I began HSing this past year (my older one being in 1st grade and the younger considered pre-k or k). After flopping around in philosophies, this year has ultimately turned into an un-schooling year. I am in heavy planning mode for next year (2010-2011), which I'm considering 2nd grade and probably kindy (the younger has an early b-day and will only be turning 6 in Aug). I have no problem starting her in level A, but I feel guilty starting the older one in level B since she should technically be in 2nd grade. She reads like crazy, but since we ended up with an 'un-schooling' year, she hasn't had much 'real' math. We've played games and such and I know she can figure out addition and such, but I'd hate to skip her ahead and lose her. Sooo, I guess my question is this ~ should I be purchasing levels A and B? What exactly should I buy to get the best deal? Level B starter kit plus only the additional materials for A? Or, the Manipulative Set plus lessons and worksheets for both A & B (that adds up to like $300!!!!!!)? I'm confused! :-)

Also, if my older is fine with numbers and quantity (she'll be 8 in December), is it ok to skip the beginning lessons altogether, or should we just sort of breeze through them quickly, or should we stick to one lesson a day and let her be one year "behind"?

Meliss,

Thank you for message. Since your older daughter has had some math experience we don't want to start her with a level that is too "elementary" for her, but we also do not want to stress her out by starting with a level that is too difficult as she struggles. Did you take the Starting Level Questionnaire from our website? (http://www.alabacus.com/questions/). If so did it say to begin on Level B or C?

My first instinct is to recommend Level B for your older daughter and Level A for your younger one. If you begin Level B for your older daughter I would suggest moving quickly as long as she is grasping all of the concepts presented. I would not suggest skipping any lessons for the fear that valuable information may be skipped.

If you do use Levels A and B for your daughters, you would be able to share a lot of the materials between the two children. As far as purchasing, I would suggest buying the Level B Starter Kit for $150 (savings of $50), and add on the Level A Lessons ($45), Level A Worksheets ($5), an additional AL Abacus ($15), geared clock ($3) and place value cards ($5), bringing your total to $223 plus shipping.

I hope this offers guidance for you. 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 so much for your response. I had pretty much already decided that I would be using Level A with my youngest and Level B with the older one. I'm wondering, though, why you would suggest getting ADDITIONAL abacus, geared clock and place cards? I intend to do Math SEPARATELY with them (one at a time). Is there really a need for THEIR OWN abacus, clock and place cards? Or were you just assuming that we'd be working together? Please advise ASAP as I'm ready to order! :-)

Thanks again!

Melissa,

Thank you for your message and additional information. If you are teaching your children separately then you would not need any additional items. I was assuming that they would be working together, but since this is not the case, they can share all of the items.

I hope this gives you the information you needed to go ahead with your order. Please let me know if there is anything else I can assist 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.