One question that I get frequently is “What if my child doesn’t understand what is being taught in the lesson? Should I stay on that lesson or should I continue to move forward?” To be honest, there is not a one answer that fits all for this question. However, here are a few thoughts to consider.
I have taught RightStart Math for years and we have met and continue to meet with great success. I wanted to share the importance of learning multiplication by visualizing arrays using the AL Abacus. Please refer to the Math Card Games book and the chapter on multiplication which, in my edition, is pages 65 – 84. I would
There are at least eight different ways to subtract multi-digit numbers. Even though a person has learned one method, it is good to explore other methods to enhance understanding. If a child has an accurate and efficient method of subtraction, do not insist that the child change to a new method, rather encourage them to
Sometimes 6 × 3 is thought of as “6 groups of 3.” However, consistency with the other arithmetic operations requires a second look. When adding 6 + 3, we start with 6 and transform it by adding 3. When subtracting 6 – 3, we start with 6 and transform it by removing 3. When dividing
As far as long division is concerned, it no longer has the importance it had in past generations. No one today spends time on their job doing long division. Long division with that guessing component is not used higher mathematics. It is rarely on any of the newer tests. But knowing how to divide with a calculator and what
There’s been some chatter on the forum groups about RS2 Level C, Lesson 53 and Lesson 54 and the Worksheet 25. I thought this would be a dandy topic for this week’s blog. Here’s the worksheet in question. It’s asking the child to complete the subtraction equations using only specific numbers. It’s a puzzle. Maybe
As many of you know, when we find errors in our manuals, we make the corrections immediately (because we print our books in house as needed), then post the information online here under corrections at the bottom of that page. Recently, someone brought an error to us. This is from RightStart™ Mathematics, second edition, Level B, Worksheet
This week’s discussion on taken from RS1 Level E, Lesson 104. Well, actually, it’s more related to Worksheet 115, the worksheet for this lesson. The lesson is on classifying polygons, but the problem spot is the measurements of the pentagons, questions 3 through 8. Note: This lesson is very similar to RS2 Level E, Lesson 103. Although there
Today we’re going to talk about why we teach multiplication to our younger children. Earlier this week I talked with Jenna from Portland. She was wondering why we’re teaching multiplication at this level. Very good question, Jenna! We introduce multiplication in RS2 Level A in Lesson 59 and in RS2 Level B in Lesson 119. Why so early? Aren’t the children
This week’s blog is coming in from California and is compliments of Karen and her eight-year-old son, Aaron. They are in RS2 Level C, Lesson 113, and had a question on the worksheet. Lesson 113, Addition Sum Line Plots, has us first determine the number of facts for sums from 2 to 18, then construct a line plot with
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September 2025 Newsletter We want to remind you of the many free resources available to you as a school that uses RightStart Math. 1. Year-Round Continue Reading
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We are excited to announce the release of Dr. Joan Cotter’s new book, Start Math Right—a valuable resource designed to empower educators and parentsContinue Reading
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We want to take a moment to say a special thank you for the incredible work you do. We see the dedication, the late nights, the creativity, and theContinue Reading
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Classical education is built on the foundation of strong reasoning, deep understanding, and mastery of fundamental skills. When it comes toContinue Reading
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January 2025 Newsletter Welcome to the New Year 2025! We hope everyone had a fabulous winter break! As you start the new year, here are someContinue Reading
I am a quilt designer. I’ve made over 250 quilts in my lifetime, 98% of my own design. I’m currently working on my sixth quilt from someone else’s pattern. I have the directions in front of me as I’m approaching on the final steps of Bonnie Hunter’s Allietare quilt design. I find myself struggling to understand
How many different abacuses do you think Dr. Cotter has? Here’s a clue…. Dr. Cotter is holding one of her first abacuses: a Japanese abacus, purchased by a friend who had visited Japan. She became so efficient using this abacus that she was faster and more accurate than she was with a calculator!While you try
Kathleen is here to walk you through the Fractions chapter of the new Start Math Right: The Journey to Mathematics Excellence book. She begins with a story of fractions and confusion from 1972, then goes on to discuss what a fraction is and how to teach fractions. Kathleen also discusses how not to teach fractions!
Listen to how division is addressed in the new Start Math Right: The Journey to Mathematics Excellence book. Teresa Foltin talks about how division is the most challenging of the arithmetic operations, and shares that there are two distinct ways to think about division. One way is to find the size of a group; another
Are you curious how the new Start Math Right: The Journey to Mathematics Excellence book addresses multiplication? Listen to Allison Fitzgibbon share her discoveries from the new book. Allison admits that the multiplication chapter was packed with more information than she had time to cover! She chose to focus on patterns found in math. Multiplication
Rachel is here to give you a summary of the Addition and Subtraction chapters from the new Start Math Right: The Journey to Mathematics Excellence book! Rachel Anderson was one of the proofreaders for Dr. Cotter’s book and shares her insights during the January 2025 Online Conference. She begins with a quote from the book.
