What would be your most compelling reasons for using RS Math or reason not to.

[gandpsmommy]

Dh is a terrific guy, who is completely supportive of our homeschooling (emotionally and monetarily). He doesn't usually get involved in choosing curr., but he is concerned about my buying Rightstart math. It started when he found out how much it would cost to purchase it for both kids. But it's not really the cost that is the issue. He is concerned that it might be one of those things I get really excited about too easily and then it doesn't work out in reality, and a few weeks later I am regretting the purchase. His doubts have inculcated doubts in my own mind. So, what is really so great about Righstart? We have been using Singapore with dd, but she is very bored with it, and she still relies heavily on counting strategies for addition. Ds is a visual and kinesthetic learner. We tried Earlybird 1A &B with him, but it just isn't his style.

So, what really sets Righstart apart and makes it worth using? What have your kids gained from it? And might there we other programs worth considering that I haven't thought of? Thanks.

[chiguirre]

I bought and sold RS after it bombed with both my hsers (who are very different except in their dislike of RS). I didn't lose too much money though (about $30) because I bought the books used on the RS yahoo group and the manipulatives from RR. So, the monetary investment shouldn't stop you from trying RS because you CAN recoup most of the money if it doesn't work out.

To be honest, I thought RS would work well with ds when I bought it. When it didn't, I was sure dd would love it. She didn't either. But, there was no way to know that until I tried it with each kid. That's just the nature of choosing curriculum, especially when you're just starting to teach a subject.

If you can borrow RS for a week from someone close to you and give it a try, you could save the hassle of buying and reselling. If not and it's not a total budget breaker, give it a try. It might be a great fit and, if not, you won't be out the whole purchase price. If you can't afford to lose $30 or $40 if it doesn't work out, then I wouldn't buy RS without testdriving it either by using their samples or borrowing it.

[King Alfred Academy]

I hesitated to buy RS for the reasons you mentioned above. I loved the ideas and approach. I decided to buy it directly from the company as they offer a 30 (I think that's what it was) day money back guarantee...if it was in excellent condition. I wanted to be able to return it if it was looking like it wasn't going to work for us. Thankfully I didn't have to return it. It is working great for us...Level B. I bought (used) level a for my rising Ker. I will say this, if you are not willing to play the games and do them for review, you will not get a lot out of the program. The games are essential for review IMO.

Hope you will find peace with your decision! :001_smile:

[Mama Lynx]

It is pretty likely to break your student of counting strategies.

Let's see ... it is Mom intensive - you have to present the lessons. It does things differently, so you have to be willing to be flexible and go with the flow. The different way they do things really does work; but it's also true that in most cases, if you try their way and it just doesn't click for your kid, there will be another strategy they can use instead.

There is a yahoo group, where you can get help if your child (or you!) isn't "getting" the concept ... or if you do not understand how to present the concept, even with the lesson in front of you. So you have lots of support.

It is expensive, but we really love it here. We were using Singapore which is wonderful as well ... however I had a tendency to just throw the workbooks at my kids and not *teach* them the math. Right Start doesn't allow me to do that ;-)

[maryibug]

You may have already looked at it and decided against it, but I would look at Math U See, especially if you have other children you can pass it down to, then all that needs to be purchased is the workbooks later.. It gives (in my opinion) the same conceptual understanding of math (although in different ways) but for us has been much more simple and easy to implement. It is one of the few things that always actually gets done, and every one of my kids love it. Mary