Margaret,

Thank you for your message. Sorry to hear about the frustration that you and your daughter are having.

I had a moment to speak with Dr. Cotter on the questions that you had and she offered much insight. You math time each day should be between 45 minutes to 1 hour. She mentioned that your daughter will be doing work with fractions, percents, and decimals in the RightStart Mathematics: A Hands-On Geometric Approach later in the lessons.

Also have you looked into doing VideoText in conjunction with RS? We recommend that half way through the Geometric Approach that you begin VT's module A, which is a pre-Algebra course. This includes extensive work in fractions, decimals, and percents.

Dr. Cotter recently posted the following answer on our Yahoo Forum Board, I thought you may find it interesting:

"I would like to make a few points about when your child should begin
algebra.

First, state standards require algebraic thinking beginning in
kindergarten. In the early grades this means recognizing patterns and
being to able to explain each step of a mathematical task. This is
why the manuals frequently ask that the child tell how they know
something. The whole field of mathematics is based on this logical
reasoning.

Second, students will NOT be ready for a formal course of algebra
after the completion of Level E. The author of VideoText, Tom Clark,
says the same thing. They need upper elementary, or middle school,
math, which includes ratio, proportion, exponents, metric and
customary measurement, square roots, graphing, the distance formula,
and so forth. Generally, about a third of such courses are geometry
with topics such as characteristics of polygons and circles, all
types of angles, the Pythagorean theorem, translations.
transformations, and volumes and surface area of polyhedrons. They
also learn to find more complicated patterns, solve multi-step
problems using equations, and master a scientific calculator.

Third, RightStart Mathematics: A Hands-On Geometric Approach teaches
these topics and more. Instead of covering this math as a bunch of
rules to memorize, most is taught visually (hence the name), making
it easier to learn. Geometric Approach reviews earlier-taught
mathematics and prepares the student for more advanced and
independent work. Children who have been working to understand every
step of the way (not merely memorize), who have conquered the
feelings of frustration inherent in learning, and are good readers
will be successful. (A student having a question should email me with
"Math Student" as subject.) Parents have been preparing their
children for this more advannced work by asking the why in the RS
levels A-E and expecting their children to do the worksheets
independently.

Fourth, along with Geometric Approach it is a good idea for the
student to do a daily multivide (D13 in the Math Card Games book).
About halfway through Geometric Approach the student can start VT
Module A, one day a week. This Module is foundation for algebra, or
pre-algebra. Modules B-F are Algebra 1 and 2. We suggest VT because
it is one of very few homeschooling math programs that teaches for
understanding. Geometric Approach and Module A combined will take
about two years.

Joan A. Cotter, Ph.D."

I thought this may offer some insight to you. Please let me know if there is anything else we can help with.

Make it a great day,

Cassie
Activities for Learning-RightStart™ Mathematics
Cassie@ALabacus.com
www.ALabacus.com

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

Thank you; this is useful information for me as we work towards starting Geometry (and apparently algebra) in the fall.