Videotext Algebra - Having trouble

[homeforhim]

Hello Ladies,

Carrie may be able to answer this question as I know she has used Videotext Algebra. For any of you other moms out there who have used this for math as well, I would welcome your input. For some background, we have used Horizons math with great success for the elementary grades. My oldest completed through grade 6 and then I purchased the new Horizons Pre-Algebra. Well we got about 50 lessons in and I realized this was not going to work for us. It seemed to me the program threw in new concepts (like simplifying square roots) and there was inadequate explanation and then next day you are on to something new.

I decided I would proceed with Videotext Algebra at this point. By grade 6 in Horizons you do cover some pre-algebra concepts and then we had done a portion of the Horizons Pre-Algebra. SInce Module A of Videotext is pre-algebra too, we completed that last year (grade 7). Now we began this year (his grade 8 year) with Module B which we are still in . My son who has up until this point been a very good math student and very quick to grasp concepts is stuggling and demoralized with his bad marks. I picked up No Nonsense Algebra and we have gone back and done the pre-algebra chapter in it and have now been redoing all topics we have covered in Videotext to try to get some better understanding. We have tried to go back to Videotext a few times and get bogged down.

For sure, as Carrie says, the No Nonsense is a simpler presentation with simpler problems but I do prefer the rigor of the Videotext. Does anyone have any similar experiences? I watch every lesson with him (either program), go over his corrections, and help him at every turn he needs it. Many mistakes, I must admit, are carelessness (negative signs, etc). He is not fond of showing work - that is an ongoing battle. At the same time, there are plenty of times he just doesn't get the concept (for eg. absolute value - we did a teaching time and now I hope he does).

I can't help wondering if we dove into Algebra too soon? Waiting for grade 9 may have been the way to go? They have so many changes in their bodies right now that it complicates their clear thinking, I think sometimes. Any advice? Is it his poor prealgebra prep and the fact that we jumped around for this? Anyone else whose students have trouble transferring what they learn in the Videotext lesson to the problems?

Blessings,
Rachael

[Carrie]

Rachael,

Math can really be something in finding the perfect fit, can't it! I'm so glad that you came and asked some questions about Videotext, as no one should ever feel alone in this area. It helps so much if we can encourage one another on this journey!

I do think from what you've shared that a big part of the struggle you're having comes from jumping from Horizons 6 up to Videotext. While it is true that a typical 6th grade math text will teach many of the concepts needed in preparation for algebra, it is also true that the grades after grade 6 really help cement those concepts prior to heading into formal algebra. In that aspect, having a year of 7th grade math is so helpful!

So, it makes tons of sense to me that the No-Nonsense Algebra is a cleaner fit. This is simply because it is more straight-forward and "no-nonsense" in its presentation, which is where your son is likely at in his mathematical thinking right now.

If your son is doing well with No-Nonsense, I would just have him keep on going through it and set aside Videotext. If I'm understanding correctly that your son is an 8th grader, then if you desired you could go back to Videotext after completing No-Nonsense Algebra and use the Videotext as your formal high school algebra experience.

Or, if your son is not doing well with No-Nonsense, then I would instead looking at doing Pre-Algebra right now instead. Rick Fisher also has a pre-algebra program (with DVD lessons) that you could do instead right now to firm up needed concepts. It is likely that is what your son is missing. It is also can be a maturity issue, as analytical thinking doesn't develop as early as we'd like sometimes with puberty in the way!

Blessings,
Carrie

[homeforhim]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer, Carrie! I wondered if I should just go back to pre-algebra for the remainder of the year and that was one of your suggestions. It also does make sense to stop trying to go back and forth between the two programs and just continue with the No Nonsense. I think that perhaps I should revisit pre-algebra with him then. It will also give him time to mature. It is so good to hear advice from you when I was so perplexed!

Blessings,
Rachael

PS Loved the new sneak peak! My son (who this math question is about) will be grade nine next year!