Math suggestions needed for 13yo aspie

[Pajama Mama]

Ds12(13 soon) has always been great at math. He was always a couple years ahead with no pushing from me. This past year he has been in algebra and it's tough for him. He is barely passing. I think the main issue is that is concentration is out the window. His poor grades are affecting his confidence.

Ds is in a cyberschool. The regimented assignments are good for him. But doing math online is not enough for him. He does not want to drop out of the cyberschool next year. But I'm thinking we need to supplement the curriculum.

Any suggestions on a curriculum to supplement? I'd also like to use something during the summer to review the concepts that he's done already. Ds definitely needs more visual and manipulatives wouldn't hurt either.

I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks for reading:)

[Momto2Ns]

I think the first thing you have to realize is that elementary math is much more concrete than algebra. Many typical kids get hung up when they get to upper level maths. Many special needs kids get in real trouble!

That said, I would slow down and make sure he is getting it. LOF is a good way to review algebra if he likes to learn through reading. For something more visual and hands on, I'd look at MUS.

[KarenAnne]

Have you already used Hands-On Equations? This is a physical, manipulative version of how to balance basic one-variable algebraic equations and it is a wonderful tool for showing exactly how this works.

Marilyn Burns's book (not a textbook but a collection of lessons) Algebraic Thinking Grades 6-8 is also really good at beginning each lesson with a visual, graphic, or physical representation of what is going on. Then she leads you through the lesson, which include explanations, questions, investigations. I found these ideal for giving my daughter, also an Aspie, the concepts behind the more abstract symbolic work. There are worksheets of a sort, but they're not like typical workbooks or textbooks and that can take the pressure off the whole issue of "getting the right answer." Mostly you're looking for patterns of various kinds and seeing how they work. Really, really useful and easy to use.

You can find all Marilyn Burns's books at www.mathsolutions.com
I think there might be one other new book out about teaching algebra that might be useful.

[AngieW in Texas]

My mathy Aspie did well with Kinetic Books Algebra I at 12yo, but I spread it over two years for her. She also did about half of Jacobs, but she said that KB had much better explanations. KB also had immediate feedback for most of the problems, so she could tell immediately when she made a mistake. Most of the immediate feedback problems also had stepped help, so she could go through the problem step-by-step.

Key to Algebra is a slow&steady program that can work well as a supplement. It isn't a complete Algebra I program by itself, but it is nice for kids who need more explanation and/or practice.

[Pajama Mama]

Thank you for all of the great suggestions. I'm researching them all now:)