As a homeschool teacher, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing a math curriculum for your students. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a math curriculum for your homeschool:
Consider Your Child's Learning Style
It's important to choose a curriculum that aligns with your student's learning style. For example, if your student is a visual learner, a curriculum that incorporates diagrams and graphics may be a good fit. RightStart does an excellent job of touching on various learning styles within each lesson. Based on current research in Mathematics instruction, concepts should always be introduced in a hands-on manner, and then progress to 'representational' (seeing pictures) and eventually to 'abstract' or thought-based processing. RightStart follows this model, with its many wonderful hands-on tools that are used right up through Level H, to introduce new concepts!
Think about Scope and Sequence
The curriculum should be structured in a way that builds upon previous concepts and prepares the student for future coursework. Look for a curriculum that outlines the scope and sequence of the material covered. You will also need to take into account what your overall goals are for homeschooling, if you plan to re-enroll your child in a standard-style school at some point in the future, you need to keep that goal in mind, as you examine the mathematical path that you find in the scope and sequence, and make sure it lines up with the expectations of your next overall educational goal. Rightstart does teach some concepts in an unconventional way, and in a slightly different sequence than many other curricula. Sometimes this means your child will learn concepts later than peers who are working in other curricula, but I promise you, your child will end up with a deeper, more complete understanding of the concepts of math, before they are done. Dr Cotter and her team have carefully engineered a progression through concepts that makes math learning almost intuitive and the student has a great sense of ownership of his/her own learning!
Look For a Program With Good Support
Some math curricula come with extensive teacher support materials, such as scripted lesson plans and answer keys. This can be particularly helpful if you're new to homeschooling or teaching math. RightStart lessons are fully scripted with objectives and materials listed clearly at the top of each lesson. Most materials needed will be provided in the kit which you will purchase, which will be used for all levels of instruction, so no need to purchase additional manipulatives, next year. The website also has a series of instruction-support videos for each level and, for further assistance, even provides a list of qualified tutors, who can assist you if you need help (I am one of the tutors listed there!)Â (click here!)Â And if you call the office, the ladies that will answer the phone are awesome, and very helpful!
Consider the Overall Cost
The cost of a math curriculum can vary widely, so it's important to consider your budget when making a decision. Keep in mind that the most expensive curriculum may not necessarily be the best fit for your student. Dr. Cotter (the primary author of the RightStart curriculum) has done careful work to keep her materials at a price point that fits the budget of most single-income homeschooling families. The is even a 'super saver' version of the manipulative set, where you can print some of the cards, on your printer, instead of purchasing the card-stock version, to save a bit of money! RightStart also has an active Buy-Sell-Chat group on Facebook, where you can find great deals on second-hand materials (and get questions answered by other parents who are using the product, and tutors like me, who use it almost full time, all day long!)
Think About Whether Your Student Works Better Online or in Print-Based Instruction
Many math curricula are now available online, which can be convenient for homeschoolers. However, some students may prefer the tactile experience of working with a print curriculum. While it is not an online format, such as Teaching Textbooks, or other platforms like Kahn Academy, Rightstart does provide the option of acquiring your materials electronically, however they are then to be printed and used as a workbook. This was a purposeful decision by the authors because typically, most people do math on paper. This option does allow a large family to purchase one copy of the book, and make multiple copies for upcoming students as they progress through the levels.
Ask Your Student
Finally, it's important to take your student's feedback into consideration when choosing a math curriculum. If they enjoy working with a particular curriculum, they will be more engaged and motivated to learn. RightStart is very game-based. It's a rare student who would rather do a worksheet than play a game!! Sometimes it's even hard to get them to STOP playing the games! Who ever said that about worksheets?
Check out RightStart Mathematics here!  And Contact me if you have any questions!
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