Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Recommended Resources Review for pre-algebra?

My DD is beginning 'pre-algebra' this school year. A lot of the pre-algebra seems to be review already but I want her to have a good foundation at her age. We are planning on using Holt Course 2 from 2007 since that is our local PS grade 7 math. I thought this would be a good starting point. Is this enough review (a lot of it seems to be things she already knows)? I bought the teachers edition and we have the online textbook. Math isn't her favorite subject as I've said before so I don't want to push to hard. My understand is that Course 3 then begins 'pre-algebra' as far as our PS is concerned. I am thinking she will move pretty quickly through Course 2 and then on to Course 3. She is still using EPGY but wants textbooks (she wants mom to teach). She didn't do as well as I expected she would with ALEKS, she hated it, so I feel I need to have more interaction as well. The school liason said she would easily fit into seventh this year based on their testing from the end of third/beginning of fourth grade, and maybe even eighth depending on how much her math had improved. Any ideas, thoughts?

Hi Melissa,
Sounds good! My son did pre-algebra at age 10, at school, and it was really, really hard, and so they put him back into 6th grade math and the next year the pre-algebra was almost too easy. Take home message is: Who knows with these kids! Gotta be flexible and keep trying.

Smiles,
Grinity

Thanks for the advice! The TE just came so we will give it a go and see what happens. I'm just not a huge mathy person and second guess myself. I went with Holt because the online has all the Thinkwell type videos to go with it in case I run into any trouble refreshing my memory.

You may want to check out the "Key To" series. Try "Key to Algebra" They are in workbook form, so they are not expensive, and don't have all the distractions of the over-illustrated current textbooks. The first few workbooks (and the teachers books) should get you through pre-algebra. You can preview some of the pages online before you decide to order.

DDs school uses the Holt text as well. Book 1 is considered 6th grade, 2 is 7th grade and 3 is 8th grade pre-Algebra. The one good thing about Holt is that we have online access to the book, quizzes and video tutorials. Also DD doesn't have to carry heavy books home every day. The book moves quite slowly but if you go through it at home, you can skip some of the repetitive parts.

Jen

For a good, basic, introductory review, check into Hands-On Equations. It uses a simple set of manipulatives to clearly illustrate the conceptual side of algebra. It isn't a textbook but they do offer a student workbook.

Overall, it is pretty easy but I think it builds a really strong knowledge base for beginning students and would help algebra-timid students overcome their fear.

http://www.borenson.com/

P.S. The manipulatives may be something you can create at home . . .

Jen,

Isn't it telling that the inside of the Michigan Teacher's Edition lists Course 2 as Sixth Grade. Our PS and most I have heard of use it for Seventh. I picked it because of the online options, they do look pretty cool.

I like the idea of manipulatives if my DD is having trouble with the concept.

Thanks all!