Math U See or Christian Light Math

[Lindy S.]

What would you choose? We're definitely not going to use RightStart Math anymore but I'm so undecided on where to go from here! I think I like these two curriculum, any opinions?

[Tree House Academy]

Neither. Singapore.

I used CLE Math and I can tell you that it is night and day different from Math U See. Math U See is a very slow mastery approach and CLE is a fast paced drill and kill approach.

[Tansy]

Math U See worked great for my first DD. Lots of hands on, building problems, being able to see the math, really helped her. She needed tangibles that did not change. It can be slow and steady but that mastery before moving on is important for laying a solid foundation. If the child gets it right away, you can fly though sections too so its not always slow.

As for drilling I prefer the Rapid Recall System from Little Giant Steps. (since it WORKED effortlessly and without tears). It is not a stand alone math program.

other than that we use Singapore for my youngest it is a great fit. *picture him dancing *

You need a program that works with your child, how do they learn? what do they see as fun? Are they understanding the material?

Rejoice when you find just the right fit!

[LeAnna]

We use CLE for math and love it! We are using 1st and 2nd grade. We started off with Singapore, and like it for Kindergarten, but from there it wasn't a good fit for us. CLE does spend a lot of time continually work on things they have learned in previous lessons, but I think it really helps the kids remember what they are learning. It also focuses on mastery of math facts, which I didn't see in Singapore. We love it!! It's very uncluttered, black and white too.
I haven't used Math U See, but I have family that has, and they liked it up to a certain point and then found that when they didn't get their addition and subtraction down, they became behind, because it rushes to multiplication and division next.
You have to just find what works for you. But, hope that helps a little bit in figuring out what you are looking for.

LeAnna

[Tree House Academy]

We use CLE for math and love it! We are using 1st and 2nd grade. We started off with Singapore, and like it for Kindergarten, but from there it wasn't a good fit for us. CLE does spend a lot of time continually work on things they have learned in previous lessons, but I think it really helps the kids remember what they are learning. It also focuses on mastery of math facts, which I didn't see in Singapore. We love it!! It's very uncluttered, black and white too.
I haven't used Math U See, but I have family that has, and they liked it up to a certain point and then found that when they didn't get their addition and subtraction down, they became behind, because it rushes to multiplication and division next.
You have to just find what works for you. But, hope that helps a little bit in figuring out what you are looking for.

LeAnna

You are right...we definitely have to find what works for each child. My younger son did CLE Math 1 and we did the drills and flashcards and lessons every.single.day and my son never learned the facts...he was just very overwhelmed and frustrated. We switched back to Singapore and he is learning the facts now just because he really is loving the hands on stuff that Carrie writes in the guides. My older son did well in CLE Math - but also became overwhelmed by the length of the lessons and the drills. We switched him back to Singapore and he is also enjoying math again. On days he doesn't do Singapore, he does Life of Fred - mostly because he LOVES the story it tells. He actually asks to do Life of Fred on weekends for fun.

We have, unfortunately, been through a lot of math programs and I just pray that Singapore is the final one for us (well, until Algebra and beyond, that is). For the OP, I will be in prayer that you will find a great fit for your children!

[John'smom]

Lindy,
Not sure how old your dc. We don't use Singapore because this is our first year with HOD and my ds has done Math U See for 3 years before this. He is doing very well with it. It is a mastery program and so you are to stay on the concept until it's mastered. So when you ask 5+2=?, the child can immediately say 7. We have had no issues with this as others seem to be bothered by it. I'm sure it just depends upon the teacher and the student. When my ds was tested last year he was in the 95th percentile in Math, meaning only 5% of the students who took the test did better than him.

I've never seen Singapore in person, but have heard a ton of good about it and not just on this board. I've often thought if my dc were just starting out or if we came to HOD unhappy with our Math program, I wouldn't think twice about switching to Singapore, especially with all the fun things Carrie implements in the younger grades. I know my dc would love that, after all they love everything else we're doing that Carrie has written in the guides. I really considered switching to Singapore this year and even had my ds take the Singapore test, but a veteran homeschooling momma who I respect greatly said if it aint broke don't fix it.

I think the main thing is that you have to work a Math program as intended and find what works for the child and the teacher. Both are very important.

[exodus007]

I use both CLE and Singapore and enjoy them both. Cle is the main program and Singapore a supplement .

I strongly believe that each child needs a different math program , depending on his learning style . We are all created differently. My son thrives with CLE and it shows in his standardized tests. He is one grade ahead.
Although CLE it's a complete math program , I like to add SM just for fun and for a change.
With Singapore alone, my son did not have the mastery of math facts. Also , my son learns better with a spiral program. He needs a constant review.

To learn more about learning styles and maybe find out what your dc needs, click here :

http://www.custom-homeschool-curriculum ... culum.html

[jenntracy]

Definately Math-u-See. we use it and love it . Just look at some reviews on-line.
Uses manipulatives, short lessons... go at your pace if something needs to be worked on extra
and on-line drills and extra worksheets if you need them

I recently was checking out other programs b/c i thought my daughter may need a different one from my son, but i kept coming back to math-U-See
I am biased

jenn d.