We currently homeschool. My son is very bright but is getting very frustrated with math. We use Lial Hornsby Beginning Algebra, and I think it is good, but we need to do something different. Change texts? Use manipulatives? We just found out he has ADD and started meds so maybe we should give it more time. He gets it when we discuss it and then gets lost at some point when doing homework. I’m feeling so overwhelmed right now and feel totally helpless.
I would take a look at VideoText algebra. Have seen a lot of positive posts about it on the homeschooling boards at vegsource. The lessons are 5-10 minutes long, and then the child works on his own. Because it’s video, lessons can be replayed. It’s expensive, as courses go, but can be resold on the swap boards for probably 70% of investment. Website is http://www.videotext.com
You could also check in Chalkdust, another video approach to algebra that many people like.
Jacobs algebra (this is a textbook) also gets very high marks for beginning algebra, with very good explanations. It covers pre-algebra about halfway through algebra II. This would be the least expensive option, and is available from Rainbow Resource.
Also, ETA Cuisenaire has manipulative tiles for algebra that can be very helpful. You can email for their catalog at http://www.etacuisenaire.com
Mary