How to Choose the Correct Math Level for Your Child

When starting with a new curriculum, or transitioning from a traditional school to homeschooling, choosing the proper math level can be intimidating. Does “level 1” equate to 1st grade? Is the curriculum a rotating curriculum and you always start on level 1 no matter what age your child is? Do the numbers even mean anything at all? Placing a child in the proper level is one of the most intimidating and overwhelming part for new homeschoolers. Heck, even seasoned homeschoolers get scared by new curriculum sometimes!

Easy Level Placement With ShillerLearning

We feel your pain. Placing your child doesn’t have to be confusing. Many kids don’t like to feel like they’re being tested any more than you want to wade through a bunch of resources trying to figure out what to do. Our system is easy, quick, and effective.

Step 1 - Start with the first book in your kit.

Step 2 - Open to the front cover where you’ll see “Quick start guide.”

Step 3 - Read through the guide and get ready to work through the Review Tests.

Step 4 - Begin at review test 1 in the book. The introduction will tell you what materials you need. Grab the needed materials and get ready.

Step 5 - Prepare your child for the review. Each test reminds your child that the review exists to help them get the most out of their math time. The child-friendly language and step-by-step instructions will make this a relaxed time for both of you.

Step 6 - Administer the test and make sure to take notes. All you have to do is follow our script and work your way through the test. Each question lists the corresponding lessons in which the concepts were introduced. You’ll want to take notes to write down any lessons that your child needs to cover.

Step 7 - If your child has lessons that need to be introduced, begin with those lessons before moving on. Once you’ve finished all the lessons in a section, you can move on to the review test for the next section.

• If you find your child mastered the first two tests in a book, you may want to jump ahead to the last test in the book to see if they master it as well. Or, if you do a brief flip-through of the section and you’re sure your child has a good knowledge of all the concepts in the test, you may choose to only ask questions you suspect your child might not know.
   
• Most review tests don’t take more than 10-15 minutes. Your child might become fatigued from this process, it is advised to do one test a day until you’ve properly placed your child.

Step 8 - Once you have placed your child, will complete the review test again at the end of the section so that you can make sure to cover the lessons your child needs to be repeated.

This process is easy, fun and quick for you and your child. It requires no prep work for you and very little follow-up work. Then you can open and go with the curriculum at the right lesson and be on your way!

Need some more guidance on placing your child, or determining which kit is best for your needs? Shoot us an email or give us a call and we’re happy to help!