Right Start users---advice on what to keep

[snickelfritz]

We tried RightStart and it just didn't work for us (me???) We've found a combination that we both like with Singapore EB series and Horizons K. Since we go year around, I'm just planning on keeping on alternating them..... until the combo isn't working.

I do think the games from RightStart would be beneficial to use when needed. However, I don't see a point in keeping the TM's. On the other hand, I'm not sure about investing in one more book.

So, would you keep all of the manipulatives, cards, abacus and pick up the card games book? I'm still not familiar enough with the abacus to do it on my own.

or

Get rid of all of it(except some of the manipulatives that are more universally used) and pick up games as needed for specific things.... math facts, fractions, hundreds board, etc...

Any thoughts on this?

[Sarah CB]

I would keep the cards and the manipulatives that you think you'll use with your other programs. Pick up the card games book - it's fantastic. Get the DVD that teaches you how to do the games as well. If you do keep the Abacus then they have a great book (Activities for the Al Abacus) that shows you how to present different math concepts using the abacus. This book is good for a wide range of ages. The nice thing about it is that if something isn't clicking with your other math then you can pull out the abacus and demonstrate on that. This wouldn't be quite as necessary for you as you'll already be using two programs that differ in approach, but if you really like the abacus and want to be able to use it easily alongside your other math then the activity book will help you.