How do you like Singapore Math?

[mjlamarche]

I've decided on placement for my kids but wondering if Singapore Math is a well loved math book or if there are others that are preferred. My kids are "used to" Bob Jones because that was the curriculum they used when they were in private school but this is my first go at homeschooling. Kids will be in Little Hands, Beyond, and Preparing. (approx K, 2 and 4th grades)
thanks for any input. This board is so helpful!

[Nealewill]

We love it.

I started homeschooling with Abeka math since I started homeschooling with Abeka in general. My first year ended poorly. The next year I tried RightStart math. It worked wonderfully for the next three years. It really taught my oldest dd to understand the concept of a number and provided several strategies for memorizing math facts. However, once we got into the final elementary math level (my dd was 8 at the time), they crammed a lot of information into that level and my oldest really struggled with it! When she started CTC, I switched only my oldest to Singapore 4. That kind of frustrated me a bit as the final elementary level of RS taught the concepts in 4A through 5B but my dd didn't really understand any of it - so 4A was where we needed to start! I am glad I made the switch because the lessons in Singapore were much shorter and my dd actually learned the material. Plus I never realized just how teacher intensive RS was until I dropped it for one kid. RS has no teacher text, you are the text! Wow - time saver! And more growth with Singapore. I felt like Singapore really taught my kids to understand but provided a lot more hand holding on how to solve things. My oldest is not mathy but I feel like Singapore is just what she needed to take her to the next level. As for my other two kids, my youngest has used some RS and some Singapore off and on. I was overwhelmed with my oldest in several areas and I needed a break. I just basically gave my youngest the Singapore workbook in 1B and she completed math on her own most of the time. She finished 1B and 2A last year in school very well. She even started 2B by the end of the year. I did have to help her some but she is mathy and reads really well. She is half way finished with 2B now and flying through it. For my youngest - I did like doing some of the hands on stuff in RS with her but she didn't near need as much hands on instruction. It kind of bogged her down a bit. With my middle child - my son - we used RS until about half way through last year. He is also mathy and the lessons in RS were too easy for him. Plus, after using both RS and Singapore - I felt like RS was missing some of rigor I was looking for. I guess trying Singapore out on my oldest showed me how much I love it. Once I was half way through the year, I was fine with dropping RS. For me, I think Singapore does an excellent job really preparing kids for Algebra. It teaches them how to think algebraically. And they understand these things well because of the methods Singapore uses.

[rodandmegs]

We are using Singapore math for the first time this year {2A and 5A}. My kids are loving it! There is just enough practice each day where you don't feel like you're doing 'busy work'. Carrie has added many hands-on activities for the 2 level, and my daughter loves to do them. I would highly recommend it, even if you've never used it before. I was a little apprehensive, because I've heard that it is advanced, but I find it to be right on grade level personally. I have looked through both books, and it seems to be just right. It seems to have enough challenge without being overwhelming. We have never found a math program we loved until now!

{My oldest daughter is in 7th grade, and we are using the Key To...series, and we do love that, though!}

[rumkimom]

I used it for 1 year and did not care for it. For older kids we have used teaching textbook and loved it. This year my littles and oldest are using CTC math and so far really lik it. Instead of tears my son begs to do his math.

[mjlamarche]

thanks for the replies, everyone. Much appreciated.
I'm going to go with Singapore for now, gotta start somewhere.