Well, in light of all the great responses to Minnesota Mom's Impromptu Poll yesterday, I thought I'd give it a whirl as well seeing as I need to make a decision on the Pre-Algebra program I will use for Violet and most likely Matthias. We will be starting up more formally on the Assumption so I need to get it in gear here.
So...for those of you who have tackled Pre-Algebra/Algebra for your 8th grade students, which program have you used or had good success!
Saxon or __________________?
Thanks for all your input, it will be greatly appreciated :)))
I'm not there yet, but I used Saxon in 8th grade. I hope you find something wonderful (and share it with us!)
Posted by: Jennifer | July 18, 2009 at 02:30 PM
Teaching Textbooks!!! My kids love it.
Posted by: Ruth | July 19, 2009 at 08:49 AM
We've tried everything over the years: Singapore, MUS, Life of Fred, McGraw Hill...
The only thing that my daughter can "get" is Saxon math. And she excels with it. She did 7/6 and 8/7; last year she went to public school and placed into "Algebra I" but it was such a terrible program and they made hardly any progress all year that she will be home again next year (for a variety of reasons, including most significantly what my heart tells me) and we will put her right back where she left off, starting Algebra 1/2. So.... she personally doesn't have experience with that book yet but I did tutor a girl with it a few years ago and it's the exact same style and approach as the other upper-level Saxon books, and I'm finally converted. Sorry for being long!
Posted by: residentmuse | July 19, 2009 at 10:46 AM
We use Saxon( half way through Algebra One), but this summer we took a break and tried Life Of Fred Math beginning Algebra and my 14 year old daughter LOVES it! We were able to check it out from the Library.It is Math in "literary" form...but is very well done and they learn a lot...perhaps even more so than with other texts and it is FUN! I suggest getting it on "hold" at your library, haha There is also a website for Life of Fred Math.
Posted by: Karla | July 24, 2009 at 07:55 AM
I'm way late, but we love Teaching Textbooks. Weeelll, "love" is a strong word for math around here, but my girls like it better than anything else we've done. :)
Posted by: Karen Edmisten | July 29, 2009 at 07:23 AM