Rightstart math

[Melinda]

Is it just a bunch of math games and projects? Is there any kind of worksheet that they do? Or something else that I could keep for my records if we used this? We are currently doing Saxon, but the kids continually tell me it is too easy (finishing Saxon 1 w/the older one) and very repetitive. I have been tempted to buy Rightstart for about 2 years now, just haven't done it. Do you think it would help with the boredom?

[siloam]

Melinda,

The games are used to reinforce what is being learned in the lessons. The lessons demonstrate math principles and worksheets are also used for reinforcement, but are not abundant in the early levels. By level C you are doing almost a page a day and each level has a bit more worksheets, with specific review sections (again starting in C), so there would be plenty to place "of file."

Well RS hands down doesn't have the repetitive work. My kids really like enjoy the program. Given RS has a good resale value I don't see a big problem in giving it a try. You would probably start with level B, which yes will be easy at first, but will go up to 9 digit addition. It will also introduce geometry terms that they haven't seen and work on different addition strategies (base 10, base 5, addition by subtraction, or adding ten and subtracting one to add 9, ect...).

The lessons are set up with an oral warm up, which will probably be easy (it is for my oldest who started B at 9), but it is good exercises for the mind. Then there is the teaching section, which is scripted. Then it wraps up with a worksheet or a reminder to play the games. I have my kids play one game a day (usually with each other and not me, unless it is new), though many people do less.

Overall it is very strong on concepts, so in some ways it is the opposite of the repetitive nature of Saxon.

Heather

[Melinda]

Okay, what do I need, what is nice to have, and what is a waste of money as far as RS goes? I've decided to get it, but there are *so* many options.

[siloam]

Okay, what do I need, what is nice to have, and what is a waste of money as far as RS goes? I've decided to get it, but there are *so* many options.

You would only need the level B basic starter kit, which runs $150. It is cheaper on Rainbow Resource because you only need to add one small item to get the free shipping.

Everyone wonders if they need the game book. In level B the games are explained in the Teacher's Manual. Level C will include the game book, when you move up to that.

Heather

[HiddenJewel]

Okay, what do I need, what is nice to have, and what is a waste of money as far as RS goes? I've decided to get it, but there are *so* many options.

Extra cash flow was basically non-existent so I started out with the TM, an abacus, a packet of the appendixes and then found things around the house for the rest of the manipulatives. I am only on level A so I'm not sure what things in level B you might need that couldn't be found at home. I found both the Level B TM and the game book on Paperbackswap.

Now that I have used RS, I can say it is definitely worth the price. And I don't like to spend money. It teaches math concepts for the ground up so your student is not just learning a formula but really understands it.

[Melinda]

I am seriously considering buying the complete set (A-E) for $525, plus the geometric solids, the fraction magnet, and the CD of worksheets ($615 altogether). Would I be crazy to buy all of that at once? My 2nd child (will be 5 in August) is about to start Saxon 1 and has been through Saxon K, so I was going to start her on RS A. Should I buy levels A and B, or just go ahead and get the whole thing?

[TaraTheLiberator]

I LOOOOOOOVE RightStart, but no math program works for everyone, so I would not drop $600+ dollars for something as-yet untested by me and my kids.

I bought A new and have purchased B and C used. You can save a lot of money buying used.

Tara

[USDGAL]

My older sons use Singapore and it works great, but they started it after first grade so I have no experiance with the lower levels. How have all of you liked EB books? I have thought of using Singapore for my youngest next year and supplementing with Right Start since I have heard such great thing, and it looks fun. Could this work? Has anyone done it? Or should I just assemble a math bag and use Singapore?

I don't mind spending the money when it comes to math. I always struggled in Math and my boys seem to excel at it, so I'd like to encourage it as much as possible. Ideas please?

[maadrose]

If you can sink that much into it, I would! If I had that budget when we started then I would have done it too. You can always resell it if you totally hate it which i really doubt you will. Plus imagine NOT having to buy math curriculum for like 5 years or so!!!! I would recommend the worksheets on CD rom. I know it's like a hundred bucks but then you don't have to keep rebuying the worksheets. I didn't get it and now I realize that I will rebuy each worksheet book 4 times! That costs WAY more than the CD! By the time I rebuy the level C worksheets 4 times--it's close to $80 and I'll have to do that for every level from B-E! So the CD is cost effective if you can afford it up front. I can't, so I have to go the other route.

As for the geometric solids and fraction magnet, they seem cool, so if you want them and money isn't a problem, get them. But you will get a vinyl fraction sheet (2 of them actually) with the kits. There are also free ones you can print off line. Geometric solids can be found around the house easily.

[USDGAL]

I usually don't like to let go of my money, but Math is the exception. So many kids fall behind in Math because they don't have the needed resources, or it wasn't taught in a way they got, or enjoyed. I want mine to see that it can be fun, and is needed in life. I hated Math in school, but as an adult I appreciate it more.

I'll look into what you said, thanks lots.:D

[ummof3]

I have a question. My friend intends to use Rightstart and so am I. As were are both in the UK it's looking costly. She suggested buying the whole elementary set and additional worksheets and manipulatives so we could share the programme. Her dd is the same age as my ds (6) but more advanced so she said she would start on B whilst I start on A and my dd starts C.

Will it be as straightforward as this?

thanks x

[siloam]

I am seriously considering buying the complete set (A-E) for $525, plus the geometric solids, the fraction magnet, and the CD of worksheets ($615 altogether). Would I be crazy to buy all of that at once? My 2nd child (will be 5 in August) is about to start Saxon 1 and has been through Saxon K, so I was going to start her on RS A. Should I buy levels A and B, or just go ahead and get the whole thing?

If you have it you can, but...you run the risk of having to turn around and sell it. Unless you are used to selling, I would just stick with a first level package.

A is the first part of B but done more in depth and at a slower pace.. What is she doing in Saxon that is so easy? RS is such a different approach that it might take some back and forth to figure out what she knows and where she might have gaps.

Heather

[siloam]

My older sons use Singapore and it works great, but they started it after first grade so I have no experiance with the lower levels. How have all of you liked EB books? I have thought of using Singapore for my youngest next year and supplementing with Right Start since I have heard such great thing, and it looks fun. Could this work? Has anyone done it? Or should I just assemble a math bag and use Singapore?

I don't mind spending the money when it comes to math. I always struggled in Math and my boys seem to excel at it, so I'd like to encourage it as much as possible. Ideas please?

I own all the Earlybird books, but haven't touched them since buying RS. I was always frusterated by how they have a child reading ordinal numbers, writing the names of numbers, and such. RS is much more developmentally appropriate for young kids.

What I do is start level A in K, then start Singapore 1A in 2nd. I start Singapore late to make sure they are ready to do math without the pictures and because we hs year around, so it only takes them a few years to be back on an "Average" student path and then a few years after that they are doing the books at grade level.

So far so good doing both.

Heather

p.s. 11yo dd is doing RS D and Singapore 5A, 9yo dd is doing RS C and Singapore 2B, 7yo dd is doing RS B and Singapore 1A, oops she just started 1B and ds is just doing RS A right now.

[siloam]

I have a question. My friend intends to use Rightstart and so am I. As were are both in the UK it's looking costly. She suggested buying the whole elementary set and additional worksheets and manipulatives so we could share the programme. Her dd is the same age as my ds (6) but more advanced so she said she would start on B whilst I start on A and my dd starts C.

Will it be as straightforward as this?

thanks x

It really isn't cheap, and yet I do fell like I have gotten my money's worth.

Hmmm, let me think.

You could probably share the TM's...but it might get hard. If you follow the child's pace, there is no guarentee that one child will finish when the next is ready for it, KWIM? A while back I had both my oldest two in C, and my 3rd dd is approaching the end of B now, and will start C before my 9yo finishes it. If I remember right each TM gets longer with more lessons, so even if you can stay on schedule you are again going to run into problems.

With manipulatives some you would need two of. The game cards, the color tiles, the place value cards and probably the base 10 cards (if those don't come with the game cards-and if you have base 10 blocks then pass on extra cards). The popsicle sticks you can buy extra locally. Most the rest of it I think you can swap, like the Drawing tools are used early to mid C, then again early in D and late in D. That wouldn't be bad to coordinate. Luckily a lot of the stuff you need two of is not high in cost.

The hardest thing is going to be remembering to look ahead and see what you need and exchange things.

At the very least I would think you could order two sets at the same time and save on shipping.

Heather

[mommahawk]

There is a Rightstart B kit for sale on the Sale and Swap boards here right now for $80ppd. :) (It's not mine, BTW, I just came across it...)

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83794

[Melinda]

Well, I did it. :eek:

I bought the *whole* thing.

I have never spent this much money on something without seeing it in person first.

They have a 60-day return policy, though. If we find that we hate it, we can send it all back for a full refund.

[ummof3]

Thanks for your replies :)

I too am considering buying the whole elementary set - expensive but it's cheaper than buying individually esp as Im in the UK. Plus it's for two children. My friend is going to ask if there can be a discount on shipping if we buy two sets - one for her and one for me.

[siloam]

Well, I did it. :eek:

I bought the *whole* thing.

I have never spent this much money on something without seeing it in person first.

They have a 60-day return policy, though. If we find that we hate it, we can send it all back for a full refund.


Way to jump in with both feet!

That is going to be one big box(s), enjoy!

Heather

[Melinda]

Boy, are they fast! The money cleared a few hours ago and I already have a tracking number. They are saying March 5th, but hopefully it will get here earlier than that. :)