A Fresh Approach (Algebra I, Algebra Ii, Geometry)

Description

If you are looking for a different approach to Algebra with:

  • Logically organized introduction of concepts
  • Simple, clear explanations
  • Student-directed instruction
  • Non-intimidating text
  • Work space in the text (or to photocopy and work)
  • Thorough coverage of algebraic concepts without "extras" thrown in
  • A discovery approach to learning

Then these texts may be just what you're looking for. The author has made clear choices to keep the course simple, understandable, self-directed, and easy to succeed at. Even the font sends a "you can do it" message. It's large, bold, crisp and clear with plenty of white space on each page. There are no side notes or rabbit trails here; everything is direct, on task, and pertinent to mastering Algebra. The result of this is a less overwhelming feel to the text. This approach would work well both for the student who is an independent learner and the student who doesn't particularly enjoy math (the "let's just get it done" type). Some children don't really care for the (exciting to me!) explanations and nuances of mathematics. They just need to learn it to get to college or go on to what they're really interested in. They need it like a tool to use; not like a painting to be studied and enjoyed. These are the children that will appreciate what Christy Walters (author) has done in this curricula. Her no-nonsense, straightforward explanations and examples will help both types of student focus on understanding how Algebra works and overcoming any reservations they may have about their ability to conquer the subject.

I appreciate that she has also incorporated self-discovery here; when a student makes their own connections, they understand and retain them. For example, she doesn't introduce the difference between two squares factoring method as a different way of factoring. She purposely made the decision to allow students to discover this unique relationship for themselves. The way she introduces factoring gives them the understanding and confidence they need to just tackle this unique problem like any other factorization problem. While there are techniques you can apply, many students do better if they intuit those independently through trial and error. This is especially true of children who don't do well remembering a bunch of rules and techniques. They are forever "lost" applying random techniques to a problem in an effort to find the "right" one, but without a clear sense of which one to apply! If I sound like a parent of a math-indifferent child, well, let's just say they're not all "chips off the old block"!

Mrs. Walters has, indeed, managed to keep it simple rather than mysterious, bewildering, and perplexing! It would be difficult for a child to be confused by the direct and understandable instruction. Moreover, she takes us through examples step by step and supplies many practice problems that grow gradually more complex. She concentrates on one skill at a time in progression from simple to complex. Her approach is stranded rather than spiral. Chapters are organized topically with a mixed review at the end of each. You will not revisit mastered concepts unless they are needed to solve more complex problems later. If you allow your child to "use" the text, they can write in it; she has left ample space to do so. Otherwise, you could photocopy the problem set pages and put them in a notebook. There are also note pages at the end of each chapter so the student can keep summary thoughts or points to remember together. Answers to odd-numbered problems are in the back of the text. Answers to all even problems (showing all solution steps) are contained in the Solution Guides. There is no separate teacher book or manual needed; the text contains all needed instruction. There are also no separate test books and keys. The Mixed Review problems at the end of each chapter are to be used for testing the understanding of all material in that chapter. The author has left her email address in the preface and welcomes all comments and/or suggestions.

The perfect component to round out this program is a complete set of tests. There is one test provided per chapter, and the tests vary from 2 to 4 pages in length. Tests in this packet correspond directly to chapter content, and beginning with chapter six they include a section of review problems on each test. Tests are printed on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper with plenty of space for students to show their work. The tests are not 3-hole punched, so the first thing I would do is punch them and put them in a binder.

This course is, indeed, a "fresh" approach. There is no "one size fits all" math curriculum, so if your child is having trouble with other traditional approaches, you might want to try this one on. Unlike some other programs out there, this one is comprehensive in coverage, not "dumbed down". While the methods are fresh, the course is serious in scope and is college preparatory. If you compare course content to Saxon, you will notice that it does not include topics that are normally taught in Geometry (or other branches of math - like box and whisker plots which are normally taught in Statistics). Read on for more details on the newly-released Geometry program!

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.