Singapore math vs. Abeka???

[cocomimilily]

Hi, I have another question regarding Singapore Math. My 3 girls ages 5, 7 and 10 have mostly used Abeka math ( some MUS). We are starting HOD in the fall and would really like to try to use the guides as written and try Singapore. I am a little hesitant. Math is not my best subject and I have really appreciated the clear explanations in Abeka for me as the teacher. I also like that it keeps reviewing to help the child remember what they have learned as it seems like they forget without reviewing. What I don't like is how long the lessons take to give to the child and could maybe be stronger on the mental math. This is what appeals to me with Singapore. My girls are doing quite well with Abeka, but are lacking in the "mental math" department- and it takes me sooo long to complete just math lessons each day with all of them. I have heard from some people that their childrens test scores went down with Singoapore.
What has been your experience??? Are you happy with Singapore? Has anyone ever switched from Abeka to Singapore?
Thanks so much!
In Him,
Beth

[my3sons]

We are very happy with Singapore. I think switching from Abeka math to Singapore would be a blessing, as it will definitely take less time and the mental math in Singapore is strong. Here are some great threads on this topic:
Singapore Math (why Carrie picked it and my personal top reasons for using it)
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4271&p=31537#p31537
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=112

Proper placement is a big deal with Singapore. The good news is proper placement is pretty easy to figure out by just giving the free Singapore placement test. You can give your dc the Singapore placement test at:
www.singapore.com

I would expect it to take a bit for dc to make the switch, but I do think they'll do fine with it then. I'd just start with the Textbook/Workbook combo, but if you get going and desire more instruction for you as the teacher, you can always get the Home Instructor's Guides at that point. With all of that being said, if you were happy with Abeka and felt it was going very smoothly, I'd say you could just stick with that. But, I do think Singapore would be a good change and would help fix some of the things you are wanting to change in a pretty easy way. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

[cocomimilily]

Wow, Thanks again Julie for the excellent information!
In Him,
Beth