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Anyone switched from RightStart Math to something different?

post #1 of 10
10/26/10 at 7:58pm
Thread Starter 
We've always used RS, and my 8-year-old boys are in the middle of level C right now. My frustration with the program reached a zenith today when the program asked them to do mental subtraction (I.e., written vertically) of 2-digit numbers from 3-digit numbers involving borrowing, without really preparing them to be able to do it without a real struggle, IMHO. It seems to me that this program does this kind of thing a lot, and I never really know where it's going because it jumps around so much, and frankly I'm very unimpressed with the results in my kids so far. I'm not doing enough of the drills and games, for sure, but we never have any time because each lesson takes so long, I'm always chasing after the darn curriculum. I feel that my kids need a program that will better help them master the basics. . .e.g., I'd like them to be able to answer the question - what is 15-9? without having to pause to think about it. I honestly just don't know how to get there from here without adopting a "drill-and-kill" program, and I don't have time to do a lot of research, as we just bought an old house and acreage that is taking a ton of our time. Any advice for us? I'm thinking about Singapore, but I really don't know why - just looking for an easy answer and wondering if I should stop using RightStart.
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post #2 of 10
10/26/10 at 8:40pm
Subscribing because I just.can't.take.RightStart. I've tried and tried but it just doesn't click for us.
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post #3 of 10
10/26/10 at 8:54pm
I switched from Right Start after realizing it is parent-intensive, and I have more than one child so found it challening to teach more than one child on a different level.
I switched to Math U See, I wished I had been educated with Math U See!! totally took the fear out of math. You can have, easily, multiple kids learning different concepts at the same time with Math U See. My 6.5 yr old is doing triple digit addition, with carrying. It's her favorite subject (thanks Math U See!!).
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post #4 of 10
10/26/10 at 9:06pm
We switched to Singapore. A lot of same concepts of looking at numbers but less parent intensive and also goes along somewhat with school levels, if not above; so kids can transition more easily if you decide to "school" later on in life.
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post #5 of 10
10/27/10 at 12:04am
And we switched to Critical Thinking. This is going to turn into a thread for RSM survivors.
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post #6 of 10
10/27/10 at 4:03pm
Thread Starter 
Well, I'd love to hear how these other programs are working out for you! I ordered some Singapore stuff today, mainly because the investment is not too bad, but I just really wonder if it will be the right thing. I'm tempted to just skip a curriculum for the rest of the year and cobble some other things together, but my lack of confidence of time will probably prevent this. . .
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post #7 of 10
10/27/10 at 4:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Leersia View Post
Well, I'd love to hear how these other programs are working out for you! I ordered some Singapore stuff today, mainly because the investment is not too bad, but I just really wonder if it will be the right thing. I'm tempted to just skip a curriculum for the rest of the year and cobble some other things together, but my lack of confidence of time will probably prevent this. . .
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post #8 of 10
10/27/10 at 6:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Leersia View Post
Well, I'd love to hear how these other programs are working out for you! I ordered some Singapore stuff today, mainly because the investment is not too bad, but I just really wonder if it will be the right thing. I'm tempted to just skip a curriculum for the rest of the year and cobble some other things together, but my lack of confidence of time will probably prevent this. . .
I'm about 87% happy with the CT books. My kids LOVE workbooks and these are nice looking. I wish they were more clear about some things but by and large, the kids love their books.
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post #9 of 10
10/27/10 at 7:34pm
All I can say is, you all are making me feel good that we didn't choose RS. I fretted & fretted & eventually decided on MUS (which we adore!) but I still occasionally have doubts because it seems like there's nothing but "RS love" out there. It just didn't feel right for me & after reading some of your posts, I'm convinced it wouldn't work for us!
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post #10 of 10
10/28/10 at 9:00am
Thread Starter 
I haven't heard of Critical Thinking for math - is it the same publisher that produces the "Building Critical Thinking Skills" books? I'll have to look into it.

I've looked at Math-U-See and didn't fall in love with it, but I never actually tried it with my kids.

I have some Singapore questions that I'll post separately . ..
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