Jump to content

Menu

Algebra 1 advice


Recommended Posts

Currently my dd in 7th grade is using Saxon math 8/7 with the Art Reed dvds. She has learned A Lot and her math skills have really improved (We were using Math Mammoth before). But she hates the mixed practice of Saxon and drags the lesson out for 2 hours each day - or longer. What to do? Should I switch to a different program next year? And what should it be? I need a solid Algebra 1 program (like Saxon). Also, I am not a strong math teacher so we have really relied on Mr. Reed to help teach the lessons. Any suggestions? I don't want to keep switching each year so ideally I would like a solid mth program to take us through higher level math.

 

Marianne

p.s. we live in Mexico as expats so hiring a tutor in English is going to be difficult

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hesitate to offer specific advice about programs since my son graduated a few years ago. I think you're correct in being wary of curriculum hopping. One suggestion I do have is that you be very sure about your dd's mastery of pre-algebra skills before moving on--no matter what program you use.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really like Kinetic Books for Algebra I and Algebra II. They have a geometry program also now, but I haven't used it. My oldest was a beta tester for KB Algebra II. My middle dd was one of the first users of KB Algebra I and also used it for Algebra II. They were both disappointed that they had to switch to other programs after Algebra II, because none of the other programs we've tried have matched up. We didn't like Chalkdust at all. Lial's was okay, but the explanations in KB were far better. Thinkwell is better than Lial's, but not as good as KB.

 

www,kineticbooks.com

www.thinkwell.com

 

My youngest has a lot of difficulty with math and will not use a program that has a computer component, so I am using MUS with her. Algebra I was still a struggle, but Geometry is going very well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for your suggestion. I agree that pre-algebra skills need to be strong. We are halfway through the book and so far dd has scored a 96% or higher on all her tests. So I don't know. I really don't know what direction to go. Anyone else with ideas?

 

Sorry; I intended to post a bit more but got distracted. My son did well on all his exams in 8/7, but in spite of that we found that he had some areas where he needed more work. The problems didn't really show up until the end of the following year--when he started having trouble applying algebra I to science. I wasn't the strongest math teacher so I didn't pick up on the problems as soon as I should have. However, your dd's performance on exams may be a more accurate indicator than my son's. You may not need to do a full year using another program, but I'd definitely suggest checking for mastery. I'd offer more specifics, but honestly my contributions to math discussions run motly along the lines of here are the mistakes I made.... :sad:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You really have a lot of options at this level. I think Algebra 1 is a great jumping off point to something new, especially if your dd is ready for a change from Saxon. Of course having solid Arithmetic and Pre-A skills are important first as was mentioned. Here are a few great programs for Algebra 1 which come highly recommended:

 

TabletClass: We are using this currently and the full instructions are very clear and thorough. It also includes the solutions to the problems 'with' explanations.

Math without Borders: The Foerster text is used which is a classic Algebra 1 textbook along with full instructions via DVDs

Derek Owens: Many families here have recommended his classes though they are somewhat on the more expensive side

Bob Jones U Algebra 1

Jann in Texas Algebra 1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We've been using the same combo for Algebra 1/2 with Art Reed and we really like it. I would suggest buying your stuff from MFW. They have an assignment list for each Saxon book that covers all the important skills without the drudgery. Other than silly mistakes my DD is doing great in Saxon 1/2 with the ammended work list. (Saxon says mastery is 85% or more). Some days they do all the problems - some only about half - but they get the ones they need (and not randomly like "do all the odds"). If your student still struggles in an area - there's plenty of extra work to assign them. I'm pleased with the system and it sounds like it'll work well for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello.

Maria Miller from Math Mammoth gives her very detailed recommendations on curriculums for Algebra 1 here.

 

We went with her suggestion of using Foerster algebra 1. This is an oft reprinted, now classic Algebra 1 textbook. A person can easily purchase old used copies from Amazon, which is what we did. Though we didn't need the teacher's manual, we did need the answer key, and for that we had to order it from the current textbook publisher, Pearson. I spent a lot of time trying to match up ISBN numbers, but the jist of it is that their current solutions manual will give solutions to an older edition. Solutions Manual ISBN 2-201-86100-3 will match up with the old textbook copyright 1999. (forgive me if this is TMI, i just remember spending tons of time trying to find the correct solutions manual. )

 

We have liked Foerster because it is very thorough, it gives good examples, the explanations are crystal clear, and anyone can learn the algebra if he/she is willing to read.

 

When my son had problems, it was because he didn't read. :)

 

It is a great textbook.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...