Which math programs are worksheet/test heavy and which are not?

[mrsfrenchy]

I'm enjoying checking out different math curriculums and I always look at sample pages, but sometimes it is hard to get a feel for what type of work the program emphasizes.

What programs (I'm talking about elementary math) would you consider very heavy on the workbook approach and want you to give your children tests periodically?
Which programs do not fall under this category, having only a few or minimal worksheet-type activities? How do they assess math skills and progress?

Thanks.

[AAK]

Math Mammoth is very worksheet heavy.
Saxon is worksheet heavy (though it is a hardbound book so your kid would be copying it onto paper.)
Singapore is worksheet based. It CAN be worksheet heavy. I think most people use it that way. I use the workbook, but not any other supplements. Also, I use lots of manipulatives with it. It doesn't tell you to do this. I just do. I also won't use workbooks for money. We pull out the real stuff. I use the "reviews" as tests. I don't buy the test booklet.

I think rightstart math is not worksheet heavy at all.

Amy

[phathui5]

Saxon is very worksheet, drill work heavy. In grades K-3, there are consumable workbooks that you use. It's in the later grades that you copy out of the textbook.

[umsami]

RightStart is not worksheet heavy. We've done Levels A and B.

Saxon is super-duper worksheet heavy. DS1 is doing that in school now. Every single day they do one side of the worksheet in class...and then the other side is done at home. They also have assessments (aka tests/quizzes) quite often.

[mrsfrenchy]

So I'm familiar with (and leaning towards) RightStart, but I'm wondering how you assess progress. I think its fairly likely that I'll have a good grasp of how my kids are doing (what their strengths and weaknesses are, etc.) anyway but I didn't know if it prompts you to do a formal assesment periodically.

Instead of worksheets, etc. for review, you just play the card games and stuff, right?

[kittywitty]

Singapore is workbook heavy for sure. Right Start is NOT at all. MUS is worksheet and hands on heavy. With Right Start I'm not worried about formal assessment. There are "tests" every so often, but you daily review things and it very much works off of what the child has already learned. You would know if something is not mastered.

[Plummeting]

Originally Posted by kittywitty

With Right Start I'm not worried about formal assessment. There are "tests" every so often, but you daily review things and it very much works off of what the child has already learned. You would know if something is not mastered.

Yes. There are 3 or 4 tests in level B, but I honestly don't need them for any reason. I know exactly what she does and doesn't know. It's really hard not to when you're the teacher and you only have a handful (or less - like me!) of students.