Servant4Christ Posted September 5, 2023 Share Posted September 5, 2023 (edited) I am debating where to go once Oldest completes R&S math 8. Would Foerster's Algebra 1 (Prentice Hall Classics Version) be too big of a leap? My other thought is Dolciani (Classic Edition because it's easier to find solution keys). Disclaimer: Oldest isn't interested in Jacob's at all, which really surprised me with all the cool tricks and comics. Edited September 5, 2023 by Servant4Christ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janeway Posted September 5, 2023 Share Posted September 5, 2023 Foerster’s algebra is no more of a leap than Dolciani. I have both and they cover the same exact thing. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Servant4Christ Posted September 5, 2023 Author Share Posted September 5, 2023 8 hours ago, Janeway said: Foerster’s algebra is no more of a leap than Dolciani. I have both and they cover the same exact thing. Thank you. Then I guess my next question is: Do you think a student who finishes R&S math through grade 8 will do fine going on to algebra 1 without having taken a pre algebra course? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoo Keeper Posted September 5, 2023 Share Posted September 5, 2023 Just now, Servant4Christ said: Thank you. Then I guess my next question is: Do you think a student who finishes R&S math through grade 8 will do fine going on to algebra 1 without having taken a pre algebra course? Yes. 🙂 BTDT. Some older posters (Beth in Central TX and Colleen in NS) had students who did R&S 8 to Dolciani and did very well. Most alg 1 programs cover the basics in the first chapter to get students from different programs up to speed. Both Foerster's and Dolciani start from square one and bring a student forward. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ieta_cassiopeia Posted September 5, 2023 Share Posted September 5, 2023 (edited) I believe Rod & Staff's basic structure predates the concept of pre-algebra as a separate year's study. Much, though certainly not all, of the material that would be in pre-algebra is instead integrated into the upper years of Rod & Staff. Chapter 1 may be a bit slower-going than otherwise, but methodically working through will get Oldest ready for the rest of the book. If an extra week of mathematics work is needed for complete confidence in Chapter 1 (and Oldest is likely to need less extra time than that, if any), take it with as little fuss as possible; you'll probably get it back by May, due to more rapid understanding of the rest of the material. A wide swathe of students from every program would probably benefit from taking Chapter 1 of Algebra 1 books a little more slowly than instinct might suggest, since programs often have important clues about how they are going to approach novel mathematical material in how they present these relatively familiar concepts. Learning these clues help students to understand the lessons faster and more completely than otherwise. You simply have a more concrete reason to point to than usual, in that Rod & Staff doesn't claim to cover every pre-algebra concept, thus some parts may be genuinely new. Pick whichever of Dolciani or Foerster's makes the most sense in the context of your household, and continue enjoying the mathematics journey! Edited September 5, 2023 by ieta_cassiopeia 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted September 5, 2023 Share Posted September 5, 2023 Those are both strong texts. Just pick one. If you want to get a headstart on the topics R&S didn't really cover, the Key to Algebra workbook set is super clear, easy to use, and really good at illustrating why the math works. It's a supplement; not a full course. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Servant4Christ Posted September 5, 2023 Author Share Posted September 5, 2023 (edited) Thanks. I'm pretty confident I can explain and fill any gaps needed for Algebra 1. I just wanted to make sure the transition wouldn't be a huge stretch, if that makes sense. Now, I just have to decide. I'll likely buy both, but the one we use will be dependent upon which one I can find fairly priced solution manuals for. Finding Dolciani solution keys is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. Edited September 5, 2023 by Servant4Christ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janeway Posted September 9, 2023 Share Posted September 9, 2023 On 9/5/2023 at 6:12 AM, Servant4Christ said: Thank you. Then I guess my next question is: Do you think a student who finishes R&S math through grade 8 will do fine going on to algebra 1 without having taken a pre algebra course? I would think so. I am sure so actually. I own both and prefer Dolciani, but others prefer Foersters. SO I am splitting the difference. I have had one child use each of Dolciani and Foersters and Jacobs. They are all equal, but a little different in presentation. The explanations are the same pretty much. I have compared many lessons. So, I just let the kids pick the one they like the look of. You could just pick the one you like and use it. No need to own 3 sets of books to let one child pick. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Servant4Christ Posted September 9, 2023 Author Share Posted September 9, 2023 (edited) Thankyou @Janeway. I think I'm just stressing because I struggled in highschool math but was ignored by most math teachers. I was getting good grades so I clearly didn't need the same kind of help as the students who were failing. I could see and copy the patterns being used to solve problems but had no clue why I was doing it or why it worked. Thus, good grades and no clue. I'm currently looking at a picture of a page in Foerster's Alg 1 that is a prime example. I haven't found a similar lesson in Dolciani (yet) to compare explanations, though. I will say, I am thankful for all the research I'm doing, as it's shedding light on areas I truly want to reteach myself. Edited May 2 by Servant4Christ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janeway Posted September 9, 2023 Share Posted September 9, 2023 48 minutes ago, Servant4Christ said: Thankyou @Janeway. I think I'm just stressing because I struggled in highschool math but was ignored by most math teachers. I was getting good grades so I clearly didn't need the same kind of help as the students who were failing. I could see and copy the patterns being used to solve problems but had no clue why I was doing it or why it worked. Thus, good grades and no clue. I'm currently looking at a picture of a page in Foerster's Alg 1 that is a prime example, yet I didn't use Foerster's. I used Jacobs Alg 1. I remember because I hated those lizards with everything in me. Lol. I haven't found a similar lesson in Dolciani (yet) to compare explanations, though. I will say, I am thankful for all the research I'm doing, as it's shedding light on areas I truly want to reteach myself. You can PM me if you wish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janeway Posted September 9, 2023 Share Posted September 9, 2023 (edited) 51 minutes ago, Servant4Christ said: Thankyou @Janeway. I think I'm just stressing because I struggled in highschool math but was ignored by most math teachers. I was getting good grades so I clearly didn't need the same kind of help as the students who were failing. I could see and copy the patterns being used to solve problems but had no clue why I was doing it or why it worked. Thus, good grades and no clue. I'm currently looking at a picture of a page in Foerster's Alg 1 that is a prime example, yet I didn't use Foerster's. I used Jacobs Alg 1. I remember because I hated those lizards with everything in me. Lol. I haven't found a similar lesson in Dolciani (yet) to compare explanations, though. I will say, I am thankful for all the research I'm doing, as it's shedding light on areas I truly want to reteach myself. You can PM me if you wish. Actually..I am about to go out and do yard work. I can try to take some pictures from Dolciani. I would highly recommend pre-algebra. It never hurts to also do pre-algebra. But it definitely hurts to not do it if they are not heavily grounded in the math. I do use Keys to Algebra...all 10 books, for every child, regardless. It seems to focus in on some of the trouble areas and gives extra clarity. I try to get through the first 4 books before starting algebra. Edited September 9, 2023 by Janeway 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Servant4Christ Posted September 9, 2023 Author Share Posted September 9, 2023 (edited) ITT to the rescue! Now I know the "why" that I just could not remember. I DO know this! Edited September 10, 2023 by Servant4Christ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malam Posted September 10, 2023 Share Posted September 10, 2023 20 hours ago, Servant4Christ said: ITT to the rescue! Now I know the "why" that I just could not remember. I DO know this! What's ITT? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted September 10, 2023 Share Posted September 10, 2023 3 hours ago, Malam said: What's ITT? It's "Ignore This Thread," a thread which has taken on a life of its own. 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Servant4Christ Posted September 11, 2023 Author Share Posted September 11, 2023 (edited) 11 hours ago, Malam said: What's ITT? Sorry! I posted a screenshot of a page from the Foerster's text on the Ignore This Thread thread (General Ed forum) and one of the regular posters is a math person who was kind enough to reminded me of the piece I was missing. Sometimes it's just so much easier/faster to post there than to start a new thread. Edited September 11, 2023 by Servant4Christ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Servant4Christ Posted April 19 Author Share Posted April 19 I thought I'd update this thread for future reference: Thanks to some of the above posts, I was struck with the brilliant idea to pick 2-3 topics and compare them side by side in Foerster, Dolciani, Jacobs, and Jurgensen. I am surprised to realize that multiple editions of the same textbook vary in how topics are presented and explained. I never would've known, had it not been for OpenLibrary and Archive. We chose Foerster Algebra 1 & 2 classic editions and Jurgensen Geometry 2000 edition. I will likely also buy Jacobs older editions for myself because I find them fascinating and maybe one of my younger children will prefer them to Foresters in the future. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Servant4Christ Posted April 23 Author Share Posted April 23 I just received and returned Jurgensen. The teacher edition doesn't have enough teacher support for me. The daily lesson chalkboard examples do not show fully worked out solutions. The book just gives a problem with answer and assumes the teacher can take it from there. Umm, not me. Off to buy Jacobs now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted April 24 Share Posted April 24 (edited) Jacobs Geometry 2nd edition is better than the 3rd, I think. There are threads about it here somewhere… Edited April 24 by ScoutTN 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Servant4Christ Posted April 24 Author Share Posted April 24 (edited) 10 hours ago, ScoutTN said: Jacobs Geometry 2nd edition is better than the 3rd, I think. There are threads about it here somewhere… Yes, I personally prefer the 2nd edition over the 3rd edition just looking through them both on Archive and comparing them. However, the support materials and optional DVDs are more readily available for the third edition. I'm also looking into Geometry: A Guided Inquiry because the text appears to be visually similar to Foersters Algebra textbooks and the problems look very real world interesting which could be just the ticket for my oldest. Edited April 24 by Servant4Christ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoo Keeper Posted April 24 Share Posted April 24 (edited) 16 hours ago, Servant4Christ said: I just received and returned Jurgensen. The teacher edition doesn't have enough teacher support for me. The daily lesson chalkboard examples do not show fully worked out solutions. The book just gives a problem with answer and assumes the teacher can take it from there. Umm, not me. Off to buy Jacobs now. The Solution Manual for Jurgensen's geo is available on archive... https://archive.org/details/geometry00jurg/mode/2up Edited April 24 by Zoo Keeper 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Servant4Christ Posted April 24 Author Share Posted April 24 22 minutes ago, Zoo Keeper said: The Solution Manual for Jurgense's geo is available on archive... https://archive.org/details/geometry00jurg/mode/2up I know. I already had it bookmarked. I don't know why but I still expected step by step solutions to the teaching portion in the TE. Otherwise, there's no point in doing them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Servant4Christ Posted May 1 Author Share Posted May 1 (edited) I showed my oldest samples of Jacobs second edition and third edition along with a couple chapters from Geometry: A Guided Inquiry. To my surprise, he prefers Jacobs second edition over third edition so I've ordered Jacobs 2e and GGI. Edited May 8 by Servant4Christ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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