Hello! This will be our 1st yr using RS and I am really excited about using it. After talking with the sales rep at the HS convention, I purchased Level B for my ds #1 (1st gr) and Level A for ds #2 (K'er).

I am in the process of planning for 2010-2011 and had a few ?'s:

My ds #1 is very strong in math and is already doing mental math. He is adding double digit (and some triple digit) numbers in his head. He knows days in week/months in year, etc. and loves to remind us how many days left until his b-day! I have tried to figure out what process he goes through to add the numbers in his head but he is not able to explain it to me. (For example, when I asked him what is 78 + 13? He paused for a few seconds and then said 91. I asked him how he came up to 91 and he looks at me and says b/c that is the right answer! I tried to ask him if he adds the 8+3 and then the 7+1 or another way but he doesn't know how to explain his answer.

I want to move through level B at a pace that he is learning but is not bored. How much do I need to push the use of the abacus for his adding when he is already using mental math? Any sections you would suggest to skip over? Move to Level C by middle of the school year?

Secondly, my ds#2 is more of an "average" math student. I am trying to figure out how long the lessons in Level A should take. I know the lessons say that they can be covered in 2 sessions but didn't know how long people spent in actuality (i.e. how many minutes a day per lesson and how many lessons can be accomplished per week).

Thank you so much for your advice and assistance!
Jenny

Jenny,

Thank you for your message and congratulation on choosing RightStart for your sons.

Lets start with your first son, he sounds like he is very math intuitive, which is a blessing! I love hearing that he likes to remind you the days until his birthday. Don't worry about your son not explaining his mathematical process at this point.

As far as the pace for Level B, you can let him be the guide! If he is ready to move faster, just check to make sure he is understanding and you can feel free to do more than 1 lesson a day. With the abacus, introduce it to him and let him guide his dependance on it. Most children will decide when they do not need to use the abacus to solve problems. Your son may not need the abacus to solve basic problems but will use it as the program progresses for various activities. Don't pressure him to use it, as he will let you know when he needs or doesn't need it.

I would not suggest skipping over any portions, you can just move faster through areas that he understands quickly. Skipping any section could lead to troubles down the road. If you move at a speedy pace you could be moving onto Level C before you know it.

With your second son, we suggest doing 2-3 lessons per week with that the time it takes to do them depends on your sons attention level. If interested he will be attentive for quite some time. Try not to pressure him to work on more than he is ready to, this all comes with age and his ability. The loveliness of homeschooling is that you can do as much or as little as your child's ability allows.

I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any additional questions we are happy to assist in any way possible.

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.