Memoria Pre-Algebra Lesson Plans

Memoria Pre-Algebra is co-authored by Thomas Clark, who is also the author of a longtime homeschool favorite, Videotext Interactive Math. This pre-algebra course helps students master advanced computational skills while introducing algebraic terminology, concepts, and problem-solving techniques. Laying a strong foundation for algebra with its instruction and exercises, this course also includes memorization of important terms in the recitation exercises. Students learn to think conceptually as they learn the why behind every math concept and see math as a language. The three units include math fundamentals, first-degree relations with one variable, and an introduction to the Cartesian coordinate system. Students should be proficient in basic arithmetic facts, including operations with fractions, decimals, and percents, to be successful in this course. A Readiness Exam is available at the back of the teacher guide if you want to ensure your student is ready for the program. Students should work at their own pace; however, each lesson can be done over two days, with room left for review and tests/quizzes. The course components include a teacher manual, student text, solutions key, quizzes & test, instructional videos, and lesson plans.

The spiral-bound Teacher Manual serves as the main instructional resource. A reduced copy of the student pages is also included. Even though the teacher manual is not scripted, the lesson notes are easy to understand and the answers to the student exercises are located within each lesson. Supplemental Instructional Videos are also available and are helpful to reinforce lesson content. The videos are presented by the co-author, Thomas Sculthorpe, and range approximately from five to thirty minutes in length per lesson.

The spiral-bound Student Text includes lesson objectives, introduction and review of important terms, example problems, and exercises. The Appendix includes the recitation questions and answers and an answer key to the odd-numbered exercise problems. The goal for the recitation questions is for the student to master the responses for each lesson and review the questions as needed until mastery occurs.

Students are evaluated using the Quizzes & Tests book. There are two forms for each quiz and test (A and B). Unit I and II include five quizzes (one for each section) and a unit test. Unit III is shorter and only includes a unit test. Quizzes only contain material from a specific section, but unit tests are cumulative. There is also a final exam at the end of the course. Each quiz or test has a certain value of points and shows you how to score each problem.

Complete and detailed solutions for the student text exercises and the quizzes & tests are found in the spiral-bound Solutions Key.

The Lesson Plan Book includes daily lessons for thirty-five weeks of school. Each day has a simple instruction box with the lesson and the number of exercises the student should complete in a day.

The clear and logical presentation of mathematical concepts in this program ensures students have a strong foundation in necessary math skills before entering algebra. ~ Gina