RightStart Geometry

[Sunkirst]

We are midway through RightStart Level E, and I'm wondering what next. I remember reading a while ago, that Dr. Cotter was intending to do a pre-algebra course and maybe one other, and that students would alternate between all three for "middle-school math." I've always planned to continue with RightStart, but I had hoped that the companion courses would be out by now. Does anyone know when they are to be published? (Admittedly, my check of the RS site was cursory. Sorry if this info was right in front of me.)

What are my fellow RS users doing? Are folks going directly through Geometry, or interspersing it with other things (if so, what)? Is there enough review of basic operations? We have always loved RS, and I don't want to abandon ship now.

Thanks!

[prairiegirl]

The only post-Level E program out is Geometry. There was talk about a Fractions program being released but I haven't heard anything else about that in a long time so I am thinking that those plans are on hold for the moment.

We will be done Level E in the fall. I have been vacillating back and forth about whether to get Geometry. We will be switching to MUS and I'm just not sure if I can afford to get Geometry as well.

[matroyshka]

I have a friend in exactly your position, and she's been trying out the first two Life of Fred books and Singapore 6.

[LisaTheresa]

We're not there yet, but I've heard people say that Dr. Cotter recommended doing the geometry along with Zaccaro's Challenge Math.

Lisa

[Capt_Uhura]

The Geometrical Approach is out. It's not just geometry - it uses a geometry approach to fractions, intro to algebra, etc. She is working on an Algebraic Approach but that will be some time from what I gathered. We're heading into RS E in a few months, and then will do RS Geometry along w/ SM CWP and Life of Fred and Zaccaro's Challenge Math. I didn't know Dr. Cotter recommended Zaccaro - I have several of his books.

[Paula in PA]

The Geometrical Approach is out. It's not just geometry - it uses a geometry approach to fractions, intro to algebra, etc. She is working on an Algebraic Approach but that will be some time from what I gathered. We're heading into RS E in a few months, and then will do RS Geometry along w/ SM CWP and Life of Fred and Zaccaro's Challenge Math. I didn't know Dr. Cotter recommended Zaccaro - I have several of his books.

This is similar to our plan. We'll be doing E next year, then Geometry with LOF, Challenge Math, and Key To books over a 2-year period (5th & 6th). Also, the only basic math not covered well in G, from what I've seen on the RS forum, is long division. I figure that shouldn't be too difficult to supplement, though.

[Susie in CA]

We are doing our own thing for 5th and 6th grade for Math. I am planning on using RightStart Geometry, Challange Math, Key To Books (to practice specific skills as needed), Family Math (Middle School) and Living Math.

My plan is to start with NEM when we are ready which I predict will be @ 7th Grade.

Susie

[OhElizabeth]

I have RS G, and I'm thinking I might let dd do it alongside BJU6 when we get there. BJU math was a good transition from RS (easy to continue doing the RS approach to things, similar conceptually), and I like how thorough it is. We switched at RS D, but from E you could go into BJU5 or 6, your call. I've heard people going both ways, and it more seems to depend on the age, strength, or confidence of the student than anything. Some people have said they got burnt out doing just RS G for a year, which I could understand. I think alternating it with something is reasonable. And yes, as the others have said, they've been saying for 5 years they'd get some more levels out, and it hasn't happened yet. You better just make your plans. ;)

[matroyshka]

I meant to say my friend was doing Singapore 6 and LOF as well as the RS recommendations - RS Geometry and Challenge Math. Although I don't know if she's doing them all completely or doing a kind of salad bar thing.

In fact, she recommended Challenge Math to me, which I've added to what we're doing (Singapore 5B and a few other supplemental things and LOF in the summer). It's been a hit so far.

[Sunkirst]

Thanks all!

I finally found what I knew I had read on the RS site, and what you all already knew; Dr. C is working on an algebra course and recommends supplementing with Challenge Math. Life of Fred sounds interesting as well, although it's been a couple of years since I read a description of it. Sounds like I had better pick up these resources soon and start planning how to piece them together - I've been spoiled by RS - I'm used to just turning the page :o.

Anybody have a schedule for how they use these 2 or 3 things together?
(I know that's asking for quite a lot!)

Thanks again,

[partyof5]

My dd loves RS G and sometimes asks to do an extra lesson later in the day, which for me is a sign that we picked the right program.

I have to thank you all for your other ideas because I am interested in changing our supplementary math program that we use alongside RS G.

We are doing RS G over a couple of years and interspersing with BJU. Nothing wrong with BJU really, just not our favorite. I have been investigating DVD based programs but am continuing to research other options.

Our schedule is to do 2 weeks of Geometry and then to do two weeks of other math, and to complete both programs over a two year period, covering 5th and 6th grade. Then I'd be on the hunt for a 7th grade program and beyond.

[Ginger]

My dd11 just finished E a few weeks ago. We're going the Key to...series now. But I may go take a look at Challenge Math. I'm hoping to get to Saxon 8/7 or Algebra 1, since Saxon is what Classical Conversations uses at that age, and that is what my dd will be in.

[Sunkirst]

Ginger,

Which "Key to..." do you plan on starting with?

[Ginger]

She started with Key to Fractions. I think, instead of her working all the way through all the Fraction books, then going to Decimals or Percents, that I'm going to set it up so she cycles through them...maybe do half of each book..then come back to them later and finish them. I worry if she does them all at one time, that she will forget the concept when she sees it again.