|
|
|
RightStart Mathematics Starter Kit Level B with AL Abacus Standard |
| Publisher:
Activities for Learning |
Author:
Joan Cotter
|
| Illustrator:
|
| Editor:
|
| Reviewed
By: Annmarie Rozelle |
The Right Start Math Starter Kit Level B with AL Abacus Standard contains all the essential items needed to teach a 5 to 6 year old RightStart Mathematics Level B. This version of the curriculum was written for homeschoolers. Included in the kit are the teacher book and student worksheets and 13 "essential" manipulatives necessary to teach the level B curriculum. Some of the manipulatives come with directions specific to RightStart. The lessons explain how to use the manipulatives. Some of the manipulatives included are the Al Abacus Standard, place value cards, math cards for math games, tally sticks, wooden cubes, two types of geoboards, geared clock, a math balance, and MP3 CD - Yellow is the Sun. The MP3 CD contains simple songs suggested in the program that you can play on your computer or compatible MP3 CD player.
The purpose of this curriculum is to teach a child to really understand math and not just have rote memory of facts. The author did a lot of research into the teaching of math in Asian countries, where students generally score higher in math then the USA. She found that Asians use manipulatives less than Americans do, but the ones they choose to use are more visual. Also, they stress "non-counting strategies" for computing math problems. She encourages teachers to make the student think by asking questions and not giving the answers. Errors are discussed with the student. Learning happens based on the child's effort and not based on ability.
Topics are usually fully covered over several lessons before moving to the next topic. There is review built into the lessons. Learning by visualization is important to this curriculum; therefore, children are encouraged to use their fingers to visualize concepts less than 10. Later, the abacus is introduced. Basic addition is covered through adding 4 digit numbers up to 1000s. Subtraction is not taught until addition is essentially mastered. Other topics covered are writing numbers, place value, skip counting, time, calendar, geometry, measurement, and fractions. Calculator skills are taught in the last quarter.
The lessons are well laid out with minimal preparation if you have the manipulatives handy. Worksheets or games from the appendix may occasionally need to be copied ahead of time. Each lesson takes around 15 to 30 minutes of direct teacher contact, depending on the lesson and the games for the day. There is a starting level questionnaire on the website if needed. Level A is not required before starting level B. A complete description of how to use the program, the program theory, and check-off list of learning objectives for the course are all included. Worksheets and practice sheets can be copied for a single child's use.
The 107 lessons are laid out one day at a time with the day's objectives (generally only one or two topics covered each day,) material needed for the lesson, warm-up, activities, review, and worksheets, when necessary. Everything the teacher needs to do is detailed in each lesson. The manipulatives are an integral part of the lesson used with many of the activities. Math facts are taught using games as opposed to flash cards and are included in the lesson. The majority of the student's work involves interaction with the parent teacher with only short exercises done in the workbook. This program would be best suited for the hands on learner as well as the visual learner, but any child could benefit from the skills taught in the program. |
|
| More
Information |
| Available
From: Activities for Learning |
|
Address: 321 Hill Street, PO Box 468, Hazelton, ND 58544 |
| Phone:
888.775.6284 |
| Website:
www.alabacus.com |
| Email:
order@ALabacus.com |
| Cost:
$165.00 |
| Other
Notes: |
| |
| |
Annmarie Rozelle
Annmarie Rozelle, Christian homeschool mom to 5 always homeschooled children since 1996. Residing in NY with several types of feathered and furry friends, we practice a relaxed homeschool style.
|
| |
| Copyright
© 2009 Eclectic Homeschool Association |
| |
|
|
|
Beginning Homeschooling - EHO Lite
Thank you for visiting Beginning Homeschooling. We hope you found the homeschool resources to assist you in starting your journey into homeschooling.
