Math for 12 y.o.-where to start?

[Yolanda]

Where would you start to look to see which math curriculum is a good fit for your student? She's 12, doesn't like math, is in TT 6 just finished quiz 5, can do multiplication, division, knows the beginnings of fractions.

 

 We were using TT 6 but I'm hesitant to move forward for these reasons:

 

the discs we've borrowed are giving us fits. I'm not sure if its the dvd player in the laptop that plays them or the actual discs. (but I'm not completely sold on TT6 so I don't want to put money into getting new discs just yet)

 

I've heard that TT is 'behind' other levels? I.E. our enrichment teacher who tests the kids to see what math class they should be in says she knows the kids who have used TT before...they are somewhat behind the others who haven't used TT. OK, not a scientific study but that was one thing I heard. However, dd is not too great at math and really despises it so she most likely is 'behind' or goes slower at math, so TT may not be a bad thing.... But (yes, I go back and forth 80 million times!) just because her 'bar' is low doesn't mean I want to keep it low. I do want to challenge her somewhat but not so much that she won't do it. That fine balance we all try to achieve...

 

I've read about many types of math curriculum but I'm still lost as to how I can know which will be a good fit. Or is that just pie in the sky? I mean, if we all could 'know' what was best we wouldn't have a handful of curriculum in the closet, eh?

 

She is a sanguine personality, likes movement, color, interesting ways of doing math instead of the old boring book work. Anything come to mind with that info?

 

 I thought of Horizon math, which she used back in k or 1st grade. The color and 'excitement' of it might be of interest... TT I thought was good because it's fun, it makes noise, it's not the old boring book work, she likes being on the computer, the little people on there change and what I really liked was that she could start to do more independent work. But I think I just might have to fork out 150 smackers.

 

We used Math Mammoth but I didn't think it was as good at explaining the work as it says it is.

 

Math u See...tried that a long time ago when she was 2nd or 3rd grade. I thought she would like the manipulatives but they seemed cumbersome and at that time she didn't watch the videos with understanding.

 

Creative math...I'm not so good at that so that doesn't work.

 

Kahn Academy...I've not looked into it yet but do they have work to actually do instead of just watch the videos? Anybody use this and can share?

 

I want her to work towards independence but she has a real hard time understanding things. I find I need to regurgitate what was taught when she watches videos sometimes. Either it goes too fast or she just doesn't get it for other reasons. (I've seen kids at gym doing their math from books while they're waiting for their class to start...I'm amazed they can do that. It just doesn't happen in our house. I mean, reading the lesson, understanding it, and working out the problems? Wow. I did something wrong, somewhere...)

 

 

 What I want is to be able to have her take a test, not from one specific company but a generic test, and from that test know what curriculum she would do well with. Is that too much to ask? :)

 

Any ideas to share? I'm all ears!!!

 

Thanks

 

 

[foxbridgeacademy]

It's too bad Beast Academy is only on their 4th grade books(although that is for a gifted 4th grader).  DD loved them but they are to far behind where we need to be (but check them out as a fun and interesting way to learn math).  You could pick a standard math like Saxon (lots of review) and add in something fun a couple days per week (like Life of Fred/ Beast Academy). If you have an ipad or even an android (I think) there are apps from YourTeacher that has videos and practice problems (they talk soooo slow in the videos).  This would probably only be a supplement.  If at all possible get the app, only $10 where as the full site is $200 :scared: .  From what I can tell the app covers everything the website does just not as much practice.  

I realize that you probably want her to be independent, I think that is the goal for most of us.  But, at 12 that might not be possible in some subjects.  My DD is a very independent and driven type kid.  She has self taught -flute, violin, ASL, Human Anatomy,etc.. but there is no way I could just let her loose with Math.  DS on the other hand could do 75% of his math all on his own with a bit of guidance from me (he refuses, he likes doing math WITH me).

So instead of trying to make a difficult subject independent I would find a curriculum YOU can teach.  Get a whiteboard to work on and do problems together, explaining as you go.  Watch Khan academy videos together so you can pause and let her ask questions. And yes if you sign up there are practice problems and such on Khan but it is not IMO a full curriculum.  We don't really use it, DC and I have serious trouble understanding without seeing a face talking or some other visual aid besides a black board.

 

[wintermom]

I sounds like you've tried a few different math curriculum over the years. What is the actual problem your dd is having with TT now (besides the DVDs not functioning)? Are you borrowing trouble, so to speak, thinking about your dd being "behind" some vague indicator?  If you need to slow down the lessons to make sure that she understands, then do it. I wouldn't necessarily change curriculum yet again if the current one is a good fit.

 

 

[foxbridgeacademy]

I agree with PP, if TT is working well and you can afford it then that is what I'd stick with. TT was a huge fail for us, Dc kept falling asleep, literally fell asleep during the computer lessons.  Find out TT's return policy so that if you have trouble with the new discs you can send them back.... also keep in mind TT's has a pretty good resell value so you won't lose much if you resell at the end of the year.

[kiana]

If you've tried that many curricula and she still doesn't like math, I'd pick something that she can learn from and that YOU can live with and just get it done. Not everyone has to like every subject.

 

TT being "behind" is not a bad thing. Yes, it doesn't get to algebra until 9th grade, while others have it scheduled for 8th or even 7th. This is not a big deal. Algebra in 9th is sufficient for all but the most selective colleges, and frankly, algebra in 9th with good understanding is far superior to algebra in 7th or 8th with poor understanding for ANY college. If she is understanding TT, I would quit changing curricula looking for the "magic button" and just get through it. 

 

If she is not understanding TT, again, I would pick something YOU can handle and just plow through it. 

[ocelotmom]

Khan Academy has computerized questions in addition to the videos. In fact, the computerized component covers more topics than they have videos for.

 

We use it. I think it would be a good place to start regardless of whether you want to use it exclusively long-term or not - it lets her review and quickly test out of things she knows well, and fill in any holes from TT.

[cindydanleo]

I've had the same problems.

 

My son thought TT was the most boring math EVER after the novelty of being on a computer wore off.

 

Horizons made him cringe with dread.

 

As for "fun"....I would say Singapore, Life of Fred or Minquon. My son didnt like those either.

 

His idea of fun math is CLE?!?!

He calls it his "happy" math.

 

I think he likes it b/c it is so spiral and always changing.

 

Critical Thinking's Mathematical Reasoning might be one to look at too

[cindydanleo]

Right Start math just popped in my mind too

[Yolanda]

Thanks, ladies. I've got much to think about, including checking to see if I'm 'borrowing trouble'. Definitely worth looking into.

 

I appreciate the other options as well!

 

 

 Thank you!!!