Pondering a lighter CTC pace to increase math load

[deltagal]

Hi there,

My 2 oldest ds's (ages 13 and 11) are doing CTC and Preparing respectively. It is really going well. I hope to post later some of their work and some other questions, but I've just been thinking about this and wanted to get some input. My oldest (age 13) is an eighth grader and is just now beginning Singapore 6A. He is college bound and needs to be in Algebra 1 by next fall. In order to do that and get pre-algebra in I'm thinking we may need to up his math load in the present. I think if he works an hour a day in 2 - 1/2 hour increments we can get there. I hope! But this would really make his day long, and he does need to do other things. So , in order to maintain a balance perhaps I should lighten his CTC load? Keep in mind he is an eighth grader heading into high school and I need to keep/get him on track. Any thoughts? I threw my 11 yo in this post, as well, because he is working at the same pace as my oldest ds, so if he doesn't pick up the pace he'll be in the same predicament in 2 years.

[Tree House Academy]

I thought that completing 6A and 6B in Singapore made them ready to start Algebra 1..? My 11 year old is doing Singapore 4 right now, so I am in the same boat as you, if they can't go straight into an Algebra program from Singapore 6B.

[deltagal]

Well, throw me an oar Tree House and let's get this boat moving!

I may have misunderstood, but I thought based on this post

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7236&p=53027#p53027

that HOD is recommending pre-algebra and possibly another step before that if a child needs some honing of skills.

Anyhow, time is moving quickly and I feel a bit under pressure. Perhaps, someone who is clearer than I can clarify!

[Tree House Academy]

Yep...Now I am super confused too!

[Carrie]

Ooh, don't be confused ladies! Some students can go right from Singapore 6A/6B into an Algebra program, however we felt it would be wise to do a very brief tour through Pre-Algebra prior to heading into Algebra simply to familiarize students with the U.S. Version of algebra (with 'x' and 'y' as opposed to the bar system used in Singapore math). The Pre-Algebra program we are mentioning is a very quick introduction, not taking more 6 weeks for a good math student to complete. Then, you'll be able to head into Algebra. If you have a more struggling math student, you may wish to allot 8-10 weeks instead.

I wouldn't recommend so much math each day, Florence. Just finish 6A/6B this year. If you have a 6 or so weeks left at the end of the year, you could do Pre-Algebra then, or you could instead do it at the beginning of the next school year. Either way will work. Or, you may not feel that your son needs it at all. It truly depends on how mathy he is. This is also a possibility.

Hope that helps!

Blessings,
Carrie

[Tree House Academy]

Thank you, Carrie!! I didn't realize the program was so quick for students (6-10 weeks). That is very do-able, even if we had to do it at the start of 9th grade or through the summer before 9th. I think we will just stay the path with Singapore. We can always work through some if the summer of it too.

[deltagal]

I wouldn't recommend so much math each day, Florence. Just finish 6A/6B this year. If you have a 6 or so weeks left at the end of the year, you could do Pre-Algebra then, or you could instead do it at the beginning of the next school year. Either way will work. Or, you may not feel that your son needs it at all. It truly depends on how mathy he is. This is also a possibility.

ooooh, it's 5:30 in the morning and I'm doing the happy dance! Thank YOU Carrie. We'll plan to do the brief tour. I looked at the Math Essentials last night and I love the simplicity of the pre-algebra program.

Tree House, it looks like this boat is moving!