My ninth grader has always struggled with math, and since it was something that I had struggled with in my high school years, we slog through it together. He is in Algebra I using the Alpha Omega Switched-On Schoolhouse (SOS) program. Multi-step problems are... well... the problem. Let me say before I go on, one of the features that I really really like about SOS is the fact that they offer a teacher solution web site that gives me what I need to understand and then explain the unit to him. We can do a lesson together and then start on the problems. After doing 8-10 together, we then do them individually; me on the chalkboard, he on his scrap paper to see what steps we take to get to the answer. He inadvertently leaves out 1 or 2 steps. We have tried many strategies to help: memorization, catch phrases, rhymes ... all to no avail. He has come to me on his own to ask for other strategies. One of his suggestions is to start Algebra I over again from the beginning to see if he can relearn (pick up on) some of the basics that he may have missed. That is true desperation for him to ask to start from the beginning again. He really does want to get it. Any trade secrets from the community would be appreciated.
:)De
5 comments:
You know what? My son is in 8th grade and he's really good at math...it's a breeze for him. But for my fifth grader, it is a two-hour tear-filled time every day. I'm dreading Algebra since she especially struggles with multi-step problems. I wish I could help you, but I'm in the same boat.
We've always used Saxon and have had great success. I think it's because of the repetitive nature and that each lesson builds on the other. Remember your goal is to teach him, not frustrate him. The beauty of homeschooling is teaching at your child's level and pace. If his motives to start over are to "get it", why hesitate? Life Adapted
Thanks you 2. I am not sure why I am hesitant to start it over again. Of course I want him to get it and I want him to feel like he is leading in his education, so I did start it over this morning. I removed all of the quizzes and test and left just the lessons. Blogging here has taught me the importance of having a schedule, but not letting the schedule have me. Thanks again.
:)De
Thanks so much for praying for my family. I was also going to suggest the Algebra Survival Guide by Singing Turtle Press. It's an awesome book. Comes with a workbook also from Rainbow Resource for about $25. My highschoolers loved it.
Ah! Algebra! LOL! I have an 18-yr old who's graduated and in college now. And we worked so well together on everything EXCEPT Algebra. We had done Saxon for years - until Algebra. *dramatic music here* It wasn't clicking anymore.
Short story- we finally tried Teaching Textbooks and she LOVED it! It was pricey but everything was explained step by step and the "man" (the voice on the CD's) she called "Al" (Al G. Bra) and said she was going to marry him.
Now we'll see if that will work for my 11-yr old when she gets there. =/
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