Too Late for Singapore??

[ncmomof5]

Hey all,

Had a hard day in math with my 11 yo dd. That's not an unusual thing. What is unusual is that I have a board like this to come to for advice and venting.

My question is, "Is it too late to try to start Singapore with my daughter?" We have used Abeka, R&S, Saxon, and now Life of Fred. These are all (except the last) based on a more memorizing the facts kind of teaching math. Trouble is, math facts do not stay organized in her brain very well. She gets confused and just can't remember if greater than is > or < ? I have to explain things several different ways before I find the one that makes it click. And she just really struggles with grasping abstract concepts.

The hard thing is that she tries so hard, and then looks at me with tears in her eyes and says, "Why can't I remember, Mom? Why can I never get it right?" This is heartbreaking for me, and discouraging for her. While, I don't plan on pushing her to do a lot of higher level math, I know that she is going to have to at least do pre algebra, algebra, and geometry. I know that she will never be a math genius, but I do want to do all I can to help make this journey a little less stressful.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

In His love,
RuthAnn

[kayben]

Hi RuthAnn, I am not able to answer your question But would like to add to it as I am in a similar situation as my 11 year old is using Teaching Textbooks and as I thought it would be great.. He is truly a workbook, no nonsense kind of student... so to add to your question...

How hard is it for a parent to jump in with singapore at say the 5a/5b or 6a/6b level.. I know it has a different way of teaching/learning. And is it time consuming. (My son doesn't have difficulty with math, my 7 yr old struggles very much though so this question is certainly relevent for our family as well.)

I know the ladies on this board are so amazing with prayer and true empathy. They will certainly give you good, solid, thoughtful advice. And if you don't mind I will be listening in...

[pjdobro]

I really don't know too much about the higher grades of Singapore but I do know that many people when they start Singapore find they need to step back a level or two in the beginning. The terminology and progression is different that other common math programs from what I understand. You might want to check out the Singapore math site and look over the placement tests: http://www.singaporemath.com/Placement_Test_s/86.htm That would give you a little more idea of what sort things would be expected at each level and perhaps would give you a little more idea of whether it might be helpful for you. Hope that might help a little.

[Carrie]

RuthAnn,

I think the ladies have given you wise advice to ponder. To help with your pondering, you may wish to give your daughter the Singapore placement test (U.S. Edition), likely beginning with 4A or so to see how your daughter does. If she passes, give her the 4B test and so on, until she no longer passes. If she doesn't pass 4A, then you'd likely need to breeze through 3B in preparation for beginning 4A. No matter what you decide, giving her the placement test will provide a much better picture of where she'd have to begin in Singapore math, which will aid in your decision-making.

My oldest son has done a wide variety of math programs, although he has never used Singapore. This was due to the fact that by the time there was a U.S. version in the upper levels released here in the U.S. he was too far along in math to use them. He is in the 8th grade now, but I feel you pain with the mathematical merry-go-round that switching programs can bring.

In all honesty, it may be a good idea to look at Singapore. The problems do require higher-level thinking and you'd likely need to help your daughter quite a bit as she goes. However, you may end up doing that no matter what. But, the lessons are shorter than in most math programs and focus on the "less done more deeply" is better than "much done briefly". If you have other questions ask away.

Blessings,
Carrie

[ncmomof5]

Thanks, Carrie,

That helps to get your perspective on things. Life of Fred has been good for us this year, beccause the author also uses the "less done more deeply" philosophy. But, there are still some basic things that I want to cement before we go on to Pre Algebra or other higher level maths. I think that once we finish Life of Fred Fractions and Decimals and Percents, I am going to have her take the placement test for Singapore. Then we can slowly go from there.

How does that sound? I really like Life of Fred (as I mentioned above), but she is not the kind of kid that you cover something once with her and keep on going. She needs review and reinforcement. I have heard some say that they feel the need to supplement Singapore. Do you think there is enough review in Singapore for someone who struggles with math?

Thanks again for chiming in here. I appreciate it.

Keep on keepin' on,
RuthAnn

[Carrie]

RuthAnn,

If you are looking to just cement her basic math skills then you may wish to take a look at what we're using with our own oldest son this year. Here's the link: http://www.mathessentials.com/

You would want the elementary version with DVD. If you liked it, you could also utilize the Pre-Algebra as well. We are testing it on our own child with the thought that we may like to recommend it for use after Singapore Math 6A/6B as a bridge into Algebra. Here's a past thread where we talked about this: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4366

Blessings,
Carrie

[ncmomof5]

Carrie,

Thanks for the info. I will definitely look into that.

RuthAnn

[mariaw]

I have a further question about this. I am thinking about switching dd8 over to Singapore. But my hesitation is that Singapore introduces multiplication and division so much earlier than more traditional math programs. She could pass everything on the 2B test, but would have no idea what to do with the multiplication and division (we just introduced the concept of multiplication in our math program at the end of last year and haven't revisited it again yet this year).

How far back would I need to put her in order to pick up those skills? I hate to make her repeat everything else.

[Carrie]

Maria,

Typically with Singapore the placement tests are very accurate, so I would lean toward placing your little sweetie wherever the test says. You could go faster through the parts she knows and slow down for what is new.

Blessings,
Carrie