Algebra for Global/Right Brained Child

[Jan P.]

My dd has struggled greatly with algebra this year. I've been using Math Relief with her, but it is not working out. I do think that Math Relief is a great problem, but it seems to be a parts - to - whole type program instead of the other way around. I have gone over one lesson at least five times with her!! It seems like she is making no progress at all. I'm wondering if something like Math-U-See would be a better fit. She used MUS early on in elementary years, but I switched her over to BJU math. I also have Foerster's Algebra 1 book. We started the year with it, but I heard such raves about Math Relief that I went with it.

[LizzyBee]

Since I don't have enough money to own every curriculum or enough time to use every curriculum, I ignored the posts about Life of Fred for months and months. Recently, I was probably procrastinating doing something better with my time and looked at the samples. I ordered the first four books that day. My almost 12 yo VSL/right-brained dd loves these books. We've only started them, so I can't say how well she'll retain the information. But her interest and enjoyment level are through the roof.

[Merry]

I'm not sure what you mean by global right brained but my ds is a visual spatial learner. After struggling with Saxon Algebra, he did better with Chalkdust. Being able to see the steps written down on the board on DVDs seemed to help him a lot.

[Merry]

If global right brained learner means that the person needs to look at the whole picture first, then fills in the details later, then yes, my ds is one. He did fine with Chalkdust.

[periwinkle]

I have always thought of Jacobs' math books as whole-to-parts. I have no idea why I didn't use his Elementary Algebra with middle ds; he is using Lial's Introductory Algebra instead. I think I chose this because *I* knew algebra would be teacher-intensive for me! I sit with him EVERY day and teach the lesson. He needs the interaction. Thankfully, Lial's has clear explanations and examples. I considered Math-U-See but I knew in the end this kiddo needed a real live person and lots of percolating on math concepts. I don't know how long I'll be able to hang in there, though;)

[Jan P.]

I have always thought of Jacobs' math books as whole-to-parts. I have no idea why I didn't use his Elementary Algebra with middle ds; he is using Lial's Introductory Algebra instead. I think I chose this because *I* knew algebra would be teacher-intensive for me! I sit with him EVERY day and teach the lesson. He needs the interaction. Thankfully, Lial's has clear explanations and examples. I considered Math-U-See but I knew in the end this kiddo needed a real live person and lots of percolating on math concepts. I don't know how long I'll be able to hang in there, though;)

Hi,

 

I've been considering Jacob's Algebra book also. I have his geometry book, so I do know how Jacob tends to write. Now, if I could just find a sample online. It might help my dd to see it too.

 

Thanks,

[Jan P.]

If global right brained learner means that the person needs to look at the whole picture first, then fills in the details later, then yes, my ds is one. He did fine with Chalkdust.

Hi,

 

Yes, this is what I meant. Someone who needs to see the whole picture first and then fill in the details. My dd is also dyslexic, so perhaps this goes hand in hand with dyslexia.

[Jan P.]

Since I don't have enough money to own every curriculum or enough time to use every curriculum, I ignored the posts about Life of Fred for months and months. Recently, I was probably procrastinating doing something better with my time and looked at the samples. I ordered the first four books that day. My almost 12 yo VSL/right-brained dd loves these books. We've only started them, so I can't say how well she'll retain the information. But her interest and enjoyment level are through the roof.

I have considered Life of Fred. I'm looking at several different curriculum since thinking of switching. My dd will be way behind in her math if I don't do something soon. I was hoping to have her complete Algebra 1 during her 9th grade year, but she isn't even a fourth of the way done! This has been a discouraging year for both of us. I know algebra upside down, but trying to explain it to her has been quite a bear!