Pre-Algebra in 9th? Can it be done?

[hmsch4me]

My dd, currently in 7th, is working through TT Math 7. Every lesson is a struggle in some way. Concepts don't seem to stick all the time. I sit with her every lesson to keep her on track and moving. She has had trouble in math her whole life, so this isn't anything new. An example of struggles would be introducing fractions and she acts like she's never seen these before - even though we did them last year. I usually have to remind her of what to do next in a given problem - example: solving a ratio -
"Ok, what do you do first?"
"Um, multiply?"
"Yes" that's right. So why don't you do that."
"I forget what's next."
"Remember the steps, multiply then divide?"
"Oh, yea, that's right."

And so on it goes. I really don't think she'll be ready for TT Pre-Algebra next year. What would you do? I could keep going, knowing that everything repeats itself, but I'm seriously looking into something like Abeka 7 math for next year as it is a bit more rigorous than TT, then go from there. Any words of wisdom or experience would be so welcomed!

[Myrtle]

When my kids have had problems remembering the steps its usually because they can't remember the "whys" so I might ask "What's the next step?" But after they tell me I ask, "Why?"

Part of the goal of arithmetic is for the student to develop reasoning skills that will later be used in algebra. There are two goals in algebra, one is to teach generalized arithmetic, e.g.the kid knows how to add fractions with unlike denominators but in algebra they learn how to do this using letters instead of numbers. And the other goal is to formalize the "whys" of arithmetic. So, a solid heuristic understanding of why common denominators are needed will be very useful when the kid later has to give formal mathematical justification for the steps.

Of course, not all kids even remember the "whys" must less the steps. I have one that forgets, forgets, forgets as well. If it gets too too bad then I'd consider putting her in Saxon which reminds, reminds, reminds. :D

[Jan P.]

Hi,

I might suggest that you use Bob Jones 7th grade math book for next year. It covers every basic math that a child needs before studying algebra. I know of some folks who have gone from BJU's 6th grade math straight into algebra.

I also have a dc that struggles with algebra. She is in the 9th grade, and she is going very, very slow with it. I talked to my umbrella group leader and she said that I could count this year as Algebra IA and next year as AlgebraIB. She says this is how many public schools do it, so that's the route that I'm taking. It will probably throw her off for the PSAT, but I'm not even sure I'll have her take it. I almost feel like what's the point when you have a dc that struggles with academics.

HTH,

[Maxine in WA]

I also have a dc that struggles with algebra. She is in the 9th grade, and she is going very, very slow with it. I talked to my umbrella group leader and she said that I could count this year as Algebra IA and next year as AlgebraIB. She says this is how many public schools do it, so that's the route that I'm taking. It will probably throw her off for the PSAT, but I'm not even sure I'll have her take it. I almost feel like what's the point when you have a dc that struggles with academics.

HTH,

Thanks for this post, Jan. My youngest dd is the same way. We're more than 1/2 way into our school year and she's only about 1/4 of the way through her Algebra book. She also struggles with reading, but that's a whole 'nuther topic. She's great in science, so I'd hate to let her get too far behind in math. I think I'll do what you suggested, though. I'd rather her take her time and understand it. Thanks again!:)

[Tammyla]

Have you considered placing her into Saxon? Their spiral approach has tons of review built in. Couple that along with the lesson reference numbers and the Solutions Manual, and you have a pretty solid independent working program.

The new editions come with the Solutions Manual, which I recommend highly over the old hardback texts. Anyway, just another one to consider.

[Kathy in MD]

In addition to telling me how to do a problem, my ds must also work one problem. He does each algorithm 5 days in a row, then once a week for 3 weeks, then once a month for 3 months. He must get both parts right or the problem goes back to day one. Because I sit with him as he works each problem, I can easily catch any problems and adjust the memory work.

I've also added one or two 3-minutes timed work sheets covering past work to get him speed up and reduce careless errors. This way, I've reduced math review to about 10 minutes a day and we can progress in math.

[threetreasurs]

I would recommend ALEKS for a kids who forgets a lot since the software automatically tracks the specific skills that the student forgets.