I have been homeschooling my son since 4th grade. He is very learning
challenged in math. While he has mastered the basics, addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division, I am very concerned how he is going to learn
algebra and geometry, since both of these are necessary credits for a diploma.
I would be very interested in how other mothers are helping thier children
get through these subjects so that their children can earn diplomas, so that
they too can eventually go out into the world and acquire jobs.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Re: DIPLOMAS
Hi Carol,
I am currently teaching Algebra to my 7th grader (dd). I posted somewhere above about accelerating/remediating. We are using the Bob Jones Algebra book, breaking it up into 2 or 3 years (however long it takes her to get through it). Since she learns by much repetition, she will have the three school terms to build on the concepts and learn to think algebraically. The beginning concepts are not that difficult (mostly a lot of fractions and equations w/variables — which a good 5th and 6th grade math curriculum should provide a good foundation for). We used Horizons math for 4th - 6th grade and as I looked at pre-algebra, I realized that it was not much different from the beginning of the Algebra books and much of the same information from our 5th and 6th grade math curriculum. This coupled with the fact that I know my dd needs to be able to take her time (yet at the same appear to keep up for her self-esteem) helped me to reach my decision about starting Algebra early. It worked well for us this first year (it’s the one thing that keeps her 1/2 step ahead of her younger siblings).
I have spoken with a few families who use Algebra video class and sing its praises (I can’t think of the name of the particular one off-hand, but I seem to remember something about handwritten sheets and an older male professor with a monotoned voice — does this sound familiar to anyone?).
In my initial research, I reviewed Keys to Algebra (I loved the simple layout) and found it to be…not very thorough as a stand alone Algebra curriculum (not for college bound). Dr. Mary Hood (homeschool pioneer and author of Out of the Yellow School Bus and In Through the Gates of Hell — I think I got the title right) gave it the same review.
Of course we all know that what works for one doesn’t always work for another. How do *we* learn Algebra? Slowly. Good luck in finding what works for your son.
Angie
http://www.borenson.com/
http://www.borenson.com/ — Hands On Equations — uses a scale as a concrete idea to connect with equations. So, if things are equal they have to balance. If you have this “unknown” and it balances with 3… then it must equal 3. If you had the unknown and 2 (n + 2) and that balanced 5… well, what would you do?
I’ve also heard good things about “Key TO” — but don’t know if that has a good concrete connection or whether its strength is having small steps and lots of practice.
Re: http://www.borenson.com/
My son worked through about half of the Hands On Equations program as we finished up math for the year, and he really enjoyed it. It’s a great introduction to working with linear equations in a single variable. Lab Gear by Henry Picciotto
http://www.picciotto.org/math-ed/
is another concrete program, and it looks like it goes further than Hands On Equations. I haven’t seen Key to Algebra, but in Key to Fractions and Key to Decimals, the strength of the program seemed to be incremental progression rather than lots of work with concrete materials, as Sue mentioned.
Jean
Greetings Carol,
There is a very interesting discussion on the Teaching Math board entitled “Algebra-Real Life Applications?” that I would encourage you to read - particularly the comments by Sara. Click on the ‘older messages’ as this thread started April 14. I just spoke with the 9th grade guidance counselor at our local public school. Algebra is not a requirement for graduation! For students not college bound, they take Consumer Math in 9th grade and Technical Math in 10th grade. Those two courses meet Missouri’s math requirements for HS graduation. If your son is college bound though, he will need algebra. I have recently been investigating this topic myself. The Key To… series which includes the Key to Algebra has been recommended. I also saw good comments for Math-U-See Algebra and Singapore Math. Additionally, I just received a free sample video and workbook from VideoText Interactive that looks promising. It’s touted to be a complete, easy to understand Algebra course on video with video lessons, course notes, student worktexts, solutions manuals and progress tests (www.videotext.com). Both Cathy Duffy, nationally recognized HSer and author and Dr. Jay Wile, author, Apologia Science Curriculum have given this series good reviews. It begins at the pre-algebra level and moves on through algebra. It’s not inexpensive however. The 6 modules cost $539 although they indicate there are special hsing discounts. Also, I saw “A” ratings for the following traditional textbooks: Algebra 1: Expressions, Equations & Applications, 3rd ed., Paul A. Foerster, Addison-Wesley, 1994; and Algebra: Structure & Method - Book 1, McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin, 1994.
Blesings, momo