1. How old must
be my child to enroll in the kindergarten class?
As a rule, a
child needs to be at least 5 years old as of
September 1 to attend the kindergarten class at
RSM.Louisville.
2.
What do kids learn in the kindergarten class?
Our students in Level K compare,
combine, analyze, group, continue patterns,
learn the part-whole concept, learn to use a
number line, "count on" and "count back"
strategy, look for a missing number (next year
we will call it an equation with a variable),
look for missing signs of arithmetic operations,
make up number stories, solve logical problems
and puzzles. We foster active learning and
discovery. We stress logic and abstract
thinking. Beginning at a very young age children
are able to use their common sense to make an
easy transition from familiar concrete thinking
to abstract thinking. The effect is an overall
development of better cognition, not just
improved math skills. Level K meets for one hour
once a week. Homework (takes about an hour to
complete during the week) consists of problems
introduced during class, as well as new
challenges, that will be discussed during next
class. We maintain small class sizes to ensure
individual attention but allow healthy
competition among students.
3. What is the relationship of
RSM.Louisville to Russian School of Mathematics
(RSM) in Newton, MA?
RSM.Louisville is an affiliate of RSM in
Newton. This means that we share the same
methodology and use RSM curriculum.
4. What is the difference between
RSM program and Kumon?
Kumon places a heavy emphasis on practice and
mastery of the basic mathematical tools and
operations. While we do believe this is of
fundamental importance, we also believe that
cognitive development, fostering mental
agility, out-of-the box thinking and ability to
solve unusual problems are invaluable. Our
program targets these goals starting from early
ages. We do of course also ensure that our
students achieve mastery of basic mathematical
tools and operations.
5. What is
the difference between RSM program and the Johns
Hopkins Center for Talented Youth online math
program?
The on-line
courses could not provide the critical human
element in learning – the ability to interact
with students, peers and teachers, to raise
questions and share discoveries. Johns Hopkins’
grade-based curriculum is dependent on rote
memorization of math facts and formulas, with
little emphasis on how to figure out what the
formula is, how to apply critical thinking and
logical analysis to problem solving. When there
is little connection between one math topic and
the next, what is the use of remembering last
month’s topic? RSM's emphasis on algebra
nourishes critical and analytic thinking. It
teaches kids to think, to make connections
between mathematical concepts, to utilize
critical thinking and build upon previous
concepts to solve new problems.
6. How is the RSM curriculum different from
traditional public or private school curriculum?
Different public schools have different
curricula and different levels of success in
teaching mathematics, as demonstrated by
standardized testing. Therefore, it is
difficult to provide a fair comparison that is
universally true. While our curriculum is
consistent with Massachusetts curriculum
frameworks, our key differentiators are in the
early introduction of algebra, a heavy emphasis
is on logical reasoning and out-of-the-box
thinking, in combination with steady training of
fundamental math skills and tools. Our
students come from a wide variety of public and
private schools in the area.
7. Do we need a placement test to enroll?
Yes, we require a placement test for all of
our students.
8. Can we start attending at any time during
the year?
Yes - if the space is available. .
9. Do you provide private
tutoring?
Yes, we provide tutoring for
those students who come to us mid-year and/or
want to join a challenging class already in
progress. A student needs to be registered in
the same way as our regular students;
registration fee applies.
Did not find an answer to your Question?
E-mail us at
rsm.louisville@gmail.com
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