I have been using RightStart Mathematics for three years and am currently using it with two kids, ages 8 and 5. The program has five levels, A through E, plus an intermediate geometry level. Some levels may take more than one year to complete.

RightStart Mathematics was created by a math teacher who noticed differences in how math is taught in the United States and Japan (where math scores are typically higher than the U.S.). Japanese children are taught to see quantities in groups instead of counting individual items. They also name their numbers in a way that promotes understanding of their value. The number thirteen, for example, is referred to as ten-3.

This program is different than other math programs because it encourages understanding math rather than learning by rote. Instead of having a child count five oranges, they learn to recognize groups of fives. Two groups of five oranges are quickly recognized as ten oranges instead of ten individual items to be counted. When students add double digit numbers they learn tricks to make mental math easier. When adding 99 plus 36, for example, the child is encouraged to “take 1 away from 36 and add it to the 99 to make 100, then add 100 and 35”. The program utilizes worksheets for review and games are used for practice in all levels. The program is not suitable for the child to do independently, though there are worksheets and tests the child can complete on their own.

Each lesson starts with a warm-up to review previously taught concepts. Lessons may take from one to three sessions to complete. The program works well with short lesson philosophies such as Charlotte Mason because each lesson has several natural stopping points. After several weeks of lessons there is a review test. Topics differ for variety, but the lessons frequently review previously covered material. I’ve found it helpful to set a 15-20 minute time limit for the lesson, after which we play a game. The games are an integral part of the program and take the place of flashcards or drills.

RightStart Mathematics uses several manipulatives, such as number cards and an abacus. Occasionally you’ll be asked to create manipulatives, such as long strips of paper or a graph. The manipulatives make the lesson more interesting and work well for visual learners. They do require more prep time of the teacher however, who has gather manipulatives for each day and set up games. It helps to keep all of the manipulatives in a central location.

The cost of the RightStart Mathematics program is commensurate with the cost of other mathematic programs. You’ll need a main lesson book, a book of worksheets (after Level A), the math game book, and manipulatives. Packages are available through the company. The program is very cost effective in a multiple-child household because most supplies are re-usable. It’s worth getting two sets of some manipulatives (like the abacus and geoboard) for a younger sibling to play with during the lesson. The lesson book has a spiral binding so it lies flat, though we have found that the spiral pulls out over time.

If you want to switch to RightStart from another mathematics program, transition lesson books are available. I am continually amazed by my children’s math ability after using this program and have enjoyed learning different tricks and strategies for mental math, most of which I never learned in school.