Singapore Math for Sixth Grader

[skwmackey]

Our oldest son (and precious guinea pig in homeschooling and parenting) will be using RtR starting this fall. We used HOD last year for our K and 5th grader/now 6th grader. Anyway, throughout our years of homeschooling we have used 2-3 different math programs for our oldest. Our 2nd son who was in K last year used the Singapore math and will again this year (we really enjoyed it). As I'm getting ready to order our curriculum in the next few weeks, I started thinking about our oldest. For the past couple of years, he has used a math program that even though it is okay and he does fine, it takes about an hour a day and sometimes seems a little dry (and I really like math). I have started wondering if I should switch him to Singapore Math. I was wondering if anyone has switched math programs at this age and if the transition to a new math program would be a good thing him. Any input would be greatly appreciated. By the way, most of the time he is a trooper being the oldest in the family as we walk the journey of parenting and homeschooling, learning what works and what doesn't.

Thanks,
Stephanie

[jjcmehl]

Since he is already in 6th, I would not switch him at this point. Singapore's math principle basics are taught in 1-3 grade, since a huge portion is mental math. I recall a similar discussion a few months back. I even believe Carrie stated to that poster that it would be best to stick with the current math the child was using.

[holdinon]

I had the same debate a couple of years ago with my now going-into-7th grader. I decided we would have to back track too much to switch at that point, just to get the methodology. I hate it sometimes, because I see my youngers thriving SO much with Singapore methods and conceptual thinking that my dd12 just doesn't get. She does well in the math that she is in, and I think she'll do fine in as she progresses to higher level maths. I think we made the right choice to keep her where she was at that point. However, it does make me a little sad that I didn't start her out with Singapore. Those, poor, poor guinea pigs of ours . Thankful for God's grace
Angie

[skwmackey]

Thank you for your input! We will stick with what we have been using for him.

Stephanie

[my3sons]

You could try giving the free Singapore math placement test and seeing how ds does, if you wanted. He may have good mental math and deep thinking skills in place enough to do very well moving to Singapore, or he may not test very well and need to go back so far that it makes more sense to stick with what you are already doing. I was just thinking that piece of information of what his Singapore placement would be, would be nice to have as you ponder this. The link is www.singaporemath.com. Just be sure to let him do it totally on his own, so his scores are accurate, and usually people start back a few years with the testing level, as Singapore is considered advanced. Just an idea!

In Christ,
Julie

[skwmackey]

Thanks, Julie! After deciding to stick with our current math, I did start looking at Singapore again. I have looked at the placement tests and samples of each grade level to see if a smooth transition could be made. I will give him the placement tests starting back a grade or two and work our way up. We'll see how he does.

Thanks!