dd (10) shed tears today with videotext

[moki4]

She did great with Saxon Algebra 1/2.
So here we are beginning Module A and it is a nightmare. I understand that the "math language" is necessary for lessons to come. But it is MUCH too serious, as the math itself is not!
She wants to drop it. Also says the "teachers are so boring". Any advise? She doesn't want Saxon; too much review.
She is VERY bright, but silly also. So the fun-factor would be a great asset, if there is such a thing in advanced math.
Thanks in advance, MOKI4

[Blueridge]

We have a dd who is also very smart and very silly. She is a real joy to teach. She was becoming very discouraged with math until we switched to Teaching Textbooks. Although some say it isn't "rigorous"...I respectfully disagree. I want my kids to enjoy their studies (I think they learn more that way). TT has some hysterically funny story problems that make the lessons fun. Just my opinion. :)

[EKS]

We tried VideoText. It was awful in just the way you said. It took itself *way* too seriously! We switched to Jacobs (actually back to Jacobs, long story) and it was like a breath of fresh air.

[moki4]

Thank you both for your replies!
After switching off the VT, we sampled TT, and she said "I could do that!" I love the fact that they have some silly stories (like someone just mentioned above). We are very serious about our HS'ing, but VT with a 10 yr old just won't do it! Do you add any other program to TT? (as the rigor's are constantly debated)
I do need to look into Jacob's, as this name pops up very often.
I want to know about any college grads who used TT. Did they feel that it gave them a good foundation for math? I would love to read an honest opinion (I did read the testimonials from the TT website...of course all glowing:lol:)
Thanks again, and it's nice to know we are not the only ones who think "VT is BORING"!

[ballzy]

Chalkdust for pre-alg. We both found VT boring as well. I have actually watched VT twice and still couldn't get into it. My ds chose to use Chalkdust pre-alg starting in September.

Colleen

[Hoggirl]

Prof. Mosely's teaching style is very engaging and not boring at all.

[sabrina]

I have waffled a bit and from talking to people here, narrowed it down to Jacob's and Foerster. Jacob's sounds a little more laid back and fun while still being rigorous enough to prepare my ds for what comes next. B/c he is young I think that Jacob's approach will appeal to him. Jacob's tries to make the math interesting and has an SAT type question at the end of each chapter. We will use Jacob's for Geometry too. Then we will switch to Foerster for Algebra II. I have a copy of Jacob's if you have any specific questions.

[moki4]

I am hoping to get a peak at Jacobs next week. RR offers solutions, correct? Does it also offer step by step solution if she doesn't understand the "how" to get to the answer?

I am asking because I have read here a few times that the downside to Jacobs is the lack of solutions!

We are still looking at TT, but (ugh), it does seem easy. But is it easy because of the beauty of explanation, or because it is not rigorous?:confused:

Thanks again, Moki4

[summer]

If you do Teaching Textbooks all the way through, you will get all the content. When people have complained, TT Alg 1 does not have everything typical Alg 1 programs have, but they do get to it by early geometry. They are actually a decent solid program.

[summer]

I will say TT is easy because the explanations are easy. Just because something is presented in a dull confusing way does not make it better. Being dull and confusing is just...dull and confusing.

[Leila]

My son is 8yo and is doing TT6. He is a very smart kid and silly too. We used Horizon math and Singapore before. For the last 3 yrs. that he has been doing math, he always wants to do it last to his lists of works. He said its boring. So for summer, we were both looking for math that he would enjoy. We saw Teaching textbook, and when he saw it, he had this big smile in his face and said "that's what I want,mom!" I am glad I got it. The lesson are explained very well, they have silly problems that make my son laugh and talks about his math everyday with a smile on his face. He does his math now first thing in the morning, everyday, even weekends sometimes. So I am not worried to what other parents say about it not being rigorous enough. As long as my son is learning and happy. And I know for a fact, that when a child enjoys what he's doing, he learns more. I'm glad there is a program like this.

[moki4]

We have decided on TT! I will also get LOF, for the extra explanations. So glad to hear of happy math kids!
TT users seem very happy with the program. Despite the controversy, I truely believe that all things can be explained simply, and sequentially. Either Einstein or Hawkins said something to that effect.

Thanks for all the responses, and I would still love to hear about any hive mind kiddo's who found TT wonderful and helpful to their college pursuits (science and math majors, too!)