Saxon alternative at Pre-Algebra Level

[Shelly in MD]

My 8th grade dd really struggles with math, and I really think the problem is that she hasn't mastered basic concepts. She can work through a topic/lesson fine, and she averages 85% on the Saxon 87 tests, but she takes FOREVER to do a math lesson, and constantly comes to me for help because she has done things like multiplied fractions by multiplying just the numerator and keeping the common denominator in the answer, or isolating a variable without regard to its sign, or not subtracting a term when she should be dividing by it -- the types of things that indicate she can do math by formula, but she doesn't know *why* she does anything.

I'm pulling my hair out here! Any suggestions? Lial's maybe?

Thank you!!

Shelly

[mommy25]

Hi Shelley,

I hear your frustration. I'm kind of in the same boat with my 7th grader. Saxon did not work for us as there are SO many problems which was frustrating to her. We are using Teaching Textbooks now and we really like it. The tutoring and explanations are really good and it sets them up for succeeding in each lesson. I cannot say they she *understands* why she does what she does and at this age I tend to think it is too late. I am trying a different approach from the very beginning with my younger children so that I don't run into this problem again. I am also having her work thru the "Key to Fractions" series by Steven Rasmussen. It is definitely helping her to understand better but she is just not gifted in math. Using Teaching Textbooks has stopped our daily battle with math.

HTH! :)

[Shelly in MD]

Thanks for the input, and the commiserating! I may try the Key to series for some reinforcement. It's just so frustrating!! :banghead:

[Jann in TX]

I fully feel your frustrations with Saxon. My dd did fine with Saxon until about 1/3 way through 8/7. At that point she started struggling--we restarted and then I gave it up. I should have known--after all I'm a Math teacher! We switched to Lial's Basic College Math--a $5 text I had picked up because I read a good review on these boards... my dd who I NEVER thought would do well in higher math is LEARNING and has accomplished so much more than I ever dreamed.

Even though I'm a Math teacher my dd works fairly independently. She does not like video lessons--but she likes--AND UNDERSTANDS--the examples in the text. I spend more time each week with one of my tutoring students than I do with her...a bummer for a mom who likes to teach Math! She is almost finished with Algebra 2 (Intermediate Algebra) and is well prepared for College Algebra.

I came very close to purchasing an 'easier' Algebra program for dd--but I'm glad that I did not judge her too soon... she just had some unique questions that slowed her down a bit--once her logic progressed she has blossomed.

[Shelly in MD]

Thanks for your post - very encouraging towards Lial's! My dd is intimidated by the word "College" in the title, while my younger son desperately wants to "do college math" along with her. :rolleyes:

Shelly