Would love advice re: math for upcoming 6th grader

[mlktwins]

I have twin boys who have been doing MM since 1st grade.  I have one very motivated student who loves math, learns very quickly, and works pretty efficiently.  The other one does well at math, but works more slowly and is not as motivated by school.  We are finishing up MM 5B and I know I am moving way too slowly for my mathy boy.  I feel like (actually I know) I'm holding him back and need to move him ahead to keep him interested.  He also needs to be able to move more quickly at his own pace.  My worry has always been that I will miss something if we skip ahead and then we'll have to backtrack so I've just kept plugging away.

 

I know am going to keep plugging away with less mathy son using MM, Key to series and BA. 

 

For my mathy twin, I gave him the placement tests for TT grade 6, 7 and Pre-Algebra and he passed -- missing only 1 or 2 questions because he rushes and either gets the wrong answer for a really easy question or he doesn't answer a question at all in his haste to finish and find out his grade (he loves to get grades).  I know TT works about a year behind though.  At this point, should I just give him the tests for MM 6A and 6B, cover what needs review, and move him into something else?  Any recommendations that are not super teacher intensive (i.e. like TT Pre-Alegbra) or maybe get MM7 since that program has worked pretty well for us?

 

This kid flies through all his work and my biggest struggle is keeping him busy while working with his brother.  I have not had his IQ tested, but I gave him the DORA and he either maxed out or is well above grade level (high 11th/12th) in all categories.  I also gave him the ADAM and he only tested at grade level, but I believe that was because he didn't know the correct terms for some of the questions (i.e. distributive, commutative, associative properties).  He knows how to do the work, but the test stopped him because he didn't know what they were asking for by the terms they used so he didn't answer correctly.  I do not talk to most people IRL about him to seek advice.  I would love some help from you all!

 

I know I need to step up my game and get him set up to work way more independently.  I feel I can manage that in most other subjects, but for math I need help :-)! 

 

BTW -- the twins are my only children so no other grade levels to worry about.

 

Thanks so much!

 

 

[fourisenough]

I would not do TT for your mathy son. I've looked at several levels and it always strikes me as very simplified and shallow, which is exactly what some kids need (not yours, though!). I would recommend allowing him to test through MM6 and place him wherever he belongs. MM7 is quite good.

[ScoutTN]

I agree. No TT for a mathy kid.

[wapiti]

I would suggest looking in the opposite direction from TT, toward something more challenging rather than less challenging, which might more fully engage him and further develop his math talent.  He is probably ready for AoPS Prealgebra.

 

If the AoPS Prealgebra text wouldn't be a good fit for whatever reason, then yes, I'd absolutely do MM6 and MM7 (MM7 is prealgebra), testing through chapters he already knows.  Regardless of what his main program is, perhaps he might enjoy Alcumus (free online practice problem solving program at AoPS, starts with prealgebra) and/or the free online videos there.

Edited May 10, 2016 by wapiti

[OneStepAtATime]

Agree, I would not do TT with your mathy son.  Maybe as review for your non mathy son. AoPS Pre-Algebra with the videos that are available might be a great fit.  It may take time to get him used to the format so at first he might need you to work VERY closely with him but it is a great math program and may challenge him in very interesting and productive ways.  

 

For your non-mathy son, he might do well with CLE.  You could still rotate in MM and BA as needed but he might function better with something that has a lot of built in review, is written to the student, breaks everything into pieces and it might give him more independence and you a bit more free time to move between your two sons.  You could easily try out just one light unit for very little money and see how it works.

 

https://www.clp.org/store/by_subject/4

[MEmama]

For the most part, MM6 was a "wasted" math year for my son when he was in 5th. At 11 he started Jacobs Algebra. We took a year and a half with it, mostly because he had some math maturity hurdles to work through like learning to write out his work instead of trying to simultaneous equations in his head. For him, leaping from MM6 (and honestly, from 5 would have been fine) was exactly the right step. At that point, he'd had more than enough "pre-algebra" and found algebra a very comfortable fit.

 

I highly recommend looking into Jacobs for the motivated, independent younger algebra student if you go that route.

[mlktwins]

he had some math maturity hurdles to work through like learning to write out his work instead of trying to simultaneous equations in his head.

This is a problem I have with mine too -- despite numerous discussion about it.

 

Thanks to all who responded! I had been bookmarking pre-algebra and algebra threads for the past several months. I will continue to look through those and all your recommendations. I have a tendency to think more is better and I add on stuff that probably isn't really needed -- busy work really. I'm working on that in other subjects, but in the case of algebra, is it best to just stick with one program that works (i.e. AOPS or Jacobs) than to add in extras like Zacarro's Real World Algebra or Khan Academy or is there some benefit to the extras? Any opinions on Jousting Armadillos?

 

Thanks again!

[Leav97]

We went from MM5 to Dolciani Pre-A to AoPS Pre-A.  I wouldn't try the jump from MM5 directly to AoPS.

[MEmama]

JA is pre algebra. I probably would have used it instead of MM6 if I had known about it in time, just because it did look interesting (MM6 was fine, just repetitive for my son. YYMV).

 

If you dive straight into algebra, I would think a single book would be sufficient. It's quite a bit more work than MM worksheets. We aren't curriculum hoppers, though, so again your son might prefer various sources. I have no idea how to swing that. I'll also put in my BTDT advice that if you start algebra in 6th, be prepared to take your time. There's more to it than just the concepts for younger students (especially) to deal with.

[mlktwins]

We went from MM5 to Dolciani Pre-A to AoPS Pre-A.  I wouldn't try the jump from MM5 directly to AoPS.

No, definitely going to Pre-A with whatever curriculum we try :-)!!!

[mlktwins]

JA is pre algebra. I probably would have used it instead of MM6 if I had known about it in time, just because it did look interesting (MM6 was fine, just repetitive for my son. YYMV).

 

If you dive straight into algebra, I would think a single book would be sufficient. It's quite a bit more work than MM worksheets. We aren't curriculum hoppers, though, so again your son might prefer various sources. I have no idea how to swing that. I'll also put in my BTDT advice that if you start algebra in 6th, be prepared to take your time. There's more to it than just the concepts for younger students (especially) to deal with.

That is why I was thinking of just doing the tests in MM 6 and, if he passes, move on to whatever pre-algebra we choose. We have stuck with MM since 1st and I've been very happy, but have added in Key to books (mostly for his twin) and BA (for both of them) along the way . For fun, I picked up a Simply Charlotte Mason's Business Math and he flew threw that. He just loves to do math. I want to cut out the extras though and get down to the where he is really being challenged.

[Janeway]

I have twin boys who have been doing MM since 1st grade.  I have one very motivated student who loves math, learns very quickly, and works pretty efficiently.  The other one does well at math, but works more slowly and is not as motivated by school.  We are finishing up MM 5B and I know I am moving way too slowly for my mathy boy.  I feel like (actually I know) I'm holding him back and need to move him ahead to keep him interested.  He also needs to be able to move more quickly at his own pace.  My worry has always been that I will miss something if we skip ahead and then we'll have to backtrack so I've just kept plugging away.

 

I know am going to keep plugging away with less mathy son using MM, Key to series and BA. 

 

For my mathy twin, I gave him the placement tests for TT grade 6, 7 and Pre-Algebra and he passed -- missing only 1 or 2 questions because he rushes and either gets the wrong answer for a really easy question or he doesn't answer a question at all in his haste to finish and find out his grade (he loves to get grades).  I know TT works about a year behind though.  At this point, should I just give him the tests for MM 6A and 6B, cover what needs review, and move him into something else?  Any recommendations that are not super teacher intensive (i.e. like TT Pre-Alegbra) or maybe get MM7 since that program has worked pretty well for us?

 

This kid flies through all his work and my biggest struggle is keeping him busy while working with his brother.  I have not had his IQ tested, but I gave him the DORA and he either maxed out or is well above grade level (high 11th/12th) in all categories.  I also gave him the ADAM and he only tested at grade level, but I believe that was because he didn't know the correct terms for some of the questions (i.e. distributive, commutative, associative properties).  He knows how to do the work, but the test stopped him because he didn't know what they were asking for by the terms they used so he didn't answer correctly.  I do not talk to most people IRL about him to seek advice.  I would love some help from you all!

 

I know I need to step up my game and get him set up to work way more independently.  I feel I can manage that in most other subjects, but for math I need help :-)! 

 

BTW -- the twins are my only children so no other grade levels to worry about.

 

Thanks so much!

 

One) I would not have a really math child do TT

 

two) when you have two children of such different abilities, I actually recommend using different programs.  So, for example, you might do Jacob's PreAlgebra (I do not remember the title) for the one while the other one works through MM. This way, you remove the competitiveness and also, you remove the part from yourself where you feel the need to hold one back to keep them at the same place. Or try AoP pre algebra for the older one. There is a placement test online.

Edited May 12, 2016 by Janeway

[mlktwins]

two) when you have two children of such different abilities, I actually recommend using different programs.  So, for example, you might do Jacob's PreAlgebra (I do not remember the title) for the older one while the younger one works through MM. This way, you remove the competitiveness and also, you remove the part from yourself where you feel the need to hold one back to keep them at the same place. Or try AoP pre algebra for the older one. There is a placement test online.

 

Definitely my plan moving forward.  His twin is actually good at math, just takes a lot more time to digest and work the problems.  He is also my more creative kid and prefers to write stories, do art, or play with Legos than do math -- LOL.  I am going to keep plugging away with what we've been doing for him.  The competition thing has always been a challenge.  I think this will help a lot and non-mathy twin is totally ok with the new plan :-)!  

[dereksurfs]

Lot's of choices for Pre-A.  We really liked TabletClass for our math inclined ds.  It is challenging while also providing a great set of instructional videos including step-by-step explanations for the solutions.  We then moved into AoPS intro to Algebra. Following AoPS, he attended Wilson Hill Academy for Geometry and Algebra II.  Their live, interactive courses are excellent and totally worth the price of admission.  So, that is something to keep on the radar once they get to the more advanced levels.  Live courses can add a whole new dimension to the learning experience including engaging with high quality instructors and other peers.  It turns out that our somewhat shy son thrives in this interactive environment which we discovered while attending WHA.

 

For our middle dd who struggles more with math and is finishing MM6, we are going to take Derek Owens Pre-A next year.  It seems to be a good balance for her between rigor and the flexibility she needs.   We are looking for that just right challenge.  If she wasn't so burnt out on MM, we might have just moved into MM7 which others have rated positively.  Sometimes, not always, variety helps to keep things interesting and fresh for them.  So we do use a variety of vendors which they seem to appreciate.  Of course, this does take more planning and thought than staying with a single curriculum.  But I think that is more of a parent thing than a kid thing.  They are very adaptable at this age as long as the curriculum is appropriately selected for their learning style and ability level.  For us, tailoring things for the individual student is very important and one of the main reason we homeschool.  While some subjects lend themselves more to the 'one size fits all' approach like history, math is definitely not one of them, IMO.

Edited May 12, 2016 by dereksurfs