KBadd Posted June 14, 2022 Share Posted June 14, 2022 I'm trying to figure out Algebra 1 for my 2 boys next year: Both have completed Singapore Math up through 6B, and I feel like we've been floundering since finishing that a year ago. We tried AOPS Pre-algebra. It felt like we were slogging through. Neither one liked it and really don't want to return to it. I felt like it was too difficult for them to do simple equations like (-4) x 3 = -12. It didn't seem to be sinking in. Based on friends' recommendations we stopped AOPS about 1/3 of the way through the book I think? and we did CTC Math Pre-algebra. This they liked better, but I didn't like how there was no mathematical thinking/reasoning, no explaining WHY this is what you do. But it did help them get faster and more proficient with basic equations! Neither boy "loves math." They just do it 🙂 Now I'm looking for a good option for them for Algebra 1. Boy #1: Age 13 - more emotional and prone to get frustrated with math, and take shortcuts if he can, but his ability is actually there. He has liked more help in the past but has gotten more independent and capable as he gets older. He is much more literary, well-rounded. Boy #2: Age 11 - typically outperforms his older brother in math. Is like a machine with math - just does the work, no drama. He's really good at math! But he didn't like AOPS because it felt too slow, and honestly he doesn't like to have to work that long LOL. But I do think a part of it was me trying to teach it. I love algebra but it wasn't scheduled and planned out enough for me. Now he doesn't want to do AOPS again. I'd like something challenging enough for him though, but without killing any interest he has in math. Where do we go from here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janas Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 Saxon is great for a no drama student. I recommend taking a Saxon Algebra placement test from the Nicole the math lady site and go from there. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 Dolciani, Jacobs, and Foerster are my favorite three Alg I texts. Derek Owens is excellent if you need more independent. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternallytired Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 I used Foerster for my daughter who thrived on the incremental/conceptual aspects of Math Mammoth (similar to Singapore in approach), and I think it was a good fit. She would have been overwhelmed by AoPS. Math Without Borders has videos available to go with the Foerster book if you need instructional help (or want answers to the even problems--the odd answers are in the back), but on the rare occasion she needed more explanation than Foerster had in the book, I found a video on Khan or YouTube if I couldn't explain it well myself, and she found the odd problems provided plenty of practice. The other benefit to Foerster that it sounds like you might appreciate is that it felt like the lessons were better balanced/scheduled than AoPS lessons: in Foerster you do one complete lesson per day (except on the long story-problem review sections), and it takes you more-or-less the same amount of time each day. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeAgain Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 We enjoyed Math U See's Algebra text this year. Much of it had already been covered in ds's previous program (Gattegno) but this was his first time writing every step out. When he needed more with a topic we added the Algebra With Pizzazz book for some fun. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusyMom5 Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 Have you looked at the Arbor School books? They might be a good choice for the 11 year old. There are 3, and they cover several Algebra concepts, but you would still want another full algebra program like Jacob's, but at his age and interest level, I think it could be a fun choice. I think the 13 year old may fit well into Saxon Algebra with an online video instructor like Nicole the Math Lady. Its pretty basic, repetitive, and imo not as frustrating as other texts. My kids do 20 problems from each set, as long as their test grades stay up. For a kid who is easily frustrated, I think its a good choice with variety in each lesson. I found my biggest Algebra obstacle for my quick paced kids was a lack of writing out steps! Drives me bananas 🍌 I will get a sheet with just answers and no work bx they "do it in their head" and yes, they can! But it comes back to bite them as the steps pile up. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 I wouldn't recommend MUS alg for an advanced math student unless there is a plan to follow with another more challenging alg text. I use MUS alg and geo for pre-alg and pre-geo. MUS's problems are less complex and it does not include the quadratic equation, etc. I follow MUS with Foerster and the combo has provided an excellent foundation. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucy the Valiant Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 We have found our groove Singapore Math to Dolciani. On my 4th pass through, and happy to answer any questions of that's helpful. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janeway Posted June 26, 2022 Share Posted June 26, 2022 On 6/15/2022 at 5:36 PM, ScoutTN said: Dolciani, Jacobs, and Foerster are my favorite three Alg I texts. Derek Owens is excellent if you need more independent. These are my favorites too!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted June 26, 2022 Share Posted June 26, 2022 If you intend to do the teaching, I'd try Jacobs for the 13yo. The problem sets are brilliant in that they use a gentle discovery method. If he gets stuck, it's ok to give hints and help as necessary. If you'd like your 11yo to fly on his own, I'd consider Derek Owens. He can go as fast as he likes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah0000 Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 My 10yo transitioned well to Jacob's from Singapore 6. The problem sets are easy to divide into chunks or accelerate through. It starts really easy and gentle and includes just enough textual information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Bean Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 (edited) Singapore Dimensions 7 then 8 https://www.singaporemath.com/collections/dimensions-math-6-8 These are the teaching vids through 6. https://www.singaporemath.com/collections/dimensions-video-subscription SingaporemathLive has online classes for DM 7 and 8 plus a special class for high school just for kids who go through DM 7 & 8. https://singaporemathlive.com/dimensions/ Edited July 1, 2022 by Green Bean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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