rd grade and I knew that was the cause of our past frustration with Abeka earlier in the year. I have researched different math curr. and have thought of using Singapore but there are two things holding me back. I am concerned that my ds may not be able to change his mindset on math at this late of an age. The other concern is that he would test somewhere in 2A possibly 2B. You see, even though he was a March baby I kept him back just to make sure that he would do well academically. My son has Spina Bifida and struggles so much physically just to be "normal" that my thought back then was that I did not want him to struggle academically as well. I do not know if that was such a good choice back then, but what was done is done. He is conscious of the fact that he is older than his peers in his classes at church and sometimes wishes he could be in the grade he would've been in if not held back. (Although, he fits in so well, with his classmates at church. I cannot picture him fitting in as well socially with the dc who are his exact age.) I said all this to say that I think my ds might have a difficult time with knowing that he is going to use a 2nd grade book when in all reality he knows he could've been in 4th grade. This may sound silly. Who knows this may not bother him in the least. Those are my concerns. Thanks!

[Mom2Monkeys]

Let him know that it's not 2nd grade!! It's just book 2 Seriously though, it isn't really 2nd grade. There are others his age in 2A/B.

I don't think it's too late at all and it sounds like a change would be good. I think starting off in a lower level is the key of being successful with SM when you jump in later in the game.

[kayben]

I believe sonlight usually encourages using a number below the "grade" level in singapore for anyone new coming in to the program. Last year my dd, who is bright and loves Math, did 1b and 2a for second grade. I was a little lost, but hadn't found HOD. With her suggestions, we are going to give it a go again this year. Good luck. I would encourage you to get on their site and have him take the placement test. Or at least take a look and you may be able to tell where he would place. But I do know it is hard to get past the "grade" numbers on texts.

Rebecca

[Alison in KY]

If you want to switch to Singapore then just assure him that they are levels and not grades. Also, I've had to explain to my kids that I'm not so worried about grades, I'm doing what they are ready for. So at church, I pick where they mentally fit, not academically. Maybe you could explain this to him without it being a big deal?

I know since we started homeschooling 5 years ago, I now regret labeling my kids in a grade because it means people usually have certain expectations. And my kids are all over the place with their abilities. So I just try to get by with the fact that they are doing 10 yr old school, or what have you.

HTH,
Alison

[Carrie]

playschool,

If your ABeka math is going well overall, I would just continue on with it. However, if you are looking for a change, then I would definitely consider Singapore. As already mentioned, it will be very necessary to begin at whatever level your son places into on the Singapore placement test. That will help build a strong foundation in mental math and higher level thinking, which he will need throughout all of life. I can understand what you're saying about the level on the books, but the ladies have given you tried and true advice on how to address that.

Blessings,
Carrie