Welcome to RainbowResource.com — Learning Tools for Homes and Schools Serving Home Educators Since 1989

Customer Reviews

 
Patty F. from Michigan wrote the following on 01/23/2004:
At first, the thin paperback texts and workbooks of Singapore Math appear rather cheap, but this inexpensive program is definitely "more than meets the eye"!! The graphics are rather plain, and the pages are printed in only two colors. This is much less distracting than the overly colorful pictures in so many other textbooks. The consumable workbooks are great for children with less developed motor skills. Most children will need extra drillwork to memorize facts, but this program has the most intense "word problems" I've seen yet! They force the student to really THINK. There are also enough "game like" activities to provide interest. Your child will know how to apply math in real-life situations after using this program! My advice: Back up AT LEAST one full year from your currect grade, (especially if you were in public school). My fifth graders started in 3A, and my seventh grade daughter started in 5A. 5A had a LOT of work in geometry that my daughter had not been exposed to in public school, and 5B had completely new material for her. She should finish 6A & 6B later this year, and have an excellent foundation to begin Algebra.

 
Rachel M. from TX wrote the following on 08/27/2009:
I was intrigued by this curriculum, because as everyone knows, Singapore scores really high in academics and on test scores. That is what initially drew me to the program.The text itself is not very aesthetically pleasing, the content is very straightforward and to the point, which is good, if you have a student who enjoys math or is a quick learner. They offer books with extra practice, for those students who need it. I found the home instructors guide to be very essential, especially from book 3b and on.Some teacher prep is necessary, but very little. It is an advanced program. Since my daughter is a visual and hands on learner, we will not be returning to the program. I would not recommend it for those types. But would definitely recommend it for other learning styles. If you do decide to go with it, taking the placement test would be very helpful.

 
Lorri G. from IOWA wrote the following on 01/05/2007:
I would enthusiastically recommend this program to those whose children dislike repetition. The home instructor's guide contains a useful lesson plan and ideas for manipulatives and games, and lots of additional practice. The textbook and workbook are interesting, but plain enough that my daughter is able to stay focused on the math. The CD-ROM is pricey, but was a good investment for us as it covers 2 grade levels and we have several children using this curriculum. We've had good results with 2 daughters who have very different learning styles. It does tend to run about a grade level ahead in difficulty.

 
tina k. from tennessee wrote the following on 11/05/2007:
We began using Singapore Math in 3rd grade, when our son could not catch on to math concepts(he had no trouble in other subjects, wonderful reader, reading high above grade level)and after trying different curriculums, we started with Book 1. He loved the program. He quickly went from book to book. Just last week, after learning a new concept, he said, "oh, I see it mom!." Our son also enjoyed the black & white pages so he could color them. The paper is smooth and fun to color. We have started our 2nd grader & pre-K children with this program. I would like to add that I have supplemented the children at different times when they needed extra practice. Thank You

 
Paula S. from Southwest Louisiana wrote the following on 12/20/2007:
We switched to Singapore from a more traditional textbook math. Math had once been his favorite subject, but was fast becoming drudgery. We took the placement test at the Singapore website and placed him in 3A. My son is an auditory learner and after only a few weeks I have seen a total turnaround with his thinking about math. I see him actually thinking through math problems, much like I do as an adult. There is a greater emphasis on word problems than our previous math program. The placement test is essential.

 
Amy Y. from Warren, Ohio wrote the following on 04/21/2008:
I have used several math programs over the years including Saxon, Horizons, Miquon, and Developmental Math during the younger years. Comparing Singapore to the others, I find that it is less repetitive by far and less oriented toward just rote skill use. Although the books are not fancy in appearance, they require creativity in problem solving. Often skills are combined as multiple steps are required to solve word problems. This program is very much about working with numbers and ideas together. This applies especially to the challenge books which are totally word problems. We use these as a supplement, three different types of problems each day to add variety, challenge, and complex review. Sometimes the problems are hard enough we may come back to them another day. Fortunately, there is a Singapore forum where we can cry for help if we get totally stuck. Solving these problems can feel like a great accomplishment. I highly recommend this program for a child who doesn't need lots of repetition and loves a challenge. It really encourages complex math thinking skills. We love it!

 
Jennifer S. from Lenoir, NC wrote the following on 05/24/2008:
Not only have I been impressed by how quickly my son has picked up math using Singapore, but my extended family is amazed. He has enjoyed doing the mental exercises in his head and loves solving problems given by his grandparents. Singapore Math uses a natural progression toward learning new concepts. The sequencing has been easy to understand and follow. I wish this math program had been around when I was in school. It has me hooked! The cost is minimal and the preparation is easy. It's wonderful for kids who dislike writing every step out on paper. Singapore math is my son's favorite subject.

 
Suzanne S. from Laurel Valley, WV wrote the following on 08/26/2008:
My daughter used Singapore Math and had excellent results. Now, my son is starting his Singapore experience, and loving it just as much! Singapore Primary Math is a no-fuss, no-muss program. I appreciate the emphasis on mental math - internalizing the concepts until they become second nature to the student. Others have commented on Singapore's lack of practice problems. For my children, this doesn't seem to be a problem, as we never feel the need for "more." I also appreciate the inexpensiveness, yet excellence of this program. I've tried other programs, but we always seem to come back to Singapore Primary. It's good, thorough, easy to use, and very effective!