My 14 year old brother is getting ready to begin his next year of homeschool. He has mild ADHD, and the math program we have been using, put out by Bob Jones University, has proven to be unchallenging, uneedfully confusing in directions, and frankly boring. I would like to find an experience based math program for an 8th grader.
2006-07-12 05:27:08 · 11 answers · asked by hope19sm 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Home Schooling
A 14 year old should be at a Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1 grade level of math. I've taught from probably the same book you are teaching from. The Algebra 1 book is very similar to the Pre-Algebra book that they use the year before. Bob Jones just re-did there books here 1-2 years ago. I believe that if work isn't challenging a student enough you move through it a little quicker to get to stuff that challenges them more. One of my pre-algebra students finished the entire Pre-Algebra book in the school year and in only a little over a month finished the Algebra 1 book, because most the the stuff covered in Algebra 1 recovers what is in Pre-Algebra. If its not challenging to him, move him faster to Geometry or Algebra 2. Also, I think once a person gets to the point of handling basic algebra, I think they can handle basic physics. Much of basic physics is basic algebra. Later on it becomes basic trigonometry, but the majority is basic algebra and it gives algebra a practicality to it.
Saxon also makes good books that I believe the public school system uses or A Beka makes school books for Christian schools also.
Most math books are boring and the new Bob Jones version is a great improvement over their previous edition. The hard part as a teacher is making it practical, and that usually falls on the teacher's responsibility. Many times as a math teacher to make it interesting you have to think outside the box.
2006-07-13 00:23:14 · answer #1 · answered by devilishblueyes 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Saxon is a solid program, and they have a placement test, but it is NOT experienced based and it's pretty boring.
I don't know what an experiential 8th math program would be, aside from helping build a building to code or similar big project! Perhaps you mean Consumer Math, balancing checkbooks and such? You can find those in textbook form or make your own.
It is good for an 8th grader to do at least Pre-Algebra (or Saxon 1/2), because 9th is normally Algebra I, but I have no way to know where your brother was at in Bob Jones.
I switched this year from Saxon to Teaching Textbooks (check it out):
http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/
2006-07-12 12:04:27 · answer #2 · answered by LadyE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 14 year old should be in Algebra 1 or Algebra 1/2 (from Saxon).
2006-07-12 06:02:37 · answer #3 · answered by kennypop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saxon has a great homeschool math program, although they've changed somewhat since being purchased by Harcourt to make it suitable for private schools. They have a placement test on-line (first link) to help you determine where he should be.
If you decide to buy, don't buy from Saxon. Go through Rainbow Resource (second link) - it's the same program, just cheaper.
2006-07-12 09:09:46 · answer #4 · answered by homeschoolmom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What level does he want to be at? Maybe he should try unschooling/deschooling and do what really interests him. Does he even care about math? People should not be forced to do things they do not wish to do, including math.
But, if your brother really wants to study math, I highly recommend Saxon math. Saxon clearly explains one new concept or step at a time and gives you plenty of problems to practice that one concept and master it before moving on to the next. Plus, before ordering the books, your brother can take a test to see where he his so that you make sure you order the right book for him.
2006-07-12 09:39:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since your brother has ADHD, there are many considerations in choosing a math. First, what level is he really on ? Does he know his basics. If not, there is no need to start Algebra, but if he knows his basics, he should begin Algebra.
2006-07-12 07:40:07 · answer #6 · answered by violetb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well all i can say is i been to 8th and if you go to his math teacher ask to test him for his math lv if it is higher than his grade lv than go a step high but if it lower than grade lv than work with him till it is i believe an 8th grader should be at average lv not beginners math not moth honors but more advanced math that's what i had and well it worked out great. don't tell him he is avenge tell him he is right where he should be but since he is home schooled i guess go to a public school and have him tested over The summer before he starts 8th grade.
2006-07-12 05:36:13 · answer #7 · answered by sos 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In California students take Algebra in the 8th grade. Some students that are more fluent are taking Algebra 2/Trig. in many junior highs.
2006-07-12 05:31:28 · answer #8 · answered by MRS. A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try
http://www.virtualhomeschoolgroup.com.
Look at the VHSG Algebra section-- they have a Grade-8 syllabus book up.Check it out :-)
2006-07-12 06:46:35 · answer #9 · answered by Math Help 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on maturity, re-algebra or algebra 1.
2006-07-12 18:39:42 · answer #10 · answered by trinitytough 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋