Need advice on math programs for 7th grader

[A930Rocket]

My son is in the 8th grade, is taking algebra and for the first time struggling with math. The teacher apparently doesn't use the book they have, but teaches it her way with homework out of a workbook. My son says some test questions are based on how she does it, not the book or other ways. There are many ways to skin a cat, as long as you get the right answer. I was always good at math and have started working with my son on this. Even if she's not following the book, the way to do the problem she is doing is in the book and can be learned. There are also plenty of practice problems that can be done and repeated. Even make up your own like I did.

I'm meeting with her Monday to discuss my son, what we can do and what she is doing.

[drew1]

Charlie,
Good that you're caring about your kid's learning. My wife is a teacher & from what she tells me, a lot of folks don't.

I don't have much education myself. Because I've seen my ignorance is why I think education is important. I was lucky in that my folks made me learn to read & write, count, ad & subtract, & do my multiplication tables. At least I have the foundation.

Others have pointed out computer programs that work. I think this is good. My youngest daughter wasn't ctching on to arithmatic too well. The old Commodore computer was easy to program so I made Rainbow Brite & Starlite ride up & change screen colors when she did an addtion, subtraction, multiplication , or division right. Murky & Lurky came down & changed it gray when she was wrong.

I think arithmatic is our best way of seeing how God made things. The bad education part is all of those scary names like algebra, gemometry, calculus, etc. I wonder if all of our schools aren't teaching it backwards. It seems to me kind of what is called curve fitting should be introduced earlier than quadatic equations, matrixwes, etc.

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

1+1=11. whatz the problem?

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

PS, <{!! )Kansas City is preparing to cloose haf its pubic skoolz nd far some teegers.

[rfaust6024]

Out here in California we used Sylvan Learning Center (after school)! They specialize in all subjects and basic study skills and test taking. Our daughter had issues with study skills and test taking, and now she is at the top of her class. It was well worth the money, and the improvement was gradual but consistant throughout middle school, high school and college.

[cary]

Originally Posted by Rob Channell

Math is a set of skills that build on previous skills. Each set of skills learned creates a foundation for the future math skills. If you skimp on the foundation.........well you know what happens with weak foundations in structures. It's very similar in math.

JMHO....

I'm with Rob...............

Maybe backup and find out where she is comfortable. Granted she has to push thru this class. But at home backup and figure out what she missed or isn't comfortable with. She sounds like a very gifted gal. With your help she'll get it.

But is she isn't comfortable at years end. Take it over again, Building blocks......