Why We're Switching from Simply Good and Beautiful Math
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 เม.ย. 2022
- We've used the Good and the Beautiful for math since we started homeschooling. However, we're switching to a different math curriculum company. Here's why.
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E M A I L
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Hi, I'm Audriana Smith, a homeschooling mom from West Virginia. I upload videos on our homeschooling journey, homeschooling tips and tricks, running a home, mommy lifestyle, and anything we've learned that can help simplify your family life!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I really appreciate that you noted you aren't bashing TGTB but still being honest.
I just wanted to post this comment in case other mamas come on here to hear why you stopped using it. My daughter is in 6th grade. She has always loved math from Masterbooks up until Principles of Mathematics, during which she completely shut down. I've found this past year that she is so much more of a visual learner, and I finally broke down and got her TGTB math level 5. She told me today, "Mom, I love this math!". She did 20 problems in 5 minutes that would've taken her hours previously. I feel like it's reviving her love of math. We may switch when we get to high school, but I think for visual learners who get overwhelmed by problems on the page, this curriculum is fantastic!
I'm so glad you found something that will work for your kiddos. That's what I absolutely love about homeschooling! We can be flexible with curriculum and cater to our kids individual needs.
I like using Math Lessons for a Living Education. There's a story at the beginning,but it can be skipped. The amount of problems on a page are generally up to 8.
The color in the main book is only on the story and review page at the end of the week.
There's also a supplement book called Practice Makes Perfect. Now that is just problems and in full color on every page.
My son has ADHD and this works for him because it's a gentle approach.
We also switched to Singapore, but the primary 2022. Just started a few weeks ago. My daughter completed Masterbooks math level 1 and a variety of supplement books and she still wanted more. So we started back over at level 1 with Singapore. A lot of it has been review, but we go through all the exercises so she gets that full understanding and knows there is a variety or strategies to solve a particular problem. So she has still been learning new concepts even though she was able to solve it knowing one way. We have been really enjoying it.
Thank you for making this video. I was having concerns too, and I’m glad it’s not just me and my kids. We’re likely going to start Singapore next year.
thank you for this. I have been going back and forth on if I want to do The Good and The Beautiful math or Kate Snow's Math with confidence. I ordered Math with confidence on sale this morning and this video helped me to feel confident in my decision to go with a mastery math curriculum instead of The Good and The Beautiful.
I’ve heard great things about that curriculum ❤️ Enjoy! After last year’s experience, I will always choose mastery over spiral.
Thank you for doing this video! We switched from Masterbooks to TGATB Math last year and part of this year using the old version. We are halfway through level 4 and a couple weeks into level 3 of Simply Good and Beautiful Math and I’m experiencing the same thing! I do not believe they are teaching the concepts deeply enough. I’m researching right now Singapore Math too and I’d love to know how it’s going for your kids now that they’ve been doing it awhile.
Singapore is much different than TGATB. It’s not spiraled, so each concept is thoroughly fleshed out before moving on. They often focus on something concrete first before moving on to showing it in a picture, then working out similar problems. But it’s not story-based at all. Sometimes with TGATB it felt like the math could get a little lost in the story, there wasn’t much practice, and the next day it was on to a new concept. Like you mentioned, it just wasn’t deep enough. So Singapore has been working much better for my kids so far.
How it’s set up took a couple weeks for me to get used to as the teacher. If you decide to go with it, just read all of the teacher information given to you, and you should be good. Also, the manipulatives are bought separately. We have enough things to use around here, so I didn’t buy any. What we already have has been working well so far.
Math u see is mastery based like Singapore. The teacher (dvd) teaches lesson concept first day then they practice for several lessons then test.
I am excited to hear about how your experience goes with Singapore! we use dimensions and the why is basically the same as you explained 😊
I’m so excited for us to really get into it! I’ve started with just my younger 2 so far (just waiting on one of the books for my older ones to arrive) and have already seen a difference in how things are approached that I think will be really beneficial to the kids.
Hi! I used easy peasy math this year and we liked it. I just didn’t feel like there was enough lesson teaching. So I decided to try TGATB Math 3 next year mainly for the lesson portion, then use the extra 1 worksheet a day from easy peasy to supplement. I felt like Easy Peasy lacked in the lesson portion, yet really liked their worksheets! And vice versa with TGATB 😀
I just found some of your videos on TH-cam and have loved your reviews. I love Singapore math and both of my kids who do it love it! We combine with Right Start math which I also love-very hands on and a lot of fun games to reinforce concepts. These 2 combined are magic for my kids! Keep fighting the good fight!!
That’s encouraging! Our kids have grown leaps and bounds in understanding already. So I’ve been thoroughly impressed so far.
How do you combine two programs?
Thank you for this video! I have subscribed
I have felt the same way with my child and the simply good and beautiful math level 1... I bit the bullet and bought Math Mammoth which is very similar to Singapore math only a little more affordable for me lol. I'm so sad for us it didn't work out with TGTB math but like you said sometimes change just needs to happen
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! We are currently using the level 3 of TGATB, and my daughter seems not to like it because it's too easy for her. I am also hesitant about switching curriculum, but probably would also do that.
Thank you for your video. Really helpful
We tired simply level 4 and same thing. She was going fast at first then the concepts weren’t sticking. We switched to Singapore and it’s been soooo good!! We do the new primary 2022
I had the same thoughts!! We are trying Singapore 2022, but was looking at dimensions too. I hope we picked the right one for us 🤞I also don’t want to be switching a ton! We’ve already switched from masterbooks in first because that was way too gentle, ok for our first year, but wanted a bit more. Then this year with simply math I was left feeling like things weren’t explained well even though my son was grasping most concepts. Hopefully we both find what we are looking for in these next programs!
Agreed! Even though there are some difference between the various Singapore curriculums, I feel like they’re all similar in how they approach teaching the concepts. Here’s to next year going better than the last 😅
This is a great explanation between the differences in “mastery” method curriculum and “spiral” method curriculum. The “teaching from every angle” you refer to is not something that spiral curriculum does all at once. They go around a few times to do the different angles, so mastery doesn’t happen as soon after it is introduced, it happens in upper elementary school. This is a classical approach to learning and that’s why it changed, it is similar to Saxon math or Abeka.
Welcome to the Singapore family!! It's a great indepth program that will give your child a wonderful mathematical foundation.
Thanks for sharing this info
I am feeling the same about TGAB math. My math minded child uses Primary 2022 and does well, so I may try it for both of them. It only goes until 5th grade at the moment, so interested in how you like Dimensions since we will likely have to make the switch later. Thanks for sharing!
I’ll definitely be doing a review once we get through their books. So far it’s going well and is just much more math-focused and thorough, so I’m hopeful. I’ve been using it for a couple weeks with my preschooler and 1st grader and for only a few days with my older kids though.
And it’s been good to hear that we’re not the only ones with Simply Good and Beautiful 😅 Although, of course, I’m not glad that it means things aren’t working out for people.
I've heard that Singapore is quite advanced which is something to consider with how the placement test went. Thank you for sharing this helpful review!
It really is very advanced! Lots of algebraic thinking and complex problem solving.
Hope you’re enjoying Singapore! We’ve used it since the beginning and my kids do well in it.
Thank you for making this video. It was very helpful for me. It sounds like level 1 will be a perfect fit for my daughter this year. She hates math and doesn’t believe me that it is important for real life application. Haha
Haha I’m glad it helped!
We love Dimensions! My rising 1st grader understands math so well from the curriculum. They teach conceptual, dimensional math in a beautiful way!
That’s awesome! We’re loving it so far. I can already see a huge difference in my kids’ comprehension.
great I'm not sure what Curriculum would be good for my kids 2 of them do struggle with math and other 2 are pretty good at getting things .. I am thinking of doing TGTB language arts and reading etc. have any Curriculum suggestions for other subjects? I tried common sense press for 2 of my kids Language arts reading etc. it wasn't as engaging for them ...
We are going with the Charlotte Mason approach to education. I would definitely check out Ambleside Online and read some of their stuff on it.
If you want open and go, TGTB was fine for us. I’ve also heard people say they enjoy Language Lessons for a Living Education.
My preschool aged daughter was ready for some math and I had never ever used TGATB before for any subject, I looked through and was completely sucked in by the pictures for the Kindergarten level. we're about a quarter of the way through her book. My older son has thrived with Singapore Primary, and I have full intentions of starting my daughter with the 1st grade curriculum when she's ready for it, but for now the exposure to math topics in general has been great for us with TGATB. My older student started out with Saxon and we despised the spiral approach, I have a feeling my daughter and I will feel the same way about spiraling the more advanced she gets. I hope you guys really enjoy Singapore Dimensions and that it winds up being a better fit for you all!
Yes, those pictures get you every time 😍😅 I think it’s easily the most beautiful curriculum out there. And it sounds perfect for little ones just getting started.
It’s good to hear that your son does well with Primary! Here’s to hoping Singapore is a good fit for us.
TGTB is the best spiral curriculum I’ve found. So if spiral is not for your child then it may not be a good fit. For us it’s exactly what my child needed. 😊
@@kf250Yes, it's best for SOME. There are other spiral curricula out there that are better suited for different families and people swear by them.
Everyone is different with different needs and opinions. How blessed we are to choose from a plethora of options to find what works best for us!
Seasons of life bring about change... hope the new math program works out ❤️
Thanks, Gina!
We switched to Math Mammoth and it was a game-changer for oldest. She struggled to retain anything with TGTB math. I think she needed something mastery-based & that gave her more of a challenge. I don't think that gentle always = better. I'm not sure what I will be using next with my rising first grader. He enjoys TGTB but I don't feel like he is really making the kind of progress he could be. Is there a reason you chose dimensions over the other versions of Singapore?
I’ve heard really good thing about Math Mammoth too!
Dimensions goes up to 8th grade instead of only 6th, which I like. And in a couple of the Facebook groups I’m in, it definitely seems like Dimensions is the favorite among people who have used both. But mainly, I looked through the samples of both and just preferred Dimensions.
Math Mammoth is great. I will do Math with Confidence for Kindergarten and start with Math Mammoth for 1st grade.
I use mm for my oldest too for the same reason. Old tgtb was too spiral and he needed mastery. Now I combine both. Mm is great for filling gaps!
Do you have an update video on how you're liking Singapore so far? I'd love to hear about your experience!
I want to do an update video soon! It’s been going well. Our kids have a much better number sense than they did while even using the old curriculum from TGATB. It was a lot different for me as the parent at first, and there are things that are covered by TGATB that aren’t covered as frequently by Singapore (measurements, time, money). But I’ve just been teaching/reviewing those separately, and it’s been well worth the switch.
@@smithpartyof6 this is great to hear! Thank you! I'm so glad it's going better!
We currently use MM and Simply Good and Beautiful math and I use the free pdf of TGTB and just print out the pages I want to review/reinforce concepts (like time and money), because I love how TGTB approaches everything in a real world way with with problems and because they introduce a lot of concepts .
We did level k and it wasn't a great fit. Very beautiful and my daughter was excited, but no true understanding. I think it spiraled too quickly and there wasn't enough real, thorough teaching. Plus I had no way to know how to help her if she wasn't getting it. We switch to Math with confidence but I looked heavily at Singapore too and it looks wonderful! I hope it works out great for you guys.
Yes! I agree that it probably spirals too quickly.
And I was just talking with someone yesterday who also chose Math with Confidence when they switched from the Good & the Beautiful. Enjoy!
@Sarah Mogus yes! Math with confidence is amazing! Its simple, thorough, and the spiraling is so smooth. And its math with play.
Are you still using Math with Confidence and are you liking it?? We’ve been using TG&TB and while it is beautiful and I love the company’s values my daughter just isn’t retaining much and you said it just right with it spirals too quickly. Her and I are just getting frustrated with it and she feels like it’s her fault and she’s definitely still only learning the basics. I’m so feeling like it’s time to make the switch.
@@mellisa5016 yep! We are half way through first grade math with confidence now and still love it. I think we may have to add in some flash cards for addition and subtraction fluency, but overall it's awesome. We will do 2nd grade next year. It truly teaches conceptual math...they understand the why not just the facts themselves. The games are tons of fun and there is just so much more info for you as the teacher, behind the why and troubleshooting.
@@nicolentwiga7049 this is so amazing to hear! I’m glad you guys were able to find something that worked better! I did a lot of research on it last night and after reading your comment I’m absolutely sold 😁. It’s what we’re missing. I’m thinking I’m going to have to stray away from TG&TB’s LA as well, I’m noticing similar things. Thats good to know about adding in the additions for fluency. I was also checking out the Addition and Subtraction facts that stick. I appreciate your time and response back☺️.
We use Math U See. I love it but my husband wanted our children doing more math each day. So we got TGATB as a supplement. I got levels that were lower so most everything is review but good extra practice. My oldest daughter loves doing it. My other daughter calls it kookoo math. I gave her a list of 4 other math programs to pick from for next year. Since she said she will never do TGATB math again. lol She picked masterbooks. You have to pick your battles and since it is an extra item for us I gave her a little room to decide. We shall see how that goes. Not every program will work for everyone. I hope math goes better for you next year.
Are you leaving tgtb LA too? We’ve been Charlotte Mason and just got their LA for the upcoming year. Mistake?
Yes, we aren’t doing TGATB at all this year. We’re using the booklists on Ambleside Online for most subjects.
Have you tried Easy Peasy curriculum its free and its Christian based and its prek-12th grade levels and also easy to use and you may like it better.
We do like Easy Peasy! Our first year, I used their stuff as a supplement and we did it over the summer as a way to keep their minds going. I may be using it this year for phonics with our youngest. So far the kids are doing well with Singapore, but I appreciate the suggestion!
My son is using TGTB Simply Math Level 4 and we are having some problems. I am 95 percent sure we are going to switch to Singapore Dimensions. If I switch him now, do I purchase Singapore Level 4 ? Do I go a level behind like 3B? Not sure what to do and I'm so nervous.
There are placement tests on their website. When I switched our kids, I had them all take the assessment to see which level would be best. You can find them here: www.singaporemath.com/pages/placement-tests
We're looking to move away from TGATB. It's a good curriculum for the families who find it a good fit. It seems that it is not for my family. I am homeschooling my 7 year old and my 5 year old. Both are math-minded. My oldest does not do well with spiral. She seems to prefer a mastery concept based curriculum. So, we're going to try Math Mammoth after she finishes Simply Good Math 2. I purchased Math Mammoth 1-A for my 5 year old. He is flying through Simply Good Math Level K. I am using TGATB Level 2 Language Arts with my 7 year old but I don't like the new Level 2 and the old Level 3 is a huge jump for my daughter's writing ability. She is an advanced reader but needs work on writing. Do you have any recommendations?
I don’t know if you know anything about Charlotte Mason, but Ambleside has been lovely for us. We’re about to finish our first 12-week term.
But I will say that it’s an entire mindset shift and isn’t what everyone is interested in. I’ve heard good things about IEW for writing if you’re not interested in Charlotte Mason.
@@smithpartyof6 I noticed you said you were switching to something else for most subjects. Have you made the switch to Ambleside for some subjects besides math? We're doing My Father's World and love it, but math has been terrible this year for level 1. Is it just torture. We were considering Simply GAB but after seeing your review, I think it may be best to keep looking. I did the placement tests for it with our girls, ages 4 and 6. The 4 yo tested at ready for K and the 6 yo was on level for level 1, but she does tend to struggle a little with math concepts. It has been a tough choice to make the switch but MFW this year is just so boring.
So if you have never used the curriculum starting from the beginning would you notice the difference?
Now after spending some time completely away from any TGATB math products, I’m seeing where it fell very short. I definitely recommend other programs that are more thorough. It truly did not give our children enough focused practice on one concept for them to fully grasp the depths of it before moving on to the next concept in sequence.
Also, the layout of the new version of their math is very overwhelming. There is so much packed on to each page that it makes it more difficult to focus for some kids (two of mine had a hard time focusing). With Singapore, they’re no longer having that issue.
So while I was originally comparing our experience with the new version to our experience with the old, I’m now comparing it to a much more solid program. And the difference is even more stark.
im feeling so torn. I switched my son to saxon 3 from singapore dimensions. It was just a lot. but now i could cry because saxon 3 is falling flat for me. it is way more laid back which is what i was wanting but i could cry with how easy and shallow the math is.
It’s so hard to find the right fit! I just want to encourage you that there are so many options out there. ❤️ We’ve now tried several (Singapore was a lot for us too) and thankfully have come to find a good fit for our family. For now, even though it’s easy, I would say continue with what you have while you research out some other options. I know how frustrating and discouraging it is. But there’s hope!
Awe… too bad it didn’t work for you. We had to switch too the good and the beautiful and it’s the only one that has worked for my daughter. Thankfully there are so many great math curriculums out there.
Yes! It’s great that the homeschooling community is so vast that everyone can find an option that fits them well.
TH-cam just suggested your channel to me!! I had no idea you did TH-cam!!
Lol yepp 🙈 I don’t promote it much.
@@smithpartyof6 well I’m excited to watch this because this is what math we’re using!
PS, I’m watching this while the girls are watching The Greatest Showman, and Porter said you look like Zendaya! 😍😂
Aww that’s so sweet of her!
My girl in tears everyday because I decided by Singapore math….her hate this curriculum. I’m give for her the The Good and The Beautiful Simply Math, and her loved so much. I’m and her not crying more….I’m believed has kids love Singapore or TGTB, because depend personalit. Important is our kids is happy and enjoying the Homeschool.
Absolutely! We should use whatever works for each specific child. If the Good and the Beautiful works great for you guys, that’s awesome ❤️
Look at History of the World for history. Awesome!
I’ve heard that one is great! But I actually bought Tapestry of a Grace for this coming year.
I’ve never EVER met someone that says and spells their name like mine. I’m Audriana Chavez.. and Ive got an Elijah to..nice to meet you
Aww hi! Nice to meet you too.
Singapore math is a mastery approach, not spiral, and is considered advanced so I wouldn't think kids are behind due to where they tested in the placement tests. Hopefully their approach will be a better fit for your family. The thing that bothers me about the homeschool version of Singapore math is that they eliminate the concrete materials used in Singapore when they teach this style of math. It's typically taught with first concrete materials, then pictorial, then the abstract. The purchased curriculum skips the concrete and goes to the pictorial. I think this can create a lot of problems for some kids.
Hmm, I’m not sure if that’s just in certain grades? Our lessons have definitely given us concrete activities to do. Thankfully we already have lots of manipulatives around here that we can use for those activities.
@@smithpartyof6 I just went and looked to be sure I wasn't crazy - I've looked at the program before and have had numerous friends use it and they never had any manipulatives with it. Everything was pictorial (though I'm not at all familiar with Dimensions). So I went to their site and they do have quite a few manipulatives available and sell classroom sets, but no sets for individual kits. Anyway, I stand corrected! I think maybe some people think it's easy to skip the concrete but it's so important and one reason why Singapore math is so successful!! I wish they had bundled manipulatives with the kits.
Yes! When I first looked at it I was really hoping they would have the manipulatives bundled too. That’s definitely a downside.
When it comes to Singapore math they teach differently than any other US math program. The right kind of makes sense that a child might not do well on replacement test. So if a child is coming from Singapore math and happens to go back to traditional school then they maybe be a little confused.
I could not find one math that fit my son so he does four different math just does not do them every day.
Sometimes we homeschoolers have to piece things together and make what works. I hope your combo is working well for your son ❤️
@@smithpartyof6 yes it does.
@@_little_mama_purple3452 may I ask which programs you use for your son?
@@kayking3313 mathseeds online with workbooks, math lessons for a living education level 1 book with practice makes perfect book, Beast academy 1A& 1B (waiting C, & D to come out) and School Zone Big Math 1 & 2.
@@kayking3313 vidoe show out math th-cam.com/video/oCwcWZNtLzg/w-d-xo.html
That’s such a mom thing to do I love you but we can do better 😂