more notes on success with Singapore Math from Lone Ranger

I wanted to make sure everyone saw this follow-up (I've added bullets & formatting because Jakob Nielsen told me to):

• I used Singapore math books 2B, 3A, 3B and half of 4A before having my daughter take the ITBS test Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

• She completed the 2B placement exam but took 3 times as much time to complete it as was recommended. I thought better to start her slightly below her level to build confidence, learn the rod diagrams, and build speed and fluency with her facts and basic procedures.

• We also used Intensive Practice books 2B, 3A, 3B, and part of 4A (not every problem though)

• I made the decison to use Singapore because through my research 2 titles kept appearing over and over: Saxon and Singapore. Saxon is expensive and did not seem to be a good fit for my youngest daughter. Singapore seemed to be the best one to try first, since I wouldn't be out a lot of money if it flopped! Not very scientific or glamorous but the truth. [ed: Saxon at Home School Center may not be more expensive; I'll check.]

• Once I worked with the program and saw the children's response to it I was sold.

• I am average in my math ability and studied through Trig in college. I think at first Singapore can be intimidating, but after working with it, I find it is fairly straightforward.

• I used the Instructor Guide for 2B and have not really used it since.

• I try to work out all the rod diagrams, and boy am I getting good at them. [ed: oh! are these what I call 'bar models'? If so, I'm getting incredibly good at them myself.]

• Jenny, at the Singapore Forum board, is a great help if I am hopelessly stuck. All problems at this level can be solved without using algebra and Jenny is very helpful for teaching people how to set up the rod diagrams. (singaporemath.com)

• I also am learning much along with my daughters. [ed. note: based in my own experience, I think it's a good idea for parents to learn & re-learn elementary maths along with their children.]

• I think Saxon is also a great program and a few of my homeschooling friends' kids are doing very well with it.

• I am going to look into the Russian Math program too.