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Hi, Candace.
You said that the results of the placement test put her in Level B. Can you tell me which questions she was struggling with?
If she understands place value, but just struggles with her math facts, she may still do well being placed in Level C - depending if she struggles with anything else.
Hi Rachel, and thank you!
I wonder if maybe I am referring to a different placement test than you are???
I read through/answered the simple placement questionnaire on the RS website that asks the age of the child---if the child knows basic addition, is reading, and so on.
When the question asking, does your child know her addition facts to 18?--- I had answered "no", and the questionnaire ended, recommending placement in level B.
Maybe there is another placement test that I am not aware of? Please advise.
Thank you!
No, that would be the same placement quiz I am referring to. Just out of curiosity, take the quiz again and put 'yes' that she knows facts to 18. Would you answer 'no' for the next couple of questions?
Thanks, Rachel.
I went ahead and answered yes for the addition facts question (as you advised) as well as yes for the next two questions---"Does the child understand place value to the thousands?" and, "Can the child add 4-digit numbers?"---since she can indeed do those operations/understand those concepts.
However, as far as the question about the child being able to add 4-digit numbers, my daughter can do so but it is done the "old fashioned" way by adding the columns starting in the ones column, and then borrowing/carrying if needed. My daughter certainly would not be able to add those 4-digit numbers mentally. She has learned by following a set formula---no mental math, here ; )
I wonder if she would be okay going into level C given that she has learned only traditional methods for problem solving?
Thanks for any thoughts. I apologize for this becoming so long winded. Maybe I should call the office tomorrow so I don't have to put you through all this email communication!?
Thank you!
No problem! I am happy to help!
If you feel that she can do those functions, I would definitely go ahead and start her in Level C. Level C comes with the Transitions Lessons (I believe that she would need to do the first 19 Transition Lessons) that help both you and your daughter learn the 'RightStart' way - in other words, learn how to use the manipulatives and learn some of the strategies taught in Level B. There will be review as well.
Once she gets into Level C she will continue to work on addition and subtraction for the first almost half of the book and then start on her multiplication. She will not miss anything important - as long as she has a good grasp on place value and understands how to add 4-digit numbers.
As far as the math facts go, the Level C starter kit comes with the Math Card Games manual. You can choose from any number of games to work on her addition, subtraction or multiplication math facts.
Anyway, if I were you I would go with Level C. But of course, if you have any further questions, just let me know!
Happy schooling!
Rachel
Perfect!!!
Thank you, Rachel!
I believe all of our communication has paid off : ) I see now, with your input, that Level C does indeed sound like the best place to begin. I thank you very much for talking me through this as I was obviously uncertain where to place my daughter.
I had no idea that the Transition Lessons were included as part of Level C, that makes me feel very comfortable, knowing that I can start my daughter off getting acquainted with the RS way. And the Math Card Games are exactly the way I am wanting to practice math facts with my daughter. I am certain she will benefit from the card games.
Perfect!
Thanks very much : )
Candice
Rachel, I have yet another question!
I recently purchased RS Level A basic kit, for my 4 year old---that is going very well, by the way.
I am wondering, if I purchase Level C for my older daughter, what do I need, what can I skip that the Level A kit already includes?
I know I will get the Level C lessons, an additional abacus----what else will I need from the Level C kit that isn't already part of the Level A kit?
Thanks for any help!
Hi.
Sorry for the delay...I was out all day! :-) You will only need to purchase the items you do not have already. However, because there is a built-in discount for starter kits, sometimes it is just as cheap or cheaper to purchase the starter kit rather than breaking out the items you will need.
The best way to determine the cheapest options is to call our customer service/order line at (888)775-6284.
Please let me know if you have any further questions! I am always happy to help!
Rachel
Thank you, Rachel. I'll take a look at the level C Starter Kit and see if that might be a more economical way to go.
Thanks very much for your help with all of this!
My pleasure!
Best of luck to you!
Rachel