Based on research comparing the differences between Japanese first grades and first grade classrooms in the U.S., the RightStart Mathematics curriculum incorporates certain aspects from Asian math programs such as non-counting strategies and an alternative number naming system. In this program, the student is taught to see quantities in groups of fives and tens. Asian words for numbers greater than 10 implicitly give you a feel for the base ten system. Literally translated, eleven is "ten-one," twelve is "ten-two," and so on. RightStart students learn to count the "math-way" before they are taught the less intuitive words for 11 to 19.
There are 10 major characteristics that make up the RightStart Math program:
Refers to quantities of up to 3 as a group; does not count individually.
Uses fingers to show quantities up to 10; teaches 6 to 10 as 5 plus a quantity.
Avoids counting procedures for finding sums and remainders.
Once quantities 1 to 10 are known, proceeds to 10 as a unit. Uses the "math way" of counting; say for example, "1-ten 1" for eleven, "1-ten 2" for twelve, "2-ten" for twenty, and "2-ten 5" for twenty-five.
Uses expanded notation (overlapping) place-value cards for recording 10s and 1s
Proceeds rapidly to hundreds and thousands and uses place-value cards. Provides opportunities for trading between ones and tens, tens and hundreds, and hundreds and thousands with manipulatives.
Only after the above work, gives the traditional English names for quantities 20 to 99 and then 11 to 19.
Teaches tens-based strategies for addition and subtraction facts that have a sum > 10. Teaches informal solutions and mental computation before written algorithmic work.
Teaches four-digit addition and subtraction on the abacus; lets the children discover the paper and pencil algorithms.
Short division precedes long division, which is taught in fourth grade.
In Level G, students continue to practice arithmetic, fractions and decimals, while they begin to also explore triangles, area, volume, ratios, Pythagorean Theorem, tiling, and other new concepts.
All RightStart Math levels require a lesson manual and worksheets, which are included in the starter kits. The worksheets are also available separately for multiple students. Lesson manuals contain detailed lesson plans with helpful diagrams and teaching notes. Both lesson manuals and worksheets are spiral-bound. Add-on kits allow you to move forward, buying only what you need in addition to what you already have for the next levels.
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
