Right Start Geometry - opinions and transition to Algebra?

[matroyshka]

I have two questions about RS Geometry, one for a friend, one for me.

1. My friend is using RS Geometry with her 6th grader (after going through E), and supplementing with Challenge Math. I know RS recommends VideoText Algebra next, which includes some Pre-Algebra. Is this still enough if she decides not to go with VideoText? Would she need some other Pre-Algebra program, or can one go from RS E and then the Geo right into Algebra? Her dd is bright with math.

Is there something else that would be helpful to supplement with this year? She's feeling like maybe she needs something to practice reinforce skills she's already learned that what she's using is light on (like long division and multiplication, percentages, fractions and decimals). She thought about Singapore 6 but isn't sure that would be right either.

2. This came up because I was looking at her RS Geo thinking it might be good to use alongside an Algebra program for 7th or maybe 7th/8th grade after we finish Singapore 6 (we've been using Singapore all along).

What are people's opinions overall on RS Geometry? Fun? Boring? Rigorous? Busywork? Worthwhile? Don't bother?

[Heather in VA]

Right Start is not enough to finish and then go to Algebra. Geometry doesn't add any basic skills, like the ones you've listed, after E - it's simply a geometry. What to use depends on where your friend feels her student is strong. Assuming he has mastered long divison and multi-digit multiplication, he could move to Life of Fred Fractions and Decimals and Percents. Those three topics need to be well covered prior to VideoText.

Heather

[Rebecca in VA]

My sixth grader is using it now side-by-side with Dolciani's Pre-Algebra: An Accelerated Course. She does one lesson per day of each. RightStart Geometry really brings geometry alive for her in a hands-on way. The lessons are very imaginative. I feel that she's getting outstanding preparation for high school level math with this combo.

[Heather in VA]

I just wanted to add to my comments. I did not mean to imply that RightSTart Geometry wasn't worthwhile. I just meant that it doesn't cover those other basic fundamentals needed before Algebra. RS Geo would work nicely with Life of Fred as well. The reality is she can pick whatever she wants with the focus that those key concepts are covered prior to moving to VT.

Heather

[matroyshka]

I just wanted to add to my comments. I did not mean to imply that RightSTart Geometry wasn't worthwhile. I just meant that it doesn't cover those other basic fundamentals needed before Algebra. RS Geo would work nicely with Life of Fred as well. The reality is she can pick whatever she wants with the focus that those key concepts are covered prior to moving to VT.

Heather

So do you think the Challenge Math book could be enough to cover those topics? I've lent her my Fred to look at, but I'm not sure if it's what she's looking for.

[susie in tx]

Rightstart recommends Videotext Algebra after RS E. There are people who are doing this and they don't appear to have any trouble with it. Others are spending more time practicing pre-algebra skills.

For my eldest, I plan to do a bit more with long division and make sure that she knows how to move from fractions to percents to decimals ad nauseum. Other than that, we're going right into algebra.

I'll tread water a little while with my second dd. She'll finish Level E at 11 and I don't want to start algebra that early with her.