Where should we start in AoPS?

[SamanthaCarter]

There's a similar thread going on right now but I won't hijack. My Ds is just finishing up the Saxon Algebra 1/2 and Beast 5 books. We did MiF 1-5 previously, so in some ways the Saxon 7/6 and Algebra 1/2 was a slowing down and cementing of skills. (My rationale for Saxon was the possibility of moving him to a school using Saxon - that is off the table.) I want to commit to AoPS going forward. Ds is a quick study that needs a challenge - he needs to feel a stretching, which quite frankly he hasn't had yet with the exception of some Beast stuff. So where would you start: Pre-A or Algebra? I could go either way. He's young, so no rush; but not enough challenge I fear will encourage laziness or the expectation that math should be easy. Thanks!

 

 

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[Lilaclady]

I will start with prealgebra. It will give him time to wrestle with deeper math that is still manageable. Algebra is nice too but if he has time, doing the prealgebra will be better.

[wapiti]

He is 10?  I could go either way.  You could give him the option of "testing out" of AoPS Prealgebra chapters by having him try the chapter review first.  Or, complete the "do you need this?" post-tests from both the Prealgebra 1 and 2 courses (here and here).

[SamanthaCarter]

He is 10? I could go either way. You could give him the option of "testing out" of AoPS Prealgebra chapters by having him try the chapter review first. Or, complete the "do you need this?" post-tests from both the Prealgebra 1 and 2 courses (here and here).

Thank you, this is perfect! I didn't see these on the site.

 

 

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[Arcadia]

He's young, so no rush; but not enough challenge I fear will encourage laziness or the expectation that math should be easy.

Let him try the AMC8 past year papers. If those are too easy, start with the intro to algebra book. If those are too hard, start with the prealgebra. If it is neither easy nor hard, then it is really your call.

 

https://www.artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php/AMC_8_Problems_and_Solutions

 

My kids first tried the AMC8 when they were 9 and 10. It was a fun experience and they know that they are not the tippy top :) Another fun low pressure contest was the RSM contest but we have a few centers near us for the on-site 2nd round.

 

My DS12 who finds math relatively easy still enjoyed the prealgebra book even though he didn't have to work hard. He had to think but it wasn't at struggling level. My kids like the non-algebra chapters (last few chapters) in the prealgebra book more.

 

However if cost is a factor, there is nothing wrong or bad about going straight to the intro to algebra book.

[Julie of KY]

I went from SM5 to Algebra with my oldest, but wouldn't recommend it for most.

 

The prealgebra book is great, but it does appear that you've covered some of it. I'd still be inclined to recommend to start here though.

 

[Roadrunner]

Unless you have a profoundly gifted kid (and there are plenty of them on this board), with a 10 year old, I would start with preA. If he is profoundly gifted, then he would probably find less benefit in the preA.

[SamanthaCarter]

No idea about the gifted. I suspect he is, given his asynchrony. I'm inclined to start with Pre-A, but I'll test him, he'll enjoy that anyway. Cost IS a factor. Thank you all, you've given me a plan. :)