Singapore Math Textbook/Workbook -- need both?

[mangopassion]

I'm going to purchase Singapore Math (finally!!!) today and I was wondering if I need both the textbook and the workbook or just one of them?

Also, would you recommend the Home Instructors Guide?

Thanks!!

[Meg Murry.]

Originally Posted by mangopassion

I'm going to purchase Singapore Math (finally!!!) today and I was wondering if I need both the textbook and the workbook or just one of them?

Also, would you recommend the Home Instructors Guide?

Thanks!!

Yes, the workbook is very helpful for emphasizing and reinforcing textbook concepts -- that is, unless your child is a real math whiz and gets a concept the first or second time she sees it and doesn't need practice or reinforcement.

[mangopassion]

Originally Posted by Meg Murry.

Yes, the workbook is very helpful for emphasizing and reinforcing textbook concepts -- that is, unless your child is a real math whiz and gets a concept the first or second time she sees it and doesn't need practice or reinforcement.

[NoHiddenFees]

I would recommend the HIG for first time users (especially when starting at 1A/1B) so you can get the idea of how Singapore Math works. However, it's unlikely you'll be using it on a day-to-day basis unless your child needs extra reinforcement.

[sha_lyn]

Yes we use the textbook and the workbook. I couldn't imagine not using both.
I didn't find the HIG useful for 1A/1B. SO we haven't purchsed it for 2-4. I do plan on getting it for 5-6.
Many find that even the WB doesn't offer enough repetition and they purchase the additional practice books. I just don't find that we need them.

[purple_kangaroo]

I would say that if you don't buy the workbook, you would need to come up with your own exercises to have the child do to reinforce the concepts. The books aren't that expensive as textboks go, and if you can afford it I would definitely recommend getting both. The workbook approaches teaching concepts in more of a variety of ways with more practice on different angles than the textbook.

[Cassiopeia]

We only really use the workbook. He just does the questions. I thought the textbook was kind of pointless.

I've heard good things about the HIG, however.

eta: we're in 1a/1b (first grade, not kindy)

[b&c'smama]

Originally Posted by Cassiopeia

We only really use the workbook. He just does the questions. I thought the textbook was kind of pointless.

I agree. I have found the same thing with my second grader. I found the textbook to be redundant with what is in the workbook. I usually present new concepts either in the way the teacher's manual suggests or by coming up with games or other activities on my own. Then we do the exercises in the workbook. I have been debating if I should buy the textbooks for next year.

[mangopassion]

Thank you, everyone! I will most likely get both the workbook and textbook. My daughter really needs reinforcements as she usually doesn't pick up math concepts easily. I think I will also get the HIG just in case. Thanks again for all the input!