Math moms, I need some serious help! My dd isn't ready for algebra next year...

[DB in NJ]

She'll be using the ABeka DVD's, including their algebra, and she is NOT ready. She was a fantastic math student, very sharp, up through 6th grade. Last year and all of this year, she's been struggling with math. She started this year with TT Algebra and just bombed. Now she's working through Saxon 8/7. She just started this book, and it's already over her head (I'm talking Lesson SIX!!).

 

I have 5 full months before she starts Algebra I. Fortunately we're not doing the program where she has to report to ABeka (I'm keeping the records myself, thankyouverymuch), but still, she wants to be able to use the DVD's and "keep up."

 

Any recommendations or suggestions or advice?? I've considered going back to R&S 8 (she used R&S up through 6th grade, but she really HATES it, even though she did well and at least knew her math!). I looked at ABeka's pre-algebra (8th grade), and I can't tell much about it from the 2 pages on their website.

 

HELP!!!! PLEASE!!! I'm ready to cry....

[Jann in TX]

First to get her ready for Algebra...

I vote for trying Lial's Basic College Math...it may help her due to the word 'college' in the title---it is STILL a regular Pre-Algebra level course.

 

Pick up an older 6th or 7th edition (isbn for 6th is 0321064577, 7th is .032125780 ) for around $20.

Make sure it does not have writing in it---then let her use it as a workbook. There will only be a few problems where she will need a bit more room--she will know when to use notebook paper.

 

The lessons are very clear and show every step. Just the odds--or every-other odd will be more than enough practice.

 

What I like about BCM is that it shows the concept from the beginning--where other Pre-Algebra programs start in the middle.

 

Have her take the CHAPTER REVIEWS for placement. That way you can tell exactly which sections she needs to review.

 

---

Now onto Algebra 1. ABeka's Algebra text does NOT have enough student support...if your dd needs more help that the DVD provides you will need to find a tutor. I really really do not like ABeka's Geometry (I did like their quizzes--but the quizzes did not match up with the text!)--not sure how much more their DVD teacher supplements...again it is the text. ABeka's Algebra texts are from the EARLY 1900s (around 1914) and are reprints of a discountinued PS text. Some of the concepts are outdated--especially in linear graphing. I taught from ABeka at a private school...

[LisaNY]

I was going to suggest Lial's BCM, but I'm not a "math mom", so I thought I'd way to see what the real "math mom's" would say.

 

So, yeah, I recommend Lial's BCM, too! :D

[amtmcm]

We haven't used LOF yet, but we will in the fall. I hear everybody rave about how fun and complete it is. The Fractions & Decimal books are supposed to be pre-algebra level and I believe each book is about 32 lessons. You could easily get through them both in a couple months and probably even start Beginning Algebra.

 

My niece is a senior and has used A Beka DVDs (A Beka keeps the records) since 2nd grade. Her math is a disaster. A Beka for elementary was awesome for both of my girls! But when I looked at the upper level math books I found the story problems difficult to follow and didn't care for the general layout of the books. My niece has struggled all through A Beka's high school math but has done fine in her other subjects, so it may be the books and not your daughter.

 

Hope this helps. Best Wishes. :)

[Guest Katia]

We haven't used LOF yet, but we will in the fall. I hear everybody rave about how fun and complete it is. The Fractions & Decimal books are supposed to be pre-algebra level and I believe each book is about 32 lessons. You could easily get through them both in a couple months and probably even start Beginning Algebra.

 

 

I agree with this. Life of Fred is fun and very complete. Make sure you get the Home Companion for lessons and extra practice for the Beginning Algebra. She should be able to complete the Fractions and Decimal books (and yes, they are pre-algebra level) before the end of summer, and then yes, start her on the Beginning Algebra book.

 

I have a feeling if you do this, you won't want to use ABeka.......;)

[Pamela H in Texas]

LoF may be a good idea.....You might look over at systemath.com also (either the 6th/7th levels or possibly Math Rescue--their basic skills/pre-algebra program for older teens and adults-- though she's a little young for it).

 

My ds had done Lials BCM and then Dolciani Pre-Algebra and half of Algebra I. He made decent grades but something was definitely off. We changed to the Systematic Mathematics (systemath.com). He did Math Rescue (though a bit young) and then went onto Level 8 and will do level 9. It is all soooooooooo much better. I wish we had found that program earlier. One really good thing also was that ds wasn't penalized greatly by backing up. He'll finish Algebra II the end of 9th grade (or the summer after if he catches any real snags).

 

Honestly? I would get these pre-alge skills rock solid before moving onto Algebra I regardless of how long it took. She'll move better through Algebra I with a firm foundation.

Edited March 27, 2009 by 2J5M9K

[MyThreeSons]

You might want to check out the Key to Tracker at the link below. You can register your daughter for $6 for one year. The program works with Key to Fractions, Key to Decimals, Key to Percents, and Key to Algebra, which together pretty much cover what a student needs to know to be ready for Algebra, and then some, with the Key to Algebra workbooks. (I'm assuming she knows her basic math operations.) The program will assess where she stands in each of these areas, and then guide her to the appropriate workbook pages for practice.

 

http://www.keypress.com/x22311.xml

[Liza Q]

Another vote for Lials BCM. We didn't start using TT until my oldest was in High School so she used Lials in the 8th grade and it was wonderful. We could really see where she was struggling and she had plenty of practice in all the right areas.

[Kathie in VA]

My vote is for Lial's BCM. I'm using it now with 2 of my kids. LOF sounds good also but I haven't seen it. I know BCM is a great overview of all that leads up to Algebra, and it's really cheap. The answers to all the odds are right in the back of the book, no TE needed. :001_smile:

 

hth

[Jackie in NE]

We used MUS through 6th grade, then went on to BCM (on Jann's suggestion---thank-you, Jann). And BCM really worked for my non-mathy daughter. I liked it so much, we went right on into Lial's beginning algebra with the DVTs. It's great.

 

Also, with respect to BCM, we did exactly as Jann suggested and used the chapter reviews to pinpoint those concepts that dd needed to review....

 

Again, it worked really well.

 

HTH, Jackie

[DB in NJ]

Thanks everyone. I'm still not sure what we'll be doing, but I have lots to check out now!

 

This is my 2nd time through this same scenario. I really must be doing something wrong, math-wise :glare: Hoping I figure it out before it's too late for my 9 yo. :(

[angieathome]

You might go to the Saxon website and have your daughter take their assessment test which identifies and tests all of the concepts needed for each math level. I found that when I switched curriculums (not the exact switch you are making) there were gaps in the scope and sequence of concept coverage. You might have to use a tool like Saxon to pinpoint gaps, then use one of their previous texts to fill in the gaps. They mark concepts with a numbering system so you can just use the parts of the book you need. I had to back up a couple of times to fill gaps for a couple of my kids. Once the gaps were filled, it was smoothe sailing. It was worth the time it took to go backward in order to ultimately go further forward. The only red flag is that your daughter seems to be discouraged. In times like those, I reminded my kids that life is not a race---there is no prize to the one who gets to the end first. LOL---hopefully.

[DB in NJ]

You might go to the Saxon website and have your daughter take their assessment test which identifies and tests all of the concepts needed for each math level. I found that when I switched curriculums (not the exact switch you are making) there were gaps in the scope and sequence of concept coverage. You might have to use a tool like Saxon to pinpoint gaps, then use one of their previous texts to fill in the gaps. They mark concepts with a numbering system so you can just use the parts of the book you need. I had to back up a couple of times to fill gaps for a couple of my kids. Once the gaps were filled, it was smoothe sailing. It was worth the time it took to go backward in order to ultimately go further forward. The only red flag is that your daughter seems to be discouraged. In times like those, I reminded my kids that life is not a race---there is no prize to the one who gets to the end first. LOL---hopefully.

 

Thank you! That is very encouraging :)

[Margo out of lurking]

To all of you who recommended Lial's, a big thank you. I worry that I am in this same situation with my 14yodd. Since we're also planning to begin LoF in the fall, those comments were also encouraging.

 

Meanwhile, immediately after reading this thread, I ordered Lial's 6th ed. at amazon for less than $25. I've already told dd that we'll be working on math over the summer.

 

And Donna, I wouldn't think that you're the one doing anything wrong. Math comes together for a variety of reasons for different kids. Although we've switched curriculum a few times over the years (back and forth between Saxon and Sing.), the only thing that would probably have made a difference would be if my dd had stayed in ps. One hour of math per day, plus homework, would have benefitted. But it wouldn't have worked at home. :)

Edited March 27, 2009 by Kristine out of lurking

[mamato4girls]

I am in the same boat with my DD- she is in 8th grade this year but struggles with Math and we are using TT 7. She did Pre Algebra last year and struggled so much, I had hear do Math 7 this year. Thanks for posting this, as she is so not ready for Algebra.

[Halftime Hope]

I'm on my last student, and ds is different. His brain just doesn't soak up math the way the other two kids' brains did. (My husband say that they have "brain leak," and that he speaks from firsthand experience....:lol:)

 

Having him work through Lials and Aleks seems to be helping. He just needs frequent and copious review to cement the subjects. The other thing we've been trying is doing math "homework." We do math twice a day and break it up into smaller chunks. When he sees the concept twice, it seems to help him remember it better than only once in a 24 hr period.

 

hth

[DB in NJ]

I'm on my last student, and ds is different. His brain just doesn't soak up math the way the other two kids' brains did. (My husband say that they have "brain leak," and that he speaks from firsthand experience....:lol:)

 

Having him work through Lials and Aleks seems to be helping. He just needs frequent and copious review to cement the subjects. The other thing we've been trying is doing math "homework." We do math twice a day and break it up into smaller chunks. When he sees the concept twice, it seems to help him remember it better than only once in a 24 hr period.

 

hth

 

Oooooh, I likey this idea :D I ordered the Lial's book last night from Amazon.com. I think I'll try this idea too and see how it goes. Thanks!!!

 

And LOL @ the crowded boat :lol:

[bettyandbob]

I'm going to suggest a book that I have never seen mentioned here. This would be as a supplement. Math Doesn't Suck by Danic McKellar is written for middle school girls to cover all the math they need before prealgebra. Kiss My Math is the follow up book covering prealgebra. Each short chapter is a topic with examples written as examples girls can relate to (shopping, making friendship bracelets, etc). The author gives several approaches to each topic. The books are also meant to be opened again and again as a reference to review a topic. I only recently got the book. I wouldn't make this as a "spine" for all math, but the author certainly makes math approachable and does seem to be thorough.

 

The author is also an actress--remember Winnie Cooper from The Wonder Years. She went to UCLA and studied math. I don't know if she finished her PhD. but she does have a theorem named after her. She wrote the books because she had friends who were afraid of math.

 

Good luck finding what works.

[In The Great White North]

I'm going to suggest a book that I have never seen mentioned here. This would be as a supplement. Math Doesn't Suck by Danic McKellar is written for middle school girls to cover all the math they need before prealgebra. Kiss My Math is the follow up book covering prealgebra. Each short chapter is a topic with examples written as examples girls can relate to (shopping, making friendship bracelets, etc). The author gives several approaches to each topic. The books are also meant to be opened again and again as a reference to review a topic. I only recently got the book. I wouldn't make this as a "spine" for all math, but the author certainly makes math approachable and does seem to be thorough.

 

 

I did Math Doesn't Suck with dd(12) (in spite of the title) and she is now doing Lial's BCM. MDS does have some memorable ways of describing things, ie. "copycat fractions." However, it does not have enough practice and the author comes right out and says it is supposed to accompany whatever book you have in school (which usually has more than enough practice.) IOW, you need both.

 

MDS is basically LoF for girls. The math is hidden in a bunch of chitchat, instead of a story line.

[bettyandbob]

I did Math Doesn't Suck with dd(12) (in spite of the title) and she is now doing Lial's BCM. MDS does have some memorable ways of describing things, ie. "copycat fractions." However, it does not have enough practice and the author comes right out and says it is supposed to accompany whatever book you have in school (which usually has more than enough practice.) IOW, you need both.

 

MDS is basically LoF for girls. The math is hidden in a bunch of chitchat, instead of a story line.

 

 

I did say I wouldn't recommend Math Doesn't Suck as a spine. But it does make math more fun and therefore more accessible to girls this age. The fun factor can be extremely important to someone who has started to falter and lose confidence. I would not call this LOF for girls either. I like LOF a lot. I think for a student who is really faltering LOF does not have enough babysteps.

[DB in NJ]

These look really good. Like I said, I ordered the Lial's BCM, but I just requested both of these books from my library. At least she can read through them. Can't hurt, right?

 

:grouphug: Thanks again for all your help!

[Kathy in MD]

You might want to check out the Key to Tracker at the link below. You can register your daughter for $6 for one year. The program works with Key to Fractions, Key to Decimals, Key to Percents, and Key to Algebra, which together pretty much cover what a student needs to know to be ready for Algebra, and then some, with the Key to Algebra workbooks. (I'm assuming she knows her basic math operations.) The program will assess where she stands in each of these areas, and then guide her to the appropriate workbook pages for practice.

 

http://www.keypress.com/x22311.xml

 

One major problem we had with the Key to..... series is the lack of practice problems. If the OP's dc needs repetition, this may not be a good choice. We also found that the series only explained the problems one way. Though my dh and I thought the explanations were excellent and clear, our ds could complete the work and not learn the concept being taught. :confused

 

We went with CD for basic math and pre-algebra because we wanted a DVD program for our ds. Otherwise we would have used Lial's BCM.

[Harrison_B]

Hi, My name is Terri and I am new to this board, but I wanted to post because I wanted to share a workbook that helped us out immensely with Algebra. It was called the Algebra Survival Guide by Josh Rappaport. You can find it at Barnes and Noble. I'd used it before Algebra I (we're using Jacobs now). It helped my son by explaining Algebra concepts in a simple, question-like manner. It is very straight forward without being intimidating. I still use it when he doesn't understand the concept in the Jacob's book. I hope this helps you.

 

Terri

[PollyOR]

Scoot over, we're getting in. ;)

 

DD(13) is going through the Key to ... series at the moment using the Key to Tracker. I made her start with fractions to review. I can set the % that she has to get correct before moving on. I set the bar high on purpose. She needs to know this stuff before she can successfully move on. I'm happy we found it.

 

She balked at LOF. I took it back to the library. That saved some $.:D

 

She read Math Doesn't Suck and is working through Kiss My Math (pre-algebra).

 

We did R&S for several years until she burned out. Now she wishes that they would publish an algebra textbook. That won't happen soon enough for her.

 

Good luck!