The RightStart™ Mathematics curriculum was developed as part of Dr. Joan A. Cotter’s doctoral dissertation and was originally developed for a first grade classroom environment in 1995. The second edition was started in 2013 and completed in 2019. It now includes kindergarten through seventh grade.
This unique hands-on program de-emphasizes counting, uses visualization of quantities, and provides strategies and visual pictures for learning the facts. Understanding and problem solving are emphasized throughout the curriculum.
The primary learning tool is the AL Abacus, a specially designed two-sided abacus that is both kinesthetic and visual. The AL Abacus is grouped in fives and tens for quick recognition of quantities. The second side of the AL Abacus teaches place value to the thousands. Children develop visual strategies as they use this manipulative.
Practice is provided with math card games, minimizing review worksheets and eliminating stressful flash cards. Assigned homework is card games rather than worksheets. The games provide interesting and varied repetition that is needed for the automatic responses to the facts. More importantly, these games provide an application for new information and create hours of fun learning math facts and concepts. Playing the homework games allows the parents to see their child’s progress with their math skills and math facts.
Listen to Teresa Foltin, the RightStart Math School Liaison, introduce herself and give an overview of the curriculum and services for schools.
We provide professional development for teachers as well as informational parent meetings. We can meet with your team via webinar or on location.
Sample lessons, objectives, table of contents, and placement test are available here. The classroom curriculum uses most state standards as a minimum and goes beyond the standards when it is appropriate for the children. Each lesson identifies the standards taught.
So who is using RightStart Math? Public schools are using RightStart™ Mathematics. Private schools are using RightStart™. Charter schools are using RightStart™. Montessori, university model, and cottage schools are all using RightStart™ with their children.
Want to know more about the RightStart™ development and program characteristics? We have additional information right here for you, including what you need in your classroom.
Want to know what you will need in your classroom? We have ordering information, prices, and downloadable calculator here.
