Help with Pre-Algebra Choice

[Guest notuntilcoffee]

I need advice on pre-algebra for dd, 13, ok in math, but need lots of cyclical review.   She’s completed Rod & Staff 6 and that format worked well for the both of us.  My dream program has clear teaching instructions (for me not independent for her), a good bit of work with the new concepts, and review that cycles though previous concepts to be sure they stick.  I realize I could supplement and adapt any program, but honestly, at this point, I doubt it would get done.  My husband is ill and I’m not able to spend as much (or any) time in prep as I would like.  I’m needing a self-contained, open and go program that’ll get the job done even if I don’t remember what we did yesterday.  :)

 

We tried MUS and Saxon in previous years, but neither worked.  Rod & Staff was the best fit for her and doable for me. (I called and their pre-algebra is at least 2-3 years away from completion.  Bummer!)

 

Any recommendations or thoughts you can give would be greatly appreciated.

 

God Bless!

[PollyOR]

Have you looked at R&S 7 and 8?  We are currently using R&S 7 and had a lesson on solving algebraic equations today.

[PollyOR]

You'll see that R&S 7 and R&S 8 both cover pre-algebra skills.  Of course, if you continue to use R&S the problem is what Algebra I program to use afterward.  I've been waiting years and years for R&S to come out with an Algebra program.  I'm not sure what we'll do.

 

R&S 7 table of contents

 

R&S 8 table of contents

[mom31257]

Have you looked at CLE math?  It sounds like what you need. 

 

Here is the placement test. and the Answer Key for it. 

 

The 700 level is supposed to be pre-algebra. There is an 800 level for students who need more time to transition to Algebra. 

 

 

 

 

[Shay]

We used R&S 6 last year, too. This year, we are using Saxon Course 3 (not grade 3) with success. When I gave the Saxon placement test, he tested into 1/2, but I didn't want to do 1/2. I liked what I saw in the Saxon Course 3 much better and it was more visually appealing to me. You can download the entire text online (free). You have to purchase the solutions book. I also bought the physical text, and we mainly use that.

 

Although my son is a good math student, he needs that large mixed review set that Saxon provides rather than large sets of the "new stuff," as R&S had. Why? Because he tends to rush through and not carefully consider what a problem is asking when they are all of the same type (although he did well with R&S and we used it to good purpose).

[SilverMoon]

R&S 7 and 8 *are* their prealg. It's their alg 1 book that they haven't finished writing. Many DC go straight from R&S 8 to algebra 1. :001_smile:

 

If you want more specific practice in negatives, exponents, and such, that R&S doesn't cover as much of, the Key to Algebra series is inexpensive little workbooks that would accompany R&S nicely, or they could just be done in the summer.

 

If you want a prealg course to replace R&S 7 and 8, you might consider Lial's BCM followed by Lial's prealg. You can find inexpensive copies on Amazon or other used textbook sellers. Just make sure the image on the cover of the student text and solutions manual match; edition does not matter. BCM will cover all the basic arithmetic one needs for further math; prealg will take that further and throw exponents and negatives in from the beginning.

[HollyDay]

We were pleased with Horizon's pre-Algebra.  Saxon was not a good fit for youngest (excellent fit for oldest).  Horizons gave her a good balance.  I also 2nd Lial's.  We have used several of Lial's texts for both dc and like all of them.

[Aurelia]

CLE has lots of review, and leads to great retention, but has really long lessons. We switched from CLE to Galore Park because math was taking so long. Galore Park's So You Really Want to Learn Maths 1 & 2 books cover prealgebra, and book 3 covers algebra with a little trig. I really don't have to teach much with the GP books at all. The instructions are very clear.

[Guest notuntilcoffee]

Thank you all so much!  This is the sort of experiential information I needed.  I haven't even heard of some of these programs.  I did a little looking last night, but I'm really going to dig in tomorrow.

[serendipitous journey]

Just one more thought -- Memoria Press uses Rod and Staff through their Math 6, then uses College of the Redwoods for a 1-year prealgebra.  Their package for it is here.  I haven't used this, though I do own it -- it looks like a solid, standard Pre-Algebra program.