I found it helpful sometimes to break it up. For ex: can you do the warm-ups in the AM over breakfast? Then later do the rest of the lesson. perhaps play a game right after dinner. I think it helps to give the mind some time to ponder. Otherwise, level C is meaty and I highly suggest going at your child's pace.

HTH,

Hello Nicole,

I personally recommend that a student spend no more than 30min per math session. If you have to, set the timer finish the problem you are on, then stop and pick up where you left off next time. Since you are doing math 3-4 times a week you may want to do the math games on your off days.

I agree 45 min is a long time for a second grader with one-on-one instruction. Limit your time and work on doing more games to lighten the mood of the concepts she is getting nervous, or struggling to understand.

Level C normally takes homeschoolers longer than a school year. In fact, it has taken both my older kids to do it in a school year and a half, and that is okay, because the foundation and taking the time for them to understand and enjoy it has paid off manifold times. We are not behind one bit, because the other books go a bit quicker, I now have the problem of being too far ahead, and I stick to my 30min rule, with 15days of school each month. So fear not; take your time. Don’t let her fret in math, play more games (aim for 2-4 times a week) and let her have all the access to the abacus she needs.

Finally, I hear many stories of “resistant” girls, even I have one. The trick is to slow down and let her do more talking about the problems, play more games, and to let her know that the feeling she has about not understanding math fully is a normal feeling. Most of the resistance comes from the child’s fear of not fully understanding, which can occur if we are moving too quickly through the lessons. Or it can come from the anxiety of not performing to the level of proficiency the child believes she should be at, and this comes from their own standard they have set for themselves, thus you need to get her to “reset” her standard to help ease her anxiety before she associates math with negative feelings. The good news is it is all fixable, and time and patience will be your aid.


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 both for your suggestions. We have taken the last week and slowed way down. We have played lots of games and on the days that we have done the actual lesson work I have set a timer for 20 minutes. After that time we play a game. It is going to take time I think to reestablish some enthusiasm but she seems to be relaxing somewhat. It is helpful to know that most people do not finish level C in one year. Truly I just want her to really understand math and not fear it.

Thank you again for your help!

Nicole

I just wanted to add something to this topic. I use RightStart as a supplement to my daughters' public school curriculum. I have two girls, ages 8 and 5. With my 5 year old, I am using RSA and it's amazing how well she's doing with it. She really enjoys her math time and we break down each lesson in two parts and our sessions only last anywhere between 10-15 minutes. Now, with my 8 year old daughter (and this is where this post may be of interest to you), who is in third grade, I am still working through RSB!! We started RSB last year in second grade!! Granted, she goes to public school full time and we do math about 3x per week, sometimes 1x on the weekend. I have so much faith in this program and it's ability to help my math phobic daughter really grasp concepts that I will stick with it no matter what (although it does get challenging at times with our very busy schedule)!! Rest assured that even though it may take more than a school year to complete a level, you are still giving your daughter a very strong foundation in math and allowing her the confidence to be comfortable with the one subject so many children have trouble with. We're almost finished with level B and I've looked ahead to level C and there are many, many topics in there that haven't even been covered in third grade yet!! Venn Diagrams were just introduced in class last month!!!!!!! Let me not even get started with multiplication!!

Cassie

Thank you for posting Cassie,

I have heard this often from mothers and fathers who supplement the public school math with RS.

I agree if you are to supplement, Level B is a wise choice and to take your time, because they need this information.


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