Algebra

[Monica Manzano]

Laurence is working on algebra. He said he wasn't quite getting out of this book. On a recent trip to a hpb, half-priced books, I got him some pre-algebra cliff notes. I will have to insert the name of the book that is causing him 'feelings', for lack of a better word yet.

At the time I suggested he place ticky notes on each page in the book that was giving him issues. But then I went and found it, it is Advanced Algebra. It may be a TE, teacher's edition and too 'busy' for him. So I explained we may have to purchase several books.

I didn't want to spend more $$ at the store, but I did find one entitled Elementary Algebra. I need NOT to forget this so I'm blogging. It's very easy to forget and time will slide by.

But I did forward an Algebra site to myself. So that I may share it with him on the 'little' 'puter. I don't want to turn him off to it. By being too meddlesome.

But he is 'doing' algebra. From what I've observed he's copying the problems from cliff notes and doing the problems. He did ask me what some symbols meant, and he is inviting me to help. I say cont. being aware and let him share if he wants. MM

[Monica Manzano]

This is exactly what we need! Thanks Dawning! I will look into this.

I bought a couple of books, an 8th grade level math, and another one called Advanced Algebra. These were at half-priced books in the 'homeschooling' section. I looked them over and really didn't realize. To me they seem so modern. But to Laurence they are too busy.

That's the thing about purchasing any books from the adult perspective. MM

[Dawning]

We started playing with "Making Algebra Child's Play" by Dr. Henry Borenson and my always unschooled children loved it. Its a hands on method that seems to make much more logical sense than following a list of rules from an Algebra textbook. Dr. Borenson's method uses "Piagetian learning- learning without being taught."

My boys can solve 2x - 2(-x+ 5)= x + (-1) in their heads. As a product of public schooling, I froze and struggled with trying to solve this until I discovered Dr. Borenson's approach. My boys naturally figured out how to apply real life math to this method without any math anxiety.

We began this program after they became curious about Algebra, asking why do people study it, and what is the real life value of knowing Algebra. I introduced them to this method without any expectations, and they've worked their way through it, as if it was a game, not lessons or assignments. I think they were somewhat curious because their schooled friends always complained about having to do Algebra homework. Now my boys see it as a method to think their way through such problems like, "You can buy 5 small pizzas for the same price as 3 small pizzas and 10 $1 drinks. How much does each pizza cost?"

I swear I don't get a kick back from Dr. Borenson! :) Its just something that worked for us, and I thought others thinking about Algebra may want to consider it as well. There is a video of children using this method and working through Algebra problems on their website www.borenson.com