7th grade math decision

[tynihl]

My DS is going to make the transition next year to 7th grade math. After 6 reasonably successful years with Singapore, I am now are trying to decide where to go next.

NEM is certainly a possibility, but I have some concerns about it being too big a jump. Also, since it falls so far outside the normal US scope and sequence, I wonder if I will be doing him a disservice come testing time.

I have heard some good things about Teaching Textbooks, but wonder if it is well loved because of its ease of use, rather than its excellence as a program.

DS is a bright boy, but not a math prodigy. My goal is to have him take Calculus as a senior. He is very strong on concepts, but weak on basic math calculations. He will correctly set up a problem mentally that would require me to use algebra, and then get the answer wrong because he mis-multiplies 2X4, lol.

Any thoughts on which program might be better for him would be greatly appreciated.

tynihl

[Heather in VA]

We love VideoText Algebra. It's been very good for us. We are now in Module C.

Heather

[Hoggirl]

nt

[Nikita]

My son sounds a lot like yours - strong conceptually but careless with calculations. After he finished Singapore 6B, I decided to try out New Syllabus Math which sounded better for him than NEM. He has moved slowly but I find the explanations thorough and the problem sets to be just the right length. It's challenging, but not overwhelming. I also have the workbook, which is not a consumable but just offers extra problem sets. I do go over every lesson with him, and review his errors right away. Of course, NSM offers the same drawback as NEM, in that it doesn't follow the US sequence.

Nikita

[Linda...inOwasso]

Okay, someone please help me see what I'm missing:

What difference does it make whether the math program follows U.S. scope & sequence? Doesn't the U.S. place low in the international ratings for math and science?

My kiddos are younger, but I want to understand. I thought NOT following the U.S. standards was a *good* thing?!

[Sue G in PA]

The PSAT's are strong in Geometry and if you don't do the standard US sequence for hs math you could miss those important Geometry concepts that are on the PSAT's (many scholarships given based on PSAT scores). If that isn't important to you or dc, don't worry. If it is...I'd follow the US sequence. Now, I don't have a high school student yet, but SWB does talk a bit about the sequence in WTM. I remember taking Alg. II in 9th, Geometry in 10th, Trig. in 11th and College Algebra/Calc. I in 12th. I was an above average math student so that schedule was a bit "skewed". Isn't today's schedule more like Alg. I in 9th, Geom in 10th, Alg. II in 11th and Adv. Math concepts in 12th. I really forget!

[AngieW in Texas]

My middle dd finished 6B in April of her 6th grade year. I had her work through aleks for one month, but she didn't like it. Then I had her work through Math Smart Junior to get the pre-algebra topics that weren't in 6A/6B. Now she's working in Jacobs Algebra and Kinetic Books Algebra. They are both complete programs by themselves, but she likes have two programs to switch between. It should take her 1.5-2 years to complete algebra this way, but she's only in 7th grade, so she has plenty of time.

[Suzanne in ABQ]

I'm planning on using Video Text with my 6th grade dd, once she finishes Singapore (she's in 6A). The first module of Video Text is a review, cementing the math concepts that will be needed in the rest of the course. The rest of the modules cover Algebra I and II. I figure it might take 2 1/2 years to finish the whole thing, but that will have her finishing Algebra II in ninth grade.

I saw Video Text at our conference, and was very impressed. It is concept based, like Singapore. It is a mastery course, so it gives new information in small chunks, but doesn't move on until the material is thoroughly understood. The vendor says they are a good fit after Singapore. And Jay Wile, the Apologia Science author recommends it (he was at the same convention).

[Kathy in MD]

Don't limit them to just the "facts" 1-9. Include multiple digit multiplication and division problems. This has done wonders for my ds's work.

For a basic program, I'd go with Chalk Dust Math. The instructor is clear, models his thinking process as he does a problem and points out common sources of errors. Because it's a DVD program, it will also give your ds more independence, something he will be craving. As for what level, I'd contact Chalk Dust and ask for their advice. They do have a placement test, but because of your ds's weak computational skills, they may recommend that he start with Basic Math. If they do, your ds can still take Calculus by taking Algebra II and Geometry at the same time. That's what many of my high school classmates and I did.

[Testimony]

because my oldest son is in 4B right now and in fourth grade. We are watching to see what is a good recommendation after 6B too.

I was curious. People told me on the Singapore Math Forum that 6A&B are like pre-algebra. A post here said that it is not. Which is it?

Thanks,
Karen
www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimony