[LauraLoo]

I really need some help here -- I'm new to choosing curriculum!
(BTW, I posted this in Learning at Home and Beyond, and didn't receive any responses!)

I'm looking at the Singapore Math, and I am trying to evaluate the US and Standard Editions for ds. It looks like, to me, that some concepts are introduced a little later in the US editions -- such as additional work with geometry. DS is fascinated with geometry.
Here's a comparison.
http://www.singaporemath.com/v/vspfi...andSTD2008.pdf
I also understand that the US edition was developed to assist with California requirements, but with some recent upheaval in CA with regards to homeschooling, I'm wondering if the US editions won't receive as much support or attention. We aren't in CA.

DS has some great strengths in math, but his school last year didn't really focus on math skill development. I think he's going to fly through some of this curriculum, but I want to make sure that he gets the basics by starting back a level to make sure we haven't missed anything that he needs to build on. We'll go as fast as he wants, in any order he wants - as long as it makes sense. I think he's ahead in some areas, and potentially behind in others. I can work with this, but early math isn't an area of strength for me.

Does anyone have a recommendation on what edition to use? Other thoughts are appreciated as well.

 

[eilonwy]

My understanding is that the primary differences are that the US version does work with Imperial weights & measurements and uses American money.

I'd be willing to bet that any requirements which appear to be altered to meet state curriculum standards simply involve changing the order of things so that kids can cover material before state testing comes up. There's been a lot of discussion on the K12/Agora Yahoo! Group about this lately; Apparently starting in third grade, the math curriculum presents lessons out of order so that kids can cover the materials presented on PSSA before springtime.

In other words, I wouldn't worry about the altered progression so much and if your kiddo's already got a solid understanding of things like inches, pounds, dollars and cents then you're probably good to go either way.

 

[purslaine]

Hi Laura,

I cannot answer your question - but I am sure if you do a search on the following message boards, you will oodles of info:

www.welltrainedmind.com

I also remember they introduce a key concept in 3A (I think it has to do with answering math question using a bar graph - something they use again and again through the years, so you probably do not want to skip 3A)

Another thought: the challenging word problems are supposed to be quite challenging. Many people get 1 level behind - so if their child is working at level 5B, they get 4B for CWP.

Good luck!

Kathy

I would be inclined towards the US edition. The Standard one is geared towards California standards..... and part of the allure of Singapore is that it has produced such strong mathematical thinkers. Why fool with it the US edition when it has been working for years? Also, I do not think there are IP (intensive practice) for the higher levels with the Standard edition. This would concern me - what if your DC like the intensive practice?

You may want to double check this, as quite frankly I find navigating Singapore difficult (not the site, lol, but figuring out which books are necessary)

I spent a few minutes looking over the comparison chart. Good grief! I now have contradictory thoughts - which are confusing me but may help you:

1. The standard edition seems to start most things earlier. This could be a good thing for a gifted child.

2. The standard edition covers a lot more material. There is an argument to be made that some math curriculums cover too much - they are a mile wide, but an inch deep. Hence, a superficial coverring of topics. The fact that the US edition covers less mathematical topics could be construed as a good thing - more time devoted to mastery, and to go deeper into a topic

Last, but definately not least, you can drive yourself nuts comparison shopping. Singapore is for many gifted children, an excellent product - you probably will not go wrong either way (and if you do, lol, at least Singapore is reasonably priced!)

Kathy

 

[LauraLoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by eilonwy In other words, I wouldn't worry about the altered progression so much and if your kiddo's already got a solid understanding of things like inches, pounds, dollars and cents then you're probably good to go either way.

We're ok here, so at least that's one thing to not consider!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathymuggle Hi Laura, I cannot answer your question - but I am sure if you do a search on the following message boards, you will oodles of info: www.welltrainedmind.com

Actually, Kathy, I think you have helped me think through this quite well! I am concerned that the Standards edition (which is the one that was developed for CA - I switched them around in my OP) is going to be more "teaching to the test," and I really don't want that. I was lured, though, by the earlier introduction of some material as well as the additional material covered.

I do think I'm going to go with the US version because of the additional supplemental material available. DS likes to play around with concepts, so I think this is the best route. It should give us the greatest flexibility to go as fast as we want, but slower with more depth if needed. I do think that I'll be referencing the Standards edition to get ideas on how to present the "missing" material in the US edition, if ds is interested.

And thank you for the welltrainedmind site! I can use all the resources I can get!

 

[Bird Girl]

We have the Standards linked edition, as we got it from our homeschool charter school in CA. We've been very happy with it, although so far we have only finished 1A and begin 1B. After we finish 1B, we'll do the Challenging Word Problems book, which I purchased separately.

The Standards linked edition retains some of the unique features of the Singapore curriculum, like the concept of "number bonds" linking addition and subtraction, and the mental concept of making ten to facilitate higher number addition and subtraction. Also, it introduces multiplication, division, and some fractions in the 1B book, so earlier than the CA state standards specify. That's in continuing with the Singapore emphasis on developing number sense.

You can't go wrong in either case, I'm sure. I've been delighted with the various ways that the program comes up with to keep my daughter interested in completing her math work, and additionally, there are no pages and pages of drill that many gifties find so disheartening. The amount of writing and the amount of practice seem just right to us.

 

[LauraLoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bird Girl You can't go wrong in either case, I'm sure. I've been delighted with the various ways that the program comes up with to keep my daughter interested in completing her math work, and additionally, there are no pages and pages of drill that many gifties find so disheartening. The amount of writing and the amount of practice seem just right to us.

Good information! Thank you!