Thank you very much for your response. It is very helpful. I did go ahead and purchase Level A for ds(7). We have up until this point only done 'living math' and some of the Primer MUS book last year. He is very much a 'thinker/analyzer/how does this work/take it apart to find out' kind of kid....so when I read about RS I thought "Hmmmmm, this just might be for him."

However, the more I read the more I thought dd(9) would love this too. I use Miquon with her when she was 6 & 7yo (orange/red books mostly). And her favorite part was the exploration of numbers and their combinations, etc. It excited her to see all the different ways, then she see numbers everywhere "mommy did you know that their are 16 leaves on this plant?!"

I lost confidence in myself to go further with Miquon b/c I did not understand some of their explanations for teaching. And I am, should say WAS, very Math-Phobic. That lead me to MUS that included a DVD

Dd at the time became uncomfortable with the 'change'...."why do we need to change mommy, I like Miquon Math" etc. She loves math, is not intimidated by math. She is however, reluctant to change I believe. I know that she would thrive with RS.

So my question is, if I have her just follow along and see what ds and I are doing....participating in the activities etc. then she may not feel so much anticipation.

I'm hoping it may lead to a natural transition. I don't know. I do not want her to think there is something wrong with MUS...there isn't. She LOVES MUS.

I would love and appreciate any thoughts and advice you may have about this. I did not know prior to your email that you have also had experience with both programs. This is very helpful and encouraging to me.

Thank you again.... and this post has become lengthy again Sorry

Blessings

Hello Annie,

I think your idea about having her see the younger one do it and having her do some of the games with you is a great idea.

The only advice I have is to continually keep an eye on her to see if she is able to use the math concepts she learns in the program in real life situations. To often I find that the parents thought the child was doing well because they always did well on the worksheets and passed the tests, but that is not enough since most children are pattern seekers anyway, doing homework and tests mostly becomes about the pattern of the tests. So is what you want to look for now that she passes the tests, does she easily apply it in real life? Can she be the banker in Monopoly with no help? Can she add multiple digits in her head. Can subtract multiple digits without paper? When she is at the store can she figure out the individual price on a product that is for sell as 5 for $10, or 3 for $2.

Things like this you want to be aware of. If she is applying her math skills and enjoys MUS then I would only suggest that she does the math games with you.


Please let me know if you have any more questions. You can email me directly at Carissa@alabacus.com .

Thank you for giving your child a RightStart in Math,

Carissa
RightStart™ Mathematics by Activities for Learning, Inc.

For program questions: 888.272.3291
To place an order: 888.RS.5.MATH (888.775.6284)
www.RightStartMath.com

Our Mission: To help children understand, apply, and enjoy mathematics

Thank you Carissa!

Your comments made much sense. Especially your comment about 'thinking that one is doing well b/c they are getting all the worksheet questions correct, etc.' That was an eye opener for me as I could see how one could easily fall into that mindframe. I WILL keep on the look-out for living application of concepts learned and play games

So far we are only on Lesson 5 with ds(7), but so far it has only been a positive experience. With ds(7) looking forward to math and dd(9) asking me to not forget when we are doing math so she can come too

I will take your advice Carissa and just let her join in for now and play math games with her

If you don't mind I'd like to ask you one last question......how often do I play the games with her? Daily?

Thank you for your time Carissa. It is very much appreciated and very, very helpful

Now for some much needed coffee

Hello Annie,

If I have a vote, I would try for 2-4 times a week.

For instance you can do games Mon, Wed and Fri for 10 to 20 min each session. At first will will need to be there for the games, but as your son learns them you can have them do the games together and you can sneak off and sort the laundry

You can either make your whole math time, 20 min MUS, 10 min RS games.
OR
You can do your 30 min of MUS then arrange another time of 10-20min of math later on.

It is flexible, do what fits your schedule best, but aim for a min of 2 times per week, though you will get better results the more you play games.

Please let me know if you have any more questions. You can email me directly at Carissa@alabacus.com .

Thank you for giving your child a RightStart in Math,

Carissa
RightStart™ Mathematics by Activities for Learning, Inc.

For program questions: 888.272.3291
To place an order: 888.RS.5.MATH (888.775.6284)
www.RightStartMath.com

Our Mission: To help children understand, apply, and enjoy mathematics

Thank you soooo much. This was VERY helpful.

Your 2 examples of how it could play out were of particular help. THANKS

Blessings,
Annie