Need help with Algebra!

[susanah4]

So we did Hands on Equations over the summer/fall and she did well with that.  Now we have started Keys to Algebra.  Books

1-3 she did alright.  We are on book 4 now with factoring out variables with exponents.  She has forgotten every math rule she has ever known.   Like there is just too much going on in a problem.   The exponents being added when you multiply has just thrown her.  She is now saying you can factor a 3 out of 5 (because you can factor x to the 3rd power out of x to the 5th power).  I thought Keys to Algebra was the easiest Algebra out there.  Is there something better?  Or is this it and I just need to hang in there?  Any extra practice or helpful tips at this stage?  Should I look into something like Math U See Algebra or will that just be more difficult?  She does NOT do well with reading a lot of instructions.  

 

Edited March 5, 2016 by susanah4

[Heathermomster]

DS has a maths disability, and we are on our second year of algebra.  Two years of algebra was a deliberate decision on my part to ensure DS could work slowly through the math.  Last year, we completed several chapters of Foerster's Algebra, and this year, we picked up at Introductory Algebra by Lial.  A friend gave me the Lial book at the end of last school year, and I wish I had used that text from the beginning.

 

For supports, we use Khan Academy, A+Plus Notes for Beginning Algebra, and notes provided by James Tanton.  I use my knowledge of mathematics and apply concepts taught by Tanton and Ronit Bird to teach DS.  DS used HOE in middle school and MUS blocks for integer math.

Edited March 5, 2016 by Heathermomster

[PeterPan]

MUS has dvd instruction for the lesson, but then he wants you to reread the lesson in the student text.  She might find that double process works for her even where working through the book by itself wouldn't.  For my dd, it has been good.  She had done TT algebra 1 with a fine score but forgot everything when we did geometry.  MUS connects with her very well.  

 

I think there's a difference between easy and memorable.  I'm not sure a printed workbook (keys to) is the easiest, simply because of the modality.  To me, that would have been harder.  And in your dd's case it appears not to have been memorable.  So maybe going to something that uses multiple modalities (hear it, see it, discuss it with you, etc.) and see what happens.  

 

The other thing you might do is work on working memory.  When you say she's getting so many things and then she can't remember anything, that's cognitive and something you can support.  And, if she has been working through those books a while, she may just be FRIED.  Sometimes you take a break and everything is better.  So before doing anything radical, I'd give her a week off, do nothing but bake cookies and do Easter crafts, THEN reassess where you're at and what needs to change.  

 

Eat lots of Peeps while you're on that break.  Who knows, Peeps might really restore her algebra power.   :)

 

Edited March 5, 2016 by OhElizabeth

[MyLittleBears]

Well ds did videotext module A, after TT 7, which is pre algebra but it took a long time to complete it. It is supposed to be a 3 month long program and he took about double that due to some EF issues. We decided to go back to TT pre algebra for the remainder of the year last year. Fast forward to this year and he was struggling with TT algebra so we stopped and did HOE. He loved it. He is very visual he begged for MUS algebra. I gave him the readiness test in the front of the book and it turns out he is still not ready for algebra! This is after two pre algebra programs! There seems to be holes in his learning.  I finally gave him the MUS pre algebra readiness test and the zeta test and he is perfectly placed in pre algebra. All this to say, perhaps your dd is not ready.  Sometimes a struggle like this can mean she is missing some pieces. Perhaps you might benefit from seeing where she places in MUS.

Edited March 5, 2016 by MyLittleBears

[Pen]

I think MUS is way better than Keys to!!!!

 

Also, you might try setting up the HOE to show what is happening with the variables and exponents. You might need more pawn like pieces, but I think you could do it in a way that would make it more clear than just on paper.

 

I also like James Tanton.

 

You could also try Khan Academy to see where she might have some holes.

[Heathermomster]

http://www.aplusses.com/zencart/textbooks-c-1.html

 

This book was recommended to me a couple years back, but I never tried it.