susanah4 Posted July 30, 2016 Share Posted July 30, 2016 (edited) I'm not sure what I am looking for but we are failing miserably in Algebra and I need to put it away for a while. Is there some sort of high school math that I can use to cement math concepts such as percents, exponents, multiplying and dividing fractions, etc. that we can work on for a semester? Would this be called Liberal Arts math or is that something different? Edited: We completed pre-algebra successfully in 8th grade using Teaching Textbooks. Spent summer of 8th doing Hands on Equations. Started TT Algebra 1 in 9th and quickly realized it was too fast for her. Switched to Keys to Algebra and worked through first 5 books with LOTS of issues and it's just not sticking. We do work on math through the summer, but as soon as she moves on to the next concept the previous ones seem to disappear. Not sure what her learning style is, but I know she has a lot of issues with memory when it relates to math. She will figure out a solution more easily based on logic vs. remembering steps to work a problem. And she is very limited on the amount of work she can do she just shuts down completely. So I can't really do lots and lots of repetition because she exhaust her math brain before she covers everything. I know there is a disability in there somewhere, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. And I have no idea if this helps, but I thought I would throw it out there. Thanks. Edited July 30, 2016 by susanah4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted July 30, 2016 Share Posted July 30, 2016 Usually it would be called prealgebra, if you are looking for a text. One particular choice that comes to mind would be Lial's Basic College Math, though I'd choose a prealgebra text in light of the student's whole situation, how he or she learns best, etc. If you describe your student more, I'm sure some posters would be happy to recommend programs. What to call it on a transcript, I'm not sure - I'd search the high school board. Continuing math through summers might reduce the need to even have it on the transcript at all. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyroo Posted July 30, 2016 Share Posted July 30, 2016 What you are describing sounds like pre-algebra to me. What pre-algebra curriculum did the student use last year? In your shoes I think I would probably try Mammoth 7. Or pick the Math Mammoth topic books (blue series) that really focus on the weak skills...perhaps: Fractions & Decimals 3 - grade 6. All of fraction and decimal arithmetic, with larger denominators in fractions and up to 6 decimal digits in decimals. The Four Operations (with a Touch of Algebra) - grades 5-6. Review of the four operations with whole numbers, order of operations, long division & multiplication, simple equations & expressions, exponents, introduction to functions. Ratios, Proportions & Problem Solving - grades 5-7. Ratios, proportions, scaling geometric figures, floor plans, solving problems using the bar (block) model: problems with fractional parts or ratios. Percent - grades 6-8. Percent, percentage of number, discounts, sales tax, circle graphs, percent of change, percent of comparison. Wendy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanah4 Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share Posted July 30, 2016 Edited original post to answer questions. Thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 (edited) Thinking out loud, she sounds like a VSL but with specific weaknesses in the area of memory(?). It sounds like spending time really understanding the concepts (e.g. what you describe as using logic) would teach more to her strengths than a program focused on procedures (like TT) or on learning through repetition of procedures. And yet, surely she'd need regular review to address the memory side. I'm glad you posted on the Learning Challenges forum, where posters might have ideas for you. Have you considered evaluation for LDs? (I might also wonder about visual memory) ETA, geometry before algebra, not usually, as there is algebra involved in a high school geometry course. I think your instinct to back up to prealgebra is a good one; the tougher question is what program. As Wendy mentions, MM topic books are solid on concepts, though in that case I'd sit with your student and try to present the big picture first, probably grouping lessons on a topic together in one sitting (they're rather incremental so this is possible). Once you have solidified prealgebra concepts, perhaps Jacobs would be something to consider for algebra, as it is strong on concepts but relatively gentle. The concepts are developed further within the exercises. Edited July 31, 2016 by wapiti 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lllll Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 (edited) nm Edited November 9, 2016 by cathey 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanah4 Posted July 31, 2016 Author Share Posted July 31, 2016 Thinking out loud, she sounds like a VSL but with specific weaknesses in the area of memory(?). It sounds like spending time really understanding the concepts (e.g. what you describe as using logic) would teach more to her strengths than a program focused on procedures (like TT) or on learning through repetition of procedures. And yet, surely she'd need regular review to address the memory side. I'm glad you posted on the Learning Challenges forum, where posters might have ideas for you. Have you considered evaluation for LDs? (I might also wonder about visual memory) ETA, geometry before algebra, not usually, as there is algebra involved in a high school geometry course. I think your instinct to back up to prealgebra is a good one; the tougher question is what program. As Wendy mentions, MM topic books are solid on concepts, though in that case I'd sit with your student and try to present the big picture first, probably grouping lessons on a topic together in one sitting (they're rather incremental so this is possible). Once you have solidified prealgebra concepts, perhaps Jacobs would be something to consider for algebra, as it is strong on concepts but relatively gentle. The concepts are developed further within the exercises. I have thought about eval for LD but don't really know how to pursue that as a homeschooler. I did use Jacobs for my son many years ago and it fit him well, but he is such an opposite of her I kind of ruled it out in my mind. Maybe I will take another look at it for her. I can't figure out if I haven't found the right curriculum yet, if she is just not ready, or a combination of the two. Thanks for the ideas. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 These may have been recommended already..... We are secular HSer's and I'd recommend CLE either 7 or 8 (very christian). It has a lot of review that is easy to skip if you feel it's not needed or pick back up when it is. The lessons are incremental and build on each other. Another option is Lial's BCM. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 (edited) A couple of thoughts... You mentioned that your dd was successful working TT's Pre-Algebra but relied more on LOGIC (did she use the version with multiple choice answers?) instead of mathematical reasoning. A few posters mentioned Lial's Basic College Math-- I would differ on them and suggest going to Lial's Pre-Algebra. Lial's Pre-Algebra is a step above BCM and TT's Pre-Algebra-- the majority of problems in these programs are 1-2 steps and are more arithmetic based. Lial's Pre-Algebra begins with negatives and variables (gently) then goes back through typical middle-school math topics (fractions, decimals, percents, beginning Geometry, word problems..) but integrates basic Algebra along the way--many of the lessons are the SAME as those in BCM- but additional lessons go deeper into the topic. This course acts as an excellent BRIDGE to Algebra 1--students learn that Algebra is an extension of arithmetic--they are related (same rules apply). The problems are slightly larger/longer than what BCM and TT's PA provides so students start to choose/use mathematical reasoning over 'logic' as they progress into more abstract problem types. The program, as a whole, provides a great overview of the first semester of Algebra 1. Edited August 2, 2016 by Jann in TX 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 "We completed pre-algebra successfully in 8th grade using Teaching Textbooks." IMO, successfully completing a course and/or a Final Examination, does not, sadly, guarantee that someone can apply the material that was, supposedly, learned in the course. IMO either it was not completed successfully, or it was a weak program for your DD. I believe you need to begin a rigorous Pre Algebra course, so that she has a solid foundation for Algebra 1, which is *the* math course she must be solid with. If your local PS district has "Math Coaches" I think it might be helpful for you to pay one, to evaluate your DD. Think of your house as Math. Pre Algebra is the ground that is under the Foundation of the house. Algebra 1 is the Foundation. Pre Algebra should cover a lot of ground, and, probably, introduce some new material to the student. Algebra 1 is not a good fit for someone struggling with Arithmetic. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.