Trying to get my math plan straight

[momofgreatones]

I know math is a boring topic...but I am trying to get my kids' math plan figured out. All help will be appreciated.

I have my two oldest in TT pre-alg, and my oldest will be finishing that soon. I've decided not to continue on with TT due to the "new math" concerns, and am considering VT alg. My next daughter down is just finishing Horizons Math 4. Next son just finished Horizons Math 2.

So my questions are:

1) I believe Carrie used TT6 and 7, anyone know for sure? Then, did she put him directly into VT Algebra, skipping Pre-Alg? This is what I'm remembering but I'm not sure.

2) Are TT6 and 7 free of the new math concepts? Carrie mentioned in another thread that Singapore 6 tends to be more teacher-intensive - does anyone know how much time this takes?

3) If I switch my daughter, who has had two years of Horizons Math, to Singapore math for two years, then TT for two years, then into VT - isn't that way too much switching to be good for her? I'm open to using SIngapore for the two TT years as long as it can be done mostly independently, but I just don't know enough about Singapore.

If anyone has any info on these topics, I appreciate it!!

[lovedtodeath]

Well, I will throw another one at you: Math Mammoth. It is extremely similar to Singapore, several people have switched from Singapore to MM. It is much easier to use, and mostly independent. When you finish it you can go directly into a Pre-Algebra course.

I found more information by searching for MM vs. singapore and Math Mammoth vs. singapore as exact phrases in a google.com search. I found more links to click on at those results too.

We switched from Abeka. It is easier to teach and DD has a better understanding of math. There are a few hands on lessons and computer games as supplements. I have no qualms about using the HOD guide with the hands-on lessons along with Math Mammoth. In fact, I am rather excited about it!

HTH!

[momofgreatones]

Hmmm, that is interesting. I'll have to look into that and confuse myself even further

Thanks!

[lovedtodeath]

Hmmm, that is interesting. I'll have to look into that and confuse myself even further

Yep! Here is a link to Carrie's thoughts on Singapore:
viewtopic.php?p=431#p431

[Carrie]

Monique,

My oldest son did do TT6 and TT7, and then we did Mastering Essential Math Skills Pre-Algebra prior to heading into VT Algebra Module A. It is a short course and a good pre-cursor (with the lessons on DVD and the work in a workbook). That worked well for us, as some Pre-Algebra is necessary prior to heading into VT. If TT is working for your family, I certainly don't want to steer you away from it. I know that families who use TT all the way through high school eventually have covered all of Algebra I and II and Geometry (with a little bit of trig). So, if you stay with them all the way through, you would cover your bases. Algebra II concepts are not fully covered within TT until the Pre-Calc though, so you'd need to go through Pre-Calc to technically have all of Algebra II.

Blessings,
Carrie

[laurabelle1317]

Carmen (lovedtodeath)

You mention using HOD activities with MM. Can you easily do that since HOD's activities are written for Singapore?

Laura

[Mom2Monkeys]

Carmen (lovedtodeath)

You mention using HOD activities with MM. Can you easily do that since HOD's activities are written for Singapore?

Laura

I'm using MM and just do the math activities in the HOD guide as they are presented, not to match with our MM lessons. Although, sometimes I do look through the list of math topics presented (in the beginning of the guide I believe) to match up some topics. The visuals in MM as well as the clear, concise explanations make it quite easy to use manipulatives and hands-on activities from HOD or some of your own. Each MM unit includes online games as well that fit the level and topic of that unit very well. Great, free, fun reinforcement of the concepts, not just playtime.

Though SM is incredible, if you are starting later in the game with it and an older student, you may find MM easier to jump into. It's much easier to get into SM if you start earlier. Though you could start an older child in a lower level and work faster.

[laurabelle1317]

We will be starting either Singapore or Math Mammoth from the beginning, but not for a while. My son is only going to be starting LHTH. I think MM is an amazing deal if you buy grades 1-6 at once! And then can reuse them for future kids. Outstanding price!

I'm planning to do LHTH this year. Then LHFHG along with Singapore to go with it. But then at 1st grade, which is where MM starts, will consider whether to continue with Singapore or do MM and whether we should buy all years at once for the amazing deal that is.

Laura