Professor B or Rightstart math to use with LOF?

[brla]

Trying to make final decision for math for my 2nd grader for next year. He is technically still at a first grade Math level. He has SPD/ADHD/ and some delay issues, though he has made HUGE improvements over the last 6 months. He loves working on the computer, but cannot do that exclusively or his learning is still unbalanced. I am planning to use LOF with him next year, but need to combine it with a different program for reinforcement. Several sources have recommended Professor B, but I'm not sure it's hands-on really. The computer component is a possibility, but from the examples, I am not convinced. Right start math looks interesting, but possibly very time consuming. So, I am asking ya'll - the experts and the experienced. Any help would be appreciated.

[jenbrdsly]

Right Start would be very hands on. It would also explain the how and why of math, instead of just teaching algorithms like LOF.

[Hunter]

Professor B is narrower in scope and uses fingers and common items as manipulatives. It is VERY conceptual and uses a lot of teacher intensive oral drilling and recitation.

 

Right Start is wider in scope, uses a specialized abacus, lots of stuff that you might or might not have, and is more expensive.

 

I vastly prefer PB, especially for it's narrower focus.

 

If your library has a copy, take a look at the math section of How to Tutor by Sam blumenfeld. I recommend it for all teachers of special needs students. It's a nice companion to PB, and explains the pros of a narrower scope. Narrower scopes are currently out of fashion right now, but I recommend using a narrow scope for the core curriculum and PLAYING with the other topics IF there is time.

 

I love using PB with special needs students, but I am a very visual learner and PB's lack of visuals doesn't suit my learning style as well as HTT. Prep time frustrates me, as I feel like I'm blindfolded, and am having to rely on my less developed senses. I tend to teach more from HTT, when I can, but fall back to using PB as my core sometimes, because it really is better for the student.

[OrganicMom]

we are using right start math and life of fred together and LOVE it. I can't say enough about it. We finally found our personal sweet spot. Our first math focus is RS then we do a chapter in LOF.

[OrganicMom]

I just wanted to add that it took about one month for me to just trust the system, be open to the way they were teaching right start, and to learn about it and find our rhythm and I am so glad I did.

[happycc]

I have used Prof B and Right Start. They are different. Prof B is great with getting those math facts down. Right Start is great for place value stuff and other concepts. You need less materials for Prof B but more for Right Start. Prof B worked for some of my kids and not for others. If your child memorizes quickly by chanting and going over the same thing over and over again than Prof B is worth it. If you don;t have such a child and that child needs problems presented a million different ways, not worth it. Use Right start instead.

[mumto2]

I have never used rightstart so I can't compare it to Prof B at all. We did use Professor B and we liked it. I think it would go well with LOF.

[Guest Gtgrumblers]

Do any of you know if Professor B and Rightstart are compatible with each other? We currently use professor B with out boy (kindergarten) but would like to add in a program that uses more manipulatives. Would this work or would it become to confusing and thus detrimental to him? Thanks for your help!