RightStart™ Mathematics Level E
Right Start Math Level E is a robust upper-elementary math program that brings together multi-digit multiplication, long division, decimals, fractions, percentages, geometry, and problem-solving through guided games and abacus use. Families love that it ties concepts together—fractions connect to decimals connect to percentages—and that it builds confidence with fun, visual math. It stands out for its seamless spiral mastery and game-based learning that readies learners for middle school arithmetic and algebraic thinking. Start Level E if your child has already learned multi-digit multiplication and basic division and is ready to dive into more complex fraction and decimal concepts.
Level E typically equivalent to materials learned in fourth or fifth grade, but RightStart recommends taking this placement test to determine the best level for your child to begin.
Skills
What kids will learn
Our mission
RightStart Math gives children a solid understanding, mastery, and love for math. RightStart Mathematics meets the needs of every student by incorporating opportunities for student participation, discovery learning, and the use of multi-sensory materials and math games in each lesson.
Our story
RightStart Math is a family owned business that started when Joan Cotter was looking for a better way to teach children in the 1970s. Joan’s husband, Al, joined the company in 1990 as the CEO, and daughter Kathleen joined full-time in 2002. Joan’s second daughter, Constance, began scheduling conventions for the company in 2010. Al and Joan’s son, Andy, is on the board of directors and his daughter, Ani, is currently in RightStart Math Level E. Kathleen’s daughter, AnnaRene St. Amant, is also on the board of directors.
Learn More about Right Start Math
Watch Modulo's interview with Dr. Joan Cotter, Creator of Right Start Math.
FAQ: Additional Details about RightStart™ Mathematics Level E
This unique hands-on program de-emphasizes counting, uses visualization of quantities, and provides strategies (visual pictures) for learning the facts. Understanding and problem solving are emphasized throughout the curriculum.
The primary learning tool is the Cotter Abacus, a specially designed two-sided abacus that is both kinesthetic and visual. The Cotter Abacus is grouped in fives and tens for quick recognition of quantities. Children develop visual strategies as they use this manipulative. The back side of the Cotter Abacus teaches place value to the thousands. Read more about the Cotter Abacus here.
Practice is provided with math card games, minimizing review worksheets and eliminating stressful flash cards. These games provide interesting and varied repetition that is needed for the automatic responses to the facts. More importantly, these games provide an application for new information and create hours of fun learning math facts and concepts.
The RightStart™ Mathematics homeschool program is set up with levels, rather than grades, so that your child can begin at the proper level and advance at their own pace.
RightStart is a great fit for children with thrive with hands-on learning. Since it's self-paced, it tends to work very well to accelerate learning for gifted children. And the multi-modal, multi-sensory approach makes it a perfect fit for children ADHD or dyscalculia who may have struggled with screen-based or workbook-based programs.
RightStart may not be a fit for kids who prefer screen-based activities, or parents or caregivers who don't have time to sit down with kids and work on lessons 30-40 minutes a day .
RightStart Math is often recommended as a beneficial math curriculum for students with special needs, including those with ADHD, dyscalculia, and autism. Its hands-on approach, visual aids, and self-paced format can help students develop a deeper understanding of math concepts instead of relying solely on memorization
RightStart Math is often recommended as a good option for students with ADHD due to its kinesthetic and hands-on approach, which can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with traditional math instruction. The program emphasizes manipulative-based learning and minimizes worksheet work, which can be beneficial for students who may have difficulty staying focused on static tasks.
RightStart Math is a math curriculum that can be particularly helpful for children with autism. It focuses on conceptual understanding and hands-on learning, which can be beneficial for students who may struggle with rote memorization and abstract math concepts. The program uses manipulatives like the Cotter Abacus, which can help students visualize math concepts and develop a stronger foundation.
RightStart Math is recommended as a beneficial curriculum for children with dyscalculia due to its multi-sensory approach and focus on building understanding rather than rote memorization. The program uses manipulatives, visual aids, and games to make math learning more engaging and accessible. It also allows students to progress at their own pace, which can be crucial for students who may be falling behind due to dyscalculia.
RightStart Math is a math curriculum that can be particularly helpful for children with sensory processing disorder due to its multi-sensory approach. The curriculum uses manipulatives, visual representations, and kinesthetic activities to engage students in math concepts.
RightStart Math is a popular choice among homeschooling families for gifted students, known for its hands-on, visual, and multi-sensory approach. It's designed to foster a deep understanding of math concepts rather than rote memorization
Families teach the lessons using the teacher's guide. RightStart provides unlimited support to families. No expertise in mathematics is needed to guide learning.
Activities for Learning, Inc. will refund your purchase, excluding shipping expenses, when you return the item(s) within sixty days from the date of receipt. Items returned must be in the same condition as when purchased. Removing wrapping from the items is acceptable.
It's important for homeschooling families to purchase the teacher's guide to support children's learning.
Meet Dr. Cotter
The founder of Activities for Learning, Inc., holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an AMI Montessori diploma for ages 3-6, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from College of St. Thomas, Minnesota, (now University of St. Thomas) and an earned Ph.D. in mathematics education from the University of Minnesota.
Joan worked as an engineer at Univac (now Unisys), resigning when her children were born. She taught her three children at home before and after school and during summer vacations. To help them learn their arithmetic, she devised card games that were published in her first book, Math Card Games: 300 Games for Learning and Enjoying Math.
After starting a Montessori preschool, Joan taught in several Montessori schools and incorporated Suzuki violin and piano. She also taught mathematics in grades 6-8 and worked with children with special needs.
Modulo's thoughts
Our learning specialists give their honest evaluation
With its hands-on materials to appeal to different learning archetypes, mastery-based approach and easy-to-follow parent/caregiver instructions, Right Start Math is my favorite rigorous, but fun, hands-on math program to enrich or replace math learning at school.