Question about the PHonics program, and math

[jamiep111]

Hi, I am new here, and will be using LHFHG, and I was wondering about the phonics program if it is good, and also the math? I was going to use Abeka Phonics and Alpha Omega math, so I was just comparing, Any thoughts???

[moedertje]

I have not used RME or TRL, I do like the fact that RME has worksheets now. I used A Beka phonics with HOD and love it, I do have to say it is pretty involved but excellent if it works for you and your child! I do use Singapore Math and love it, mostly because of the hands on activity in the guides and it teaches your child mental math. I would recommend using the Singapore it's quick activities and the kids love doing there math with snacks and other fun hands on activities. The best thing is that they learn the why behind math, not the drill!
Succes.

[Mommamo]

We're using Singapore and we really like it. It works with my daughter's style of learning, and Carrie's activities that go with it are great.

We also are using RME and have started using the workbook with it that just came out. Both are really fabulous and I highly recommend them. It's all scripted and not a ton of planning time for mom. I also really like how the new workbook supports the lesson.

That being said, HOD is so flexible and you can use any math or phonics with it. We started out using a different math (which I loved, and will probably use to start my little ones when it's their turn) but switched to doing all of what Carrie includes because it's so easy to just open and go.

[Kathleen]

We are using The Reading Lesson and Singapore math, and are really loving both!

My little gal is really picking up reading well with TRL and we love the ease of use. (My oldest used Saxon and my husband was taught with Abeka, so I'm quite familiar with both from our experience and my mother-in-law right up the road. Both of those have a LOT more drill, and take a bigger time committment in our day. TRL is getting the job done well for us...and we're enjoying it, so I say that's success! ) Allison, my 5 yo, also LOVES to write, so I picked up a couple of Explode the Code books for her to add writing to her phonics learning. She thinks they're great fun, but I'm guessing that her brother may not when he gets there, so we won't add them.

We switched to SM this year from Saxon. It does a wonderful job of teaching math!!! Grant has been challenged to really think, and he understands what he's doing. Math is a strong point for him, and I love to see the wheels turning rather than have him sloppily going through the motions. I am a math-lover, and I highly reccommend using Singapore. It guides the kids along to understand why they're doing math the way they are rather than just memorizing a series of steps. It also doesn't throw our day out of balance by requiring a huge chunk of time to do daily.

Kathleen