Posted by Charlotte on 14:58 Sep 12
In Reply to: Singapore Math: skip the workbook? posted by Cleo Qc
I skip some of the practice problems in the coursebook. I might also skip some of the "Practice" sections in the workbook if they're "no-brainers" for my child. However, except for some of the extra practice sections or revisions, I generally make my children do all sections of the workbook that correspond to the day's teaching in the coursebook because I agree with Beth's post below. Also, Singapore's lessons are quite short, and often just take minutes to do. It's not too much to expect a child to be able to do less than fascinating work for a few minutes. Children have to learn to pay attention and complete things that may not be very exciting for them. It's just part of life.
I also like to give my children the chance to work alone and correct their own work. That's another thing for which the workbook comes in handy. It somehow makes them more responsible for their learning. Not everything is fun and games in our house, and that's O.K. with my children and me. I don't want to work too hard at catering to their special needs and make them dependent on me.
Having said that, I should add that my children are 8 and 10, and I think your son may be younger. I also have some outside commitments and don't have the time, the desire or the need to sit with my children for all subjects. Mine are pretty self-motivated and responsible for their ages. They pretty much know what they need to do each day and do it, so take my advice with a grain of salt. You know your child best!
Charlotte