Hi, Susan. My name is Rachel.

Thank you for your post! I have used/am using RightStart Math with my four children - all of whom have very different learning styles - and have LOVED it! Two of my children are not naturally math-minded, but even they like math! I think it has to do with the fact that there are lots of activities and games that go alongside the curriculum.

When you take the placement test for your kids, you will want to mark 'yes' to the questions if your children can get to the answers - even if they are counting on their fingers. You are correct, the math facts to 10 refer to the equations in which the sum total is up to 10. The same thing for math facts to 18. This refers to equations in which the sum total is up to 18. If your children are able to answer those equations (even if it is on their fingers) in 2 to 3 seconds, then you can mark yes to those questions on the placement test.

The first lessons in Level B will review the concepts of math facts to 10. If your First Grader is really close to knowing her math facts, this will be the final help I believe she will need. You can even linger in the first lessons of Level B, if you need. I think Level B will be perfect for your First Grader.

Your Second Grader son might find Level B a bit easy. While Level B will cover concepts such as fractions, geometry, subtraction, multiplication, etc., the main thrust of Level B is addition, addition facts, addition strategies, including trading (or carrying). If your son has already mastered these concepts, you may find that he will get bored. Level B is considered a 1st grade curriculum.

That being said, if he really dislikes math and you believe a year of encouragement is in order, then by all means work through Level B. You may want to work through it more quickly, but I believe he will find encouragement and fun in Level B.

Just so you know what is covered in Level C: Level C will review addition, and cover Geometry, fractions, multiplication, etc, but its main thrust is going to be subtraction strageties and trading (borrowing).

I am so excited for you to give RightStart Math a try and I hope this post has provided you with some guidance as to where you should place your children. Of course, if you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to repost here or you can email RightStart Math directly at info@rightstartmath.com. You can also email me directly at rachel@rightstartmath.com. I am always very happy to help!

Have a wonderful school year!!!!
Rachel

So, you think C would be better for the second grader even though he hasn't learned the 'right start way' of carrying and the mental aspect of adding 2 digit math? I guess that is my concern about placing him in level C. When I taught him his facts, I did teach him to make his 8 and 9 into tens to add them but thats it as far as making tens goes. Aside from that, he adds everything the old fashioned way.

So, does level C in the 2nd edition, have a very thorough review - enough that would make him comfortable in transitioning into this program and cementing what was taught in level B and using the manipulatives?

Another question about manipulatives. I actually have a lot of them,ie - the Al Abacus, cards game books, the balance, etc - would I need to call to determine what else was needed or could you answer that?

Thanks for your patience! Choosing curriculum came be so exciting but extremely daunting!

Hi, Susan.

Yes. I believe Level C will work best for your son. The first 7 or 8 lessons in Level C Second Edition are review lessons that will help him learn how to use the manipulatives and strategies taught in RightStart Math. The next 20 or so lessons will focus on addition strategies for both mental math and for trading (carrying). Your son will not miss anything. If you find that he is struggling on a concept, you can linger on that lesson for a day or two. However, if he is adding well, just keep moving him forward. There is no need to slow down, he already has the skills he needs to continue.

The Second Edition uses all the manipulatives in the Math Set. Here is a link to the Math Set: http://store.rightstartmath.com/rs2-math-set/. You can look through the set and see what you have and what you will need. As I don't know what you have, I can't create a list for you. But hopefully, looking through the set, you will see what you will need.

I hope that helps! Of course, if you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to either repost them here or email me directly at Rachel@rightstartmath.com. I am always very happy to help!

Have a wonderful school year!
Rachel