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mooreboyz
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| Posted: April 21 2010 at 12:01pm | IP Logged
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My 7th grader is working through TT Algebra I this year and I'm wondering where to go next. I know in school they generally do Geometry and then Algebra II. However, in the Life of Fred series he goes from Algebra I to Algebra II. I'd like to hear your experiences. I'm also considering that since he is still quite young (and spent 2 years working through different Algebra programs) perhaps following his interests and doing Math through beginning accounting (he wants to run his own business someday) and some real world math type workbooks. I'm thinking of doing some computer courses too as we never have like learning spreadsheets, power point, etc. He also wants to learn programming which I am way out of touch with, but did learn in high school.
I think following his interests would make him happy and enthusiastic; but, would it make it tough to pick up with Algebra II or Geometry the following year then? I popped him into Algebra I in the 6th grade because he was always way ahead and exceptional in his Math work and he loved it. However, we did Life of Fred and he just struggled. This year he's doing better with TT, but he's lost his Math enthusiasm. What are you opinions on what we should do?
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Jackie
7 boys - 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17 years
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: April 21 2010 at 12:10pm | IP Logged
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I would do something to get his enthusiasm back and take the Geometry and Algebra II even if you have to refresh Algebra I, later.. for one thing he'll also remember more when it comes to testing for college.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Karen T
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| Posted: April 26 2010 at 2:45pm | IP Logged
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The reason they do geometry between Alg I and II in public school is that the PSAT requires some knowledge of geometry, and for kids who don't start Alg I until 9th grade, this schedule gives them geometry in 10th so they are able to take the PSAT. This is the only reason for that progression, AFAIK.
My ds took Alg I in 8th grade and then did Alg II in 9th, geometry in 10th and then pre-cal this year in 11th and it worked well that way. We used TT for all of these.
What did you use for math before algebra? I have seen several kids who used RightStart (which I love for my younger kids), who tried to go into algebra in 6th grade right afterward and did not do well. I think that RS's claim of being able to go right into algebra is a bit misleading. the specific algebra program they recommend (videotext algebra) may have a lot more pre-algebra or something. I've heard a lot of people say their kids needed a good bit more practice on fractions especially since these are important in algebra. I also have not been especially impressed by Life of Fred, except as a supplement. My ds tried it before TT also and although he could do the problems, he really didn't retain anything.
If you think he needs more fraction practice, we really liked the Key To series for fractions, decimals, percents (3 different sets) - very cheap, consumable workbooks that focus on the skills needed.
If he's not really done well with TT algebra I, I would not go directly into either alg II or geometry - both are much more advanced. Key to books also has series for both algebra and geometry which are less advanced and might work well for either review or for geometry, a "pre" course.
It might simply be a case of maturity, in which case doing some "real world" math for 6 mos or a year might be just the thing, and then have him review Alg I and see if it makes more sense.
just some thoughts.
Karen T
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Kristie 4
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| Posted: April 27 2010 at 12:06pm | IP Logged
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We are at the same place- dd started the Jacob's book late 5th and we are finishing it up now (soon I hope!!). She is still liking math (although complaining a fair bit about the amount of time it takes!).
I also am waffling between Alg.2 or geometry- I think we will go onto Jacob's Geometry for her but Math U See geometry for her brother. She is VERY artistic and math minded and is really looking forward to the geometry, so I think we will go there. I have tossed up the idea of doing Alg.2 and Geo. concurrently taking two years (Barb is doing this with her boys)....
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Kristie in Canada
Mom to 3 boys and one spunky princess!!
A Walk in the Woods
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4Real Forums : High School Years and Beyond
Topic: After algebra I
