We recently got this question from Deborah via email: We currently use another math program, but I am considering switching. Do you have any reasoning to share for switching to RightStart Math? Any information to help in my decision? Thanks!
Here’s my response: Well… me being a RightStart person, I can come up with a bunch of reasons…. Hahaha!
I think some of the biggest benefits of using RightStart Math is to get away from so many worksheets by including math card games, a much more fun way to learn math facts and practice math concepts! Another benefit is using a variety of manipulatives to really visualize math concepts. Not just to use manipulatives on the side and/or as an afterthought. Also, to include more teacher/student interaction, and, finally, to learn all of math together as opposed to segmenting math into independent unrelated groups. For example, each of our levels (including kindergarten) teaches addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and geometry. When the child understands the relationship between these disciplines, they have a much more full and complete understanding of math as a whole.
Let me share my personal testimony. I have four children, all very different types of learners. My oldest is Type A and very bright. Math came extremely easy for him. Because of the very strong foundation that RightStart Math provided him, he started high school Algebra in 7th grade.
My second child has HUGE learning problems. He has moderate/severe dyslexia, ADHD, and memory deficiency. He couldn’t read until third grade! However, in spite of the fact that most children who have the same diagnoses do very poorly in math, the psychologist who did my son’s evaluation was extremely surprised that he did so well in math. It really was because of RightStart Math. By the way, he is in high school doing high school Algebra now!
My third son is simply lazy! Ha! He is not motivated to do anything, including memorizing math facts, spelling words, etc. etc. However, he has done exceedingly well in math.
My fourth child has similar struggles as my second child. Her challenges are slightly different and not as severe, but she still struggles. An example is when she was in kindergarten, it LITERALLY took us weeks for her to remember the names of her numbers 7 through 10! However, she is doing extremely well in math!
With all the curriculum I have used throughout my years of homeschooling, I have had to switch out MOST topics for each child. Except for math, that is. RightStart Math has worked very well for all my different learners. I have not needed to switch the curriculum at all. And they all have learned their foundations of math very well!
I realize that I am very partial to RightStart Math. However, I am partial because I have SEEN it work – not only in my family’s life, but in many other families I speak with at conventions and I communicate via email. In fact, the biggest reason I work for RightStart Math and travel to conventions is because I believe in it. And I’m staking my children’s education on it.
Two more thoughts: First of all, RightStart Math has an excellent return policy. You have 60 days to try it out! If you decide you don’t like it, return the materials to us and we will refund your purchase price (as long as the materials are in an as-new condition). The only thing you will be out is the shipping for the return.
Finally, we have an excellent customer service department <grin>. Seriously, we are all homeschooling moms just like you who have been through the curriculum and want to help you and your family succeed! It is our passion and drive.
I hope that helps! Of course, PLEASE feel free to email us with further questions you may have about the program and how it might work with your family. We are always happy to help!
