I was just about sold on getting Singapore Math, then I've all of a sudden seen all this stuff about Math U See & I know ds would be SO excited about all the hands on stuff. So, I'm just trying to see if, any, cons there are to this program. Thanks!

I like Math-U-See a lot, but I like Right Start even better. Have you looked at it (www.alabacus.com)? Some people say it's too parent-intensive, but Annaliese and I have been having a lot of fun playing games and working with the abacus.

Math-u-see didn't work for my dd...

Thinking about Right Start for my 2nd grader next year!!

Cool link, hana, thanks!

nanci~ what did she not like about it? TIA

I've been wondering the same thing. Interested to hear more!

I like m-u-s but some cons for some people might be:

It's all black and white, It is decimal based (Instead of first learning 1-10, you learn 0-9. Right away the child is taught place value in a simplistic manner), there is both a DVD and Teacher's manual (This could be overwhelming for some people), There are a lot of word problems (Steve Demme's philosphy is, if the child can't apply math in real life, then what's the point). The way it is taught may not jive with your style (which is possible with any curriculum you may buy), there is hardly any drill (this has been recently been fixed, the MUS website now has free worksheets to print and online drill).

Worksheets: http://www.mathusee.com/worksheet/worksheet.html

Online Drill: http://www.mathusee.com/drill.html

Subbing for ideas for my dd who will be in 2nd grade next year.

We have always used a Waldorf/story approach but with a new baby, I think I need something that she can just reinforce what she already knows. She is very mathematically inclined so it comes quite easy for her.

Thanks for all info!!

you can request a free dvd on m-u-s. I decided after viewing it that it wasn't an approach that would be well suited to my son's learning style but I do like one of their manipulatives and plan on purchasing it when the time comes :rainbow:

Thanks for all the comments. I think I will go ahead & get that DVD to see if it'll work for us.

I have been using Saxon Math for grades 1 and 2 and after reading all the math curriculum debates started panicing (why do I do this to myself?) that somehow it was not enough. Everything I read about Singapore made me think that their math was so much more advanced. (What was I thinking? That they were doing calculus in 3rd grade?) Anyway, I went to the Singapore site and discovered that for about $7 I could order a supplementary book for extra practice for their graded curriculums. I ordered the Grade 2 supplement and have been having my daughter do a section there in addition to our usual Saxon 2 work. I am pleased to report that she can do the worksheets pretty easily. They are different in their presentation and I am happy that she has this additional way of looking at things.

But all this typing to suggest that you could order a cheap supplementary workbook from Singapore too (at whatever level your child is at -- they start with preschool books) and check out if the books are appealing to you before ordering the whole curriculum set.

Tina I have the DVD you can borrow.

Thanks, Ashley. I just ordered it last night :p

We are currently using Miquon and while we like it ok, I am finding it hard to explain and therefore there are problems that G is not understanding. I think we will like the dvd aspect of MUS to help with instructions.

Have you looked at Cathy Duffy's book 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum? I love it and refer to it often when we are making choices. I really like that she helps you tie different learning styles to different curriculum.

Ah~ Now my interest is stoked. I saw that book posted on another board & now I must find one to read :D

I would offer to let you borrow my book but I swear I look at it every other day to investigate something new. I think she has a website too.

www.CathyDuffyReviews.com

you're so sweet, Robin. i'm going to try to see if our library has it & then try amazon.com

thanks for the link.