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I've got two 5.5 year old boys.
We're on lesson 13 of level A.
This is what I'm noticing/what is concerning me:
Child 1: when I put say 3 sticks and 4 sticks out and ask him to combine he says almost immediately "that's seven". I'm not sure how he's getting the answer and he can't seem to tell me. He says he just knows and it does seem he's just answering (correctly) as it is so quick. He will combine them for me physically when I ask--grouping the five and leaving two. Concerning me is that if I ask him "what is 3 and 5?" He'll also answer directly even though there aren't any manipulatives. Again, he can't tell me how he knows. He knows all combos I could come up with that add to 10 or less with very few (self corrected like "8, no I mean 9") mistakes. We're not far along in this and have never drilled facts/memorized, used any other math programs, or anything like that nor have we really hit this stuff hard or long so I don't think he could possibly have memorized answers.
Concerning? I want him to understand math in a way I never did which is why I selected this program.
Then his twin. His twin is not math thinking and is creative and likely right brained. He has to physically combine them (with my prompting) to be able to answer the question. I'm not seeing any mental combining at all. Is that concerning at this point?
I'm feeling nervous
Rachelle,
Thank you for your message. Sounds like you have a very busy, but fun household! :)
As you well know, the blessing of being a homeschool mom is that you can teach your children at their own pace. The other concept you are aware of is that no children are the same, even twins! :)
At this point you have absolutely no need to worry about the situation with either child. Considering you are just starting out in Level A and since children learn at their own pace the concepts will come along in no time.
With child 1, the fact that he can't "explain" his reasoning to you is no case to be worried. Some children can just see the concepts, it sounds like he is visualizing, and has not memorized the answers. This is exactly how it should go! I think you will see more of his ability to visualize when he starts working with the AL Abacus.
Onto child 2, its great that you recognize his creative right brained abilities! The mental combining ability will come with time. My thought is that when other manipulatives are used he will grasp right onto the concept. Once his realizes that RightStart encourages him to use his right brain creativity he will be soaring! :) The card games may also be a fun way to enhance his progress!
I understand your nervousness with both children, but rest assured you have chosen the right program! You will see each of them blossom in their own ways and it will be very encouraging to you!
Keep doing exactly what you are doing, your children are benefiting from your teaching and from RightStart! If you have any further questions or concerns, please let us know. Keep us posted on your children's results. What an adventure to see twins learning together but also individually!
Make it a great day! :)
Cassie