Can we discuss these two options, please?
Just when I thought I had made a decision, I am second guessing myself.
These are the specific things I'm questioning:
Which one is better for the child who is good at math but just wants to check the box? Her interests are outside of the STEM arena but she's definitely college prep.
Which one is more enjoyable for the child who really loved Singapore? Which is most like Singapore?
Which one will have shorter lessons?
Which one will appeal to a girl who likes to have humor in learning and is very relational?
For those who have used the upper levels, I'm not super confident in teaching beyond Algebra. Does that qualify me for VT only (I realize Foerster's has the DVD component but I'm trying to be realistic). I don't want to get in over my head.
Will VT provide enough review for the child who might need several passes at a concept?
Thank you!
Algebra: Videotext vs. Foerster's
Algebra: Videotext vs. Foerster's
Currently:
dd 16 AH1 -bits & pieces (previously used Bigger, Preparing, CtC, RtR, Rev, MMtM, WG, WH)
dd 12 REV (previously used LHTH, LHfHG, Beyond, Bigger, Preparing, CtC, & RtR)
dd 16 AH1 -bits & pieces (previously used Bigger, Preparing, CtC, RtR, Rev, MMtM, WG, WH)
dd 12 REV (previously used LHTH, LHfHG, Beyond, Bigger, Preparing, CtC, & RtR)
Re: Algebra: Videotext vs. Foerster's
I'll give an end of week update since it seems that there isn't a lot of chatter. 
We gave Foerster's a try this week and it was so smooth. Both dd and I really enjoyed talking through the teaching part of each lesson and she spent less than 20 minutes doing the odd problems. I love how it gives very clear direction (for some, it might be common sensical) in terms of lining up the equal signs and writing every step out. I also like that the text speaks directly to us i.e., "cover the page under the dotted line while you complete this problem," then gives step by step instructions to read through as you correct your classwork problems. The text just seems to really hold your hand.
I know I'm not coming at this with a lot of experience but my first impression was incredibly good. I'm fearful that I won't be able to stay the course through the remainder of high school math but I'll cross that bridge if I come to it.
I can see how those coming out of Singapore (and those who enjoyed being involved in math teaching) would enjoy Foerster's.
Oh...and if someone could direct me, is there any sort of a Foerster's math schedule? I'm not wanting to rush through but I'd like to know if there might be a guide. I am contemplating doing odds on day 1 and evens on day 2 since dd is starting this text in 8th grade (though she'll start 9th in January). I'd like to make it a year and half study and slow the pace.
We gave Foerster's a try this week and it was so smooth. Both dd and I really enjoyed talking through the teaching part of each lesson and she spent less than 20 minutes doing the odd problems. I love how it gives very clear direction (for some, it might be common sensical) in terms of lining up the equal signs and writing every step out. I also like that the text speaks directly to us i.e., "cover the page under the dotted line while you complete this problem," then gives step by step instructions to read through as you correct your classwork problems. The text just seems to really hold your hand. I know I'm not coming at this with a lot of experience but my first impression was incredibly good. I'm fearful that I won't be able to stay the course through the remainder of high school math but I'll cross that bridge if I come to it.
I can see how those coming out of Singapore (and those who enjoyed being involved in math teaching) would enjoy Foerster's.Oh...and if someone could direct me, is there any sort of a Foerster's math schedule? I'm not wanting to rush through but I'd like to know if there might be a guide. I am contemplating doing odds on day 1 and evens on day 2 since dd is starting this text in 8th grade (though she'll start 9th in January). I'd like to make it a year and half study and slow the pace.
Currently:
dd 16 AH1 -bits & pieces (previously used Bigger, Preparing, CtC, RtR, Rev, MMtM, WG, WH)
dd 12 REV (previously used LHTH, LHfHG, Beyond, Bigger, Preparing, CtC, & RtR)
dd 16 AH1 -bits & pieces (previously used Bigger, Preparing, CtC, RtR, Rev, MMtM, WG, WH)
dd 12 REV (previously used LHTH, LHfHG, Beyond, Bigger, Preparing, CtC, & RtR)
Re: Algebra: Videotext vs. Foerster's
I was going so answer "Foerster's" to pretty much all of your questions! 
We loved it! As you've found from starting it, it is actually makes Algebra 1 quite enjoyable for both the teacher and the student. We followed the pacing suggestions HOD gave in the Introduction of the WG guide. Here is a copy of them...
General pacing suggestions for Foerster’s Algebra I include doing a section each day (odd numbered problems only) and spending 2-3 days completing all of the problems in the story problem style exercises at the end of each chapter. If you spend 2 days on the story problem style exercises at the end of the chapter, then you can take one day to complete the “Chapter Review and Test.” However, if you spend 3 days on the story problem exercises at the end of the chapter, then you will instead need to do the “Chapter Review and Test” on your free 5th day in order to complete the text by the end of the school year.
The text includes answers to the odd numbered problems in its Appendix. A fully worked solutions manual for all problems is available for purchase through Heart of Dakota, but only if you have also purchased the Student Text from us as well or have purchased a Heart of Dakota guide to use in teaching your students. This is due to the Publisher's regulations for proving that Solutions Manuals are purchased for homeschool use by homeschool families. Students who are going into 8th or 9th grade and have come up through Heart of Dakota's recommended math successfully through Singapore 6A/6B should be able to transition into Foerster's Algebra I well. The first two chapters of Foerster’s Algebra I include some Pre-Algebra. For those families who have a younger student, have a student who has struggled with math, or have a student who has taken a different math path, you will want to be sure to have had the equivalent of Pre-Algebra prior to entering Foerster's Algebra I.
HTH!
In Christ,
Julie
We loved it! As you've found from starting it, it is actually makes Algebra 1 quite enjoyable for both the teacher and the student. We followed the pacing suggestions HOD gave in the Introduction of the WG guide. Here is a copy of them...General pacing suggestions for Foerster’s Algebra I include doing a section each day (odd numbered problems only) and spending 2-3 days completing all of the problems in the story problem style exercises at the end of each chapter. If you spend 2 days on the story problem style exercises at the end of the chapter, then you can take one day to complete the “Chapter Review and Test.” However, if you spend 3 days on the story problem exercises at the end of the chapter, then you will instead need to do the “Chapter Review and Test” on your free 5th day in order to complete the text by the end of the school year.
The text includes answers to the odd numbered problems in its Appendix. A fully worked solutions manual for all problems is available for purchase through Heart of Dakota, but only if you have also purchased the Student Text from us as well or have purchased a Heart of Dakota guide to use in teaching your students. This is due to the Publisher's regulations for proving that Solutions Manuals are purchased for homeschool use by homeschool families. Students who are going into 8th or 9th grade and have come up through Heart of Dakota's recommended math successfully through Singapore 6A/6B should be able to transition into Foerster's Algebra I well. The first two chapters of Foerster’s Algebra I include some Pre-Algebra. For those families who have a younger student, have a student who has struggled with math, or have a student who has taken a different math path, you will want to be sure to have had the equivalent of Pre-Algebra prior to entering Foerster's Algebra I.
HTH!
In Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Re: Algebra: Videotext vs. Foerster's
Julie,
Thank you for posting the information out of the WG Guide! That helps!
Thank you for posting the information out of the WG Guide! That helps!
Currently:
dd 16 AH1 -bits & pieces (previously used Bigger, Preparing, CtC, RtR, Rev, MMtM, WG, WH)
dd 12 REV (previously used LHTH, LHfHG, Beyond, Bigger, Preparing, CtC, & RtR)
dd 16 AH1 -bits & pieces (previously used Bigger, Preparing, CtC, RtR, Rev, MMtM, WG, WH)
dd 12 REV (previously used LHTH, LHfHG, Beyond, Bigger, Preparing, CtC, & RtR)