I've finally come to the realization that my dd 13 is going to need to repeat pre algebra. She is passing, but she's really struggling with the concepts. So that gives me a tremendous sense of relief, but I need to figure out what to do next. Currently she is using Saxon, Algebra 1/2. I really like this program, and the cheapskate in me wants to reuse it, but I honestly feel like she would do better with a different approach. It needs to be self directed because according to my dd I am an idiot who doesn't have the sense to breathe, much less teach algebra. (slight exaggeration, but my teaching leads to constant conflict with her, as her frustration with math overrides her good sense) So, I've looked at teaching textbooks, and I like what I saw, but I need some opinions.... help please...
I won't be much help here, but here is what I can share. My oldest did not like TT for Geom. He said it was the same thing over and over and over. I would have to agree. I don't know if the Algebra is the same way or not. This year he is using SOS for Algebra II and likes it much better. However, I know that there is a lot of people that really like TT in the upper levels, we just didn't care for it in this house. Not much help, I know, but...
how did he mean...the same thing over and over? Was it repetition in the problem sets or in the teaching materials?
I started using Teaching Textbooks with Geometry. It is AWESOME if you're looking for something a kid can do without you knowing anything. Rachael went through Geometry, Alg. 2, and Pre-Calculus. Right now she's doing MUS Calculus (because TT didn't have it!). Faythe is 14. She started Pre Algebra last year (not TT). We only got half-way through the book. We're finishing it up this year. I decided that it would be better to go slowly and have her REALLY understand than trying to squeeze it with her not having any understanding.
how about videotext? pricey but it comes with a lot of materials to assist the self learner. www.videotext.com
My daughter is going through the Fred series on her own. You can read about it here http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/index2.html I like it. I think it is thorough, but it is a different approach then most of the other curriculums. We are doing it for the same reason as you would be. I did pre-algebra with my daughter. She would have "passed", but she didn't feel like she'd mastered it (and I agreed). So far, she is doing well with it.
My daughter used Teaching Textbooks for her second trip through Algebra I. She really like Teaching Textbooks. She is enrolled in Ten Marks, an online math program, this year. She needs to finish Algebra II and Geometry this year to graduate on time. Ten Marks has been a great fit for her, and it only costs $10 a month. The program is customized for her. She took a free placement test before starting. It adapts to her changing needs. If she has problem with a concept, she gets a do-over. I love that I do not have to score anything. I can contact the instructor by email, if I have any concerns. He always gets back to me within 30 minutes. I can also put the assignments on hold, if we take time off. I can change the order of the presentation of concepts, If I want. I am just glad to see my daughter progressing happily. Also, there are built in incentives, which my daughter loves. There are certificates to print and educational games to earn. I can also offer my own incentive for her to earn. It is a lot like Teaching Textbooks, but cheaper. There are short video explanations for each lesson. During the lesson, the student can watch the video again or get up to three hints. When the student finishes, she can correct his/her mistakes. He/she can also see the solution to each question that was missed. There is also a practice area to practice any concept that the student needs extra time to learn. They can practice until they feel confident. One last caution, this is a new program that still has some bugs to work out. I hope this helps someone. Blessings, Susan
Last year my son got one half way through Saxon's Algebra 1/2. I found myself with the same dilemma that you are facing. I didn't really want to start over, after all it didn't go so well the first time, and I thought it would be very demoralizing to have another go at the same curriculum. We ended up enrolling DS in the Potter's School's Transition Math. He is doing wonderfully, he is really getting the concepts, has a 99 average, and declares that math is his favorite subject. It isn't cheap, but I felt that he needed more instruction. He was coming to the conclusion that he just wasn't good at math, and was giving up. It might be worth it for you. Check it out. http://pottersschool.org/
If you are looking for a computer pre-algebra curriculum, try Time4Learning. They have math through 8th grade, a pre-algebra course upon request without extra charge. We are not to the pre-algebra course yet, but we have been using Time4Learning for almost 4 years now and find the math interesting, engaging, and because it is on the computer, it is completely at our pace. There is a special going on in December first month at $4.99, then back up to regular price, but it would give you a chance to check it out. My 5th grader absolutely loves this program. I hope this helps. Best of luck!!
We love this program...and it is VERY inexpensive. My husband who is a mechanical engineer says the concepts are solid. If your child works through it like the author suggests...no help from mom or dad which isn't easy...they really learn and retain the information. Both of mine are in Algebra right now and I am amazed at some of the difficult problems they can do. Best wishes!
I am another one who loves Teaching Textbooks. My daughter struggled with the SOS algebra and Aleks math. We spent a full year and she just could not understand it to the point of knowing it. I found TT algebra at the end of last year and she not only knows it she works independently.
We are LOVING the Algebra program at Time4Learning. I'm not sure if it can be considered pre-algebra, or beginning algebra. To me, it seems kind of like a combo. But it is self-guided, multimedia, and my son is getting so much out of it. I can't believe how well he is taking to it, because I thought with some of the trouble he's had with math in the past that Algebra would be the death of him. But I've been very pleasantly surprised. You can try a demo at their site to see if you think it would be up your daughter's alley. I highly recommend it!
My son uses Math U See. It is great for him- it has a video that breaks down the concepts and uses manipulatives. It constantly reviews previous learning so he doesn't forget.
Dawn, my oldest is doing MUS Calculus this year, and it's working very well for her. I'm a big TT person, but there was no TT at that level.
