Teaching Textbooks Geometry likes/dislikes

[hpymomof3]

I've been trying to decide what to do about teaching dd geometry. In case you didn't read my previous posts I had to pull her out of her private high school this semester due to health reasons. I hope to send her back 2nd semester. I was originally going to try to use the text that they use at her school (University of Chicago geometry) but I don't think I'm going to be able to handle it. I'm very weak in Geometry and I don't have enough resources to teach from this book. I've looked into possibly doing a correspondence or online course but it will be too expensive.

I've been checking into Teaching Textbooks and it looks like something we would be able to handle. I would like input from anyone who has used this particular series, especially the geometry book. Will it prepare her enough for algebra 2 and the SAT test, etc.? How time consuming is it? Right now we have plenty of time but once she starts school again in January I will need to have her complete the lessons either before or after school or on the weekends and I don't want to overload her. I've heard that some people think this course is too easy but I'm wondering if it might be a good solution right now because dd is struggling so much due to her insomnia and other health problems.

[Chris in VA]

It is heavy into proofs, but I don't know how to gauge how hard the proofs are. I wish I had used something else with my own ds, who has a lot of trouble with math.
Hopefully someone else can help you more than I can.

[Robin in DFW]

but, she prefers Algebra to Geometry. It is proof heavy, but does not do a lot with constructions until the end. My dd would have liked more work dealing with missing angles and drawings, but hey, she finished with a decent grade and much to her relief, will never have to take another geometry class!

It gets the job done.

Robin

[Alyce]

He did well with it but when it came time to take the SAT he didn't do as well as I was hoping he'd do. He scored an average score on the test and when we talked about it he said that he had forgotten almost all of the stuff that he taught in Geometry. There isn't enough review. I wish we had used something else. I've heard a lot of good things about Jacobs geometry but haven't personally used.

[Robin in DFW]

the best way around the SAT is to use a prep program before the test. I have my dd preparing for the PSAT right now. After that is over, she will do daily SAT work. There is plenty of Geometry practice in any of the SAT math practice workbooks along with Algebra, basic math, etc. Dd does the Q of the Day and works out of her workbooks for about 30 - 45 minutes per day. We will also add in a writing segment to help with the SAT writing portion.

Prep, prep, prep...really the best way to make sure your student does well...fwiw...I've already had one dc take the SAT...she's in college now...did prep books and online prep...had a very good score.

hth,
Robin

[EKS]

We are a little more than halfway through TT Geometry. I like it because it's straightforward and it is working for my son. I think the comments about the lack of rigor in the TT books is directed primarily at the algebra texts.

It takes my (very slow working son) about 1.5 hours to complete a lesson, including watching the lesson, doing the problems, and making corrections. A student working at a more normal pace could probably finish most lessons in an hour or less.

As for SAT prep--there are always several problems involving algebra on figures, which the SAT seems to love.

I'm happy with this program because it's been easy on me. We tried Jacobs (both the 3rd and the 2nd editions) and I found it very difficult to teach. Of course, after being through TT Geometry, I'd probably find it easier.

[Frontier Mom]

the best way around the SAT is to use a prep program before the test. I have my dd preparing for the PSAT right now. After that is over, she will do daily SAT work. There is plenty of Geometry practice in any of the SAT math practice workbooks along with Algebra, basic math, etc. Dd does the Q of the Day and works out of her workbooks for about 30 - 45 minutes per day. We will also add in a writing segment to help with the SAT writing portion.

Prep, prep, prep...really the best way to make sure your student does well...fwiw...I've already had one dc take the SAT...she's in college now...did prep books and online prep...had a very good score.

hth,
Robin

With a current 9th grader, can you share which prep books you prefer? I looked at B & N the other day and was confused about which to buy. Since you have BTDT, can you share which prep books and online prep you like? I have signed him up for the ? of the day through College Boards.

[Chris in VA]

Not Robin, but we really liked Barron's prep, Princeton Review's prep (that one goes in to more how to beat the test, not as much content), and several here on the boards have highly recommended Rocket Review. HTH

[creekland]

I liked TT Geometry and my son did well on the SAT after using it. We also used - and liked - Barron's review book, however getting that son to do much with the review book was tough... He still scored high on the math portion, so I can't complain.

The SAT Question of the Day is well worth it - just for fun if nothing else. I enjoy doing them - and have yet to miss a math question (good thing since I teach it!).

[Frontier Mom]

Not Robin, but we really liked Barron's prep, Princeton Review's prep (that one goes in to more how to beat the test, not as much content), and several here on the boards have highly recommended Rocket Review. HTH

Thanks Chris. I was just overwhelmed with the choices out there. We are using AG for the first ten weeks as per their schedule. Then, I plan on having ds work on SAT review during that time which will be freed up.

[Bev in B'ville]

We have not used any of TT's other programs, but my dc used TT and were happy with it. If the proof's in the puddin', my dd scored in the top 5% nationally on the ACT math portion after taking TT Geometry and Algebra 2 (not TT). She went on to Larson's Precalculus and did well.